Paris Fashion Week is set to showcase a remarkable blend of new beginnings and emotional farewells, as the preliminary schedule reveals some exciting events.
This upcoming season follows an extraordinary period that witnessed the introduction of eight new designers in the Paris fashion scene. Now, looking ahead to Fall 2026, the schedule signals a shift amid ongoing challenges faced by the luxury goods market, particularly following the recent bankruptcy of Saks, which has left many brands grappling with uncertainty.
From March 2 through March 10, there will be a total of 68 runway shows, which is a decrease from the previous season's 74. This information comes from the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the authoritative body governing French fashion. Additionally, the number of presentations has also dropped, with 31 planned for this season compared to last season's 37.
Several prominent brands have opted out of showcasing in Paris this time around. Notable absentees include Valentino, Sacai, Maison Margiela, Casablanca, Christopher Esber, Coperni, Vetements, and Meryll Rogge.
One of the most anticipated moments will be Antonin Tron’s debut collection as the newly appointed creative director of Balmain. Tron took over from Olivier Rousteing after a remarkable 14-year run. His show is scheduled for March 4 at 1:30 p.m., strategically placed between The Row and Dries Van Noten on the calendar.
On the same day, Pieter Mulier will present his final collection for Alaïa at 9 p.m., marking a poignant moment as he prepares to join Versace as their new chief creative officer this July.
In another exciting development, Off-White will make its return to the Paris Fashion Week schedule after a season spent in New York, with a show slated for March 5 at 11:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian label Litkovska and Georgian brand Situationist will elevate their status by transitioning from presentations to runway shows. Additionally, the U.S. brand Co, along with South Korean labels Eenk and Time, will participate in the presentations.
Valentino has made headlines by announcing that it will hold its next fashion show in Rome on March 12, taking a brief hiatus from Paris for this season.
Rogge, who is preparing for her debut as Marni's creative director in Milan, has expressed intentions to return to Paris in June.
Coperni co-founders Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant recently announced their decision not to participate in this season's events, citing a significant breakdown in their relationship with Tomorrow London, the fashion development platform that has supported them since 2019. They stated, "This relationship has since deteriorated significantly, to the point that Coperni no longer has the means to support its development. In this context, and out of respect for our teams, our partners, and our work, we have made the decision not to stage a fashion show this season."
They further emphasized their commitment to reclaiming control over Coperni's future, aiming to maintain the brand’s integrity while embarking on a new, independent chapter filled with innovation.
Giambattista Valli, who had to cancel his haute couture show last month, is now scheduled to present his Fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection on March 6 at 2:30 p.m. Interestingly, market sources indicate that Artémis, the investment arm of the billionaire Pinault family, has been quietly considering the possibility of selling Valli's company in recent times.
