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Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026/27: Creative Renaissance on the Paris Runway

other · 2026-07-09

The Fall/Winter 2026/27 Haute Couture season in Paris highlighted a revival of creativity, with designers embracing couture for personal expression. Vaishali Shadangule made a groundbreaking entrance as the first Indian-origin designer to feature on the official Paris Haute Couture calendar, unveiling her label Vaishali S with a 30-piece handwoven collection named 'Swayam,' which integrates fourteen distinct weaving traditions from India. Pierpaolo Piccioli debuted at Balenciaga with the house's 55th couture collection, emphasizing architectural shapes, sculptural forms, and innovative textiles like Amsilk and neo-gazar, culminating in a heartfelt homage to the atelier. Mohammed Ashi's 'A Different Skin' from Ashi Studio drew inspiration from Salvador Dalí, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship with leather resembling glazed ceramic and intricate metalwork. Robert Wun's 'Childsplay' collection revisited childhood fantasies, featuring whimsical elements such as bubblegum bubbles and paper-airplane hats, all rendered in sharp architectural designs. The season celebrated exceptional craftsmanship, innovative materials, and deep explorations of identity and joy.

Key facts

  • Vaishali Shadangule is the first Indian-origin designer on the official Paris Haute Couture calendar.
  • Pierpaolo Piccioli debuted his first couture collection for Balenciaga, the house's 55th.
  • Mohammed Ashi's Ashi Studio collection was inspired by Salvador Dalí's dreamlike worlds.
  • Robert Wun's collection 'Childsplay' returned to childhood imagination.
  • Vaishali S's 'Swayam' collection includes 30 handwoven looks from 14 Indian weaving traditions.
  • Balenciaga's collection featured Amsilk and neo-gazar textile innovations.
  • Ashi Studio used leather treated like glazed ceramic and hand-painted Japanese paper.
  • Robert Wun's finale featured a black gown with multicolored balloons.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Balenciaga
  • Ashi Studio
  • Vaishali S
  • Robert Wun
  • Whitewall

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • India

Sources