THE 10 MOST TALKED ABOUT MOMENTS
SS26 FASHION MONTH:
A look at the most iconic moments this season that ignited your algorithm - and imagination.
Spring/Summer ‘26 will undoubtedly go down as one of the most monumental in fashion history. It saw the debuts of no fewer than 15 newly appointed creative directors across the industry’s most beloved houses, and the fanfare that ensued reverberated well beyond the confines of fashion. Now more than ever, it feels like the eyes of the world are fixed squarely on the shows; fashion has without doubt claimed a major stake within popular culture. Below, see 10 of the most talked about moments that defined the season.
1. A FAREWELL TO MR. ARMANI
In a season marked by new beginnings, SS26 also bore witness to the end of an era. Just twenty-four days after his passing, Giorgio Armani’s 50th anniversary show was held in Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera. As the city bid farewell to one of its greats, the collection itself was a testament to his iconic design codes: tailoring stripped of structure but not its power, shimmering eveningwear and effortless everyday designs that imbue the wearer with a quiet confidence.
2. ANNA WINTOUR MADE NOISE
The internet has been abuzz of late with the news of American Vogue’s newly appointed Head of Editorial Content, Chloe Malle, and what this reshuffle means for former Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour. Whilst industry insiders and fans alike have been speculating, Wintour made her presence known this season, by giving a standing ovation at Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut at Balenciaga. It marks just the sixth recorded instance throughout her decades-spanning career.
3. BELLA'S BACK, AND SO ARE THE ‘80S
There is something extremely chic about the idea of Bella Hadid being exclusively a Saint Laurent girl. The international super has mainly traded in the runway for other pursuits; however, she made an exception for the Parisian house’s SS26 show, staged under the lights of the Eiffel Tower and framed by hydrangeas sculpted into the iconic YSL monogram. Hadid was styled in a belted dress with power shoulders and drop earrings; a look symbolic of the ‘80s revival felt throughout this season.
4. A NEW DAWN AT BOTTEGA VENETA
The industry could unanimously agree on one thing this season – Louise Trotter’s Bottega Veneta debut was nothing short of triumphant. Filament fringe jackets swished hypnotically over looks that were quietly masterful and artfully styled, whilst the bags and accessories were evidence of Bottega once again raising the standard of its leather craftsmanship to dizzying new heights. The collection sent the industry a clear message – women designing for women shouldn’t be such a novel idea.
5. SWEETIE, DARLING!
Burberry’s London show was a celebration of the best of British. Held in a tent in Kensington Palace Gardens, the show’s soundtrack was Black Sabbath and featured festival-ready outfits that drew parallels to a noughties-era Kate Moss’s most iconic Glastonbury looks. Naturally, the front row attracted a host of national treasures, namely Absolutely Fabulous’ Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders.
6. A STAR IS BORN
SS26 saw Alex Consani continue her domination over fashion, this season’s highlight was her turn at Demna’s debut for Gucci in Milan. In a collection centred around Gucci archetypes, Alex embodied ‘La Bomba’ (the Bombshell), wearing a thigh-skimming tiger-print jacket, stilettos, bug-eye sunglasses and lashings of gold jewellery. Eschewing a runway show, this Gucci extravaganza took the form of a Spike Jonze – directed short film, The Tiger, in which Consani also made her big screen debut.
7. KIM'S NEW LOOK
As Glenn Marten’s sophomore collection, the SS26 Margiela show was always going to attract attention, but it was Kim Kardashian’s appearance on the front row that made international headlines. Clad in an oversized trench and heelless boots, it was a whole new look for the style chameleon, defined by a sleek pixie cut that bore a striking resemblance to that of her momager, Kris Jenner.
8. RICHARD E. GRANT’S RUNWAY RETURN
The ladies of Ab Fab weren’t the only British icons with starring roles this season. English acting legend Richard E. Grant took a trip to Paris for a turn on the Miu Miu runway, wearing a cosy knit, colourful neck scarf and a leather apron. This isn’t the first time Grant has walked a runway, he also made a memorable appearance at the Burberry show in London. Maybe this is the beginning of an unexpected career pivot...
9. FASHION’S NEW BABY GIRL
As one of Paris Fashion Week’s most coveted invites, Saint Laurent’s front row naturally played host to the internet’s favourite It girls: Charli xcx, Hailey Bieber and Devon Lee Carlson all attended. It was one guest, however, that set TikTok ablaze: Christopher Briney. It was just one of multiple Front Row appearances from The Summer I Turned Pretty actor this season, confirming him as fashion’s favourite boy of the moment.
10. STELLA MCCARTNEY’S ODE TO THE ‘80S
Stella McCartney further cemented her fashion icon status with a majestic SS26 show, held as part of Paris Fashion Week at the Centre Pompidou. Opened with a monologue by Helen Mirren, the collection saw a blend of classically masculine and feminine shapes, an array of animal prints that spoke to McCartney’s reverence for nature, and a clear emphasis on the unapologetic power suiting that defined the look of the ‘80s.