While the 2026 World Cup is in full swing, across the Atlantic, Haute Couture Week is set to deliver plenty of its own standout moments.
Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Week runs from July 6 to 9 and will feature shows from 30 fashion houses, up from 27 during the FW25 season. All eyes will be on the first couture collections from Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga and Duran Lantink at Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as the second couture shows from Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, and Silvana Armani at Giorgio Armani Privé.
Jean Paul Gaultier FW26.
Photo: Umberto Fratini / Gorunway.com
Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, who dressed Karan Johar at this year’s Met Gala, will be one of the guest houses this season. (His label is partly owned by Reliance Brands Limited, which also has a partnership with Rahul Mishra for his ready-to-wear line.) The second guest house is Standing Ground, a UK-based brand by Irish designer Michael Stewart, who won the LVMH Savoir-Faire Prize in 2024.
Among those returning to the week is Iris van Herpen, who presents a couture show every July. The schedule also includes regulars like Schiaparelli, Julie de Libran, Alexis Mabille, Elie Saab, and Viktor & Rolf.
Valentino is missing from the calendar after Alessandro Michele shifted the house to show couture every January. Other absentees include Gaurav Gupta, Julien Fournié, Miss Sohee, and Phan Huy.
Maison Margiela last showed at Couture Week in July 2025, when creative director Glenn Martens presented his debut collection for the house. Although the brand is absent from both the January and July schedules, founder Martin Margiela will auction off a selection of items from his personal archive in Paris on July 9.
Adeline André will close out the schedule in Paris on July 9 at 4pm, while several attendees will fly to Rome for the first couture show by Maria Grazia Chiuri at Fendi, which takes place that evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the FallWinter 2026 Haute Couture schedule written in a natural tone with clear direct answers
BeginnerLevel Questions
Q What is Haute Couture exactly
A Its French for high sewing It refers to custommade handfitted clothing made by specific certified fashion houses in Paris Its the highest level of luxury fashion
Q When is the FallWinter 2026 Haute Couture schedule happening
A It typically takes place over a few days in early July 2026 in Paris The exact dates are set by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode
Q Can anyone attend these shows
A No they are invitationonly events for private clients celebrities press and buyers You cant just buy a ticket
Q Why is the schedule released so far in advance
A Fashion houses designers and buyers need months to plan logistics travel and press coverage An early release helps everyone coordinate
Q Is this the same as readytowear fashion week
A No Readytowear is for massproduced offtherack clothes Haute Couture is for oneofakind madetomeasure garments
Advanced Questions
Q How many houses are on the official FallWinter 2026 Haute Couture schedule
A Usually between 15 and 25 official members and guest members The number can vary slightly each season based on new certifications and departures
Q What is the difference between a Permanent Member and a Corresponding Member on the schedule
A Permanent members are based in Paris and show every season Corresponding members show in Paris but may not have a full Parisian atelier
Q How does the schedule handle conflicts between major shows
A The Fédération carefully staggers the schedule to avoid direct clashes However overlapping times for smaller shows or presentations can happen Attendees often have to make tough choices