For the 2026/2027 winter season, many trends emerged from the podiums. Playing on volumes, a sensual vision of femininity and assertive cuts, each Maison offered its own version of fashion.
The women’s autumn-winter Fashion Week 2026-2027 took place over nearly a month in the four fashion capitals, from New York (11-16 February) to London (19-23 February), then Milan (24 February-2 March), before ending in Paris, from 2 to 10 March 2026. During this last stage, more than sixty shows and presentations punctuated the official calendar.
This fashion month was all the more anticipated as many Houses recently welcomed their new artistic director, instilling a new vision. At Gucci, Demna was appointed artistic director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, after his departure from Valentino, took over the reins of Balenciaga, while Glenn Martens was appointed artistic director of Maison Margiela, succeeding John Galliano. Other brands also began a new chapter: Louise Trotter joined Bottega Veneta while Alessandro Michele joined Valentino, marking an aesthetic turning point for the Roman House. Finally, Chanel entrusted its artistic direction to Matthieu Blazy, formerly at Bottega Veneta.
The XXL shoulders
Impossible to miss the return of XXL shoulders, directly inspired by the aesthetics of the 1980s. Jackets and coats adopt more architectural lines, sometimes almost sculptural, which redraw the silhouette with power. In Paris, Saint Laurent has largely bet on this ultra-structured look with shoulder-marked suits, while Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Mugler, Tom Ford and Alaïa have also explored these assertive volumes. A strong trend that marks the return of a more authoritarian and spectacular silhouette.
The fringes
The fringes infuse movement into the silhouettes and stand out as one of the most dynamic elements on the catwalks. Whether they dress up dresses, coats or evening sets, they accompany each step with a fluid and theatrical effect. In Milan, Bottega Veneta and Etro multiplied the fringed pieces, while Proenza Schouler in New York played on more minimalist and modern versions. Calvin Klein Collection, Chanel and Alaïa also worked this element, sometimes immaculate, sometimes in red version or ultra colored.
The crop top
Always present season after season, the crop top confirms its status as an essential piece of contemporary wardrobe. Designers offer it in various versions, sometimes minimalist, sometimes more structured, often associated with high-waisted pants or tailor sets. In London, Simone Rocha has integrated it into romantic silhouettes, while Miu Miu in Paris and Versace in Milan have proposed it in looks that are sometimes bold, sometimes discreet. Balenciaga offered a more sportswear version and Hermès opted for a leather version, another great trend of the season. In addition to revealing the belly, the crop top structures the silhouette in a new way.
Transparency
Transparency games, which scandalized the press a few decades ago, once again largely dominated the podiums, bringing lightness and sensuality to the collections. Organza, tulle and muslin subtly reveal the silhouette, in a delicate balance between suggestion and sophistication, without ever falling into the vulgar. Valentino, under the direction of Alessandro Michele, explored this trend with vaporous silhouettes, while Dior and Chloé multiplied transparent superpositions. On a daily basis, this aesthetic is adopted in a more neutral way, with a bra or a triangle bra.
The slit outfits
In 2026, we reveal our legs! Dresses and skirts are adorned with daring slits, sometimes very high, which lengthen the silhouette and accentuate the glamorous allure of the looks. This cut, both elegant and sensual, was particularly noted in Milan and Paris. Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace offered spectacular split dresses, while Loewe or Givenchy favored more minimalist interpretations. According to data from the Tagwalk platform, slots even recorded a 49% increase in attendance on the podiums of Autumn-Winter Fashion Week 2026-2027 compared to last year.
Read also : What to remember about the Men’s Fashion Week autumn-winter 2026-27?
Featured photo : Etro
