I’ve just returned from Paris Fashion Week—here are six essential trends I believe will be significant next season.

      And that's it! The marathon of Fashion Weeks has officially come to an end. New York, London, Milan, and finally, Paris (the 'Big Four' of fashion) have showcased some of the world's premier brands, designers, and lesser-known labels, giving us a glimpse into the upcoming spring/summer 2026 season. Now it's time to take a moment to breathe (there have been some truly unforgettable moments, notable debuts, and fun celebrity appearances) and process everything we experienced.

      As I boarded my Eurostar back to London from Gare du Nord, I couldn't help but reflect on all that Paris presented over the long weekend, and how unique this season has been. Paris has always been the heart of trends, luxury fashion, and all things stylish (hello, Dior, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Celine!), so it's evident that next season's ready-to-wear pieces, handbags, shoes, and accessories will once again originate from the French capital. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Edgar Suites and Hôtel Dame des Arts for their support during my stay in Paris. Thank you so much!

      This season was abuzz with highly-anticipated creative director debuts, with all eyes on Jonathan Anderson’s first showcase for Dior. We also witnessed Pierpaolo Piccioli's fresh approach at Balenciaga, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez starting a new chapter at Loewe, Glenn Martens assuming leadership at Maison Margiela, and the grand finale of Matthieu Blazy's premiere at Chanel. Collectively, these luxury brands and their new creative heads provided fertile ground for new trends, innovative styling, and modern interpretations of luxury. Personally, I felt a twinge of excitement for all the pieces I wanted to shop for next season. Additionally, there was a notable lineup of celebrities, supermodels, and well-known figures walking the catwalk, including Heidi Klum for Vivienne Westwood, Milla Jovovich at Miu Miu, Cara Delevingne for Vetements, Coco Rocha at Akris, and my personal favorite, alt-pop star Caroline Polachek, who has just joined the Chloé family.

      I’ve made some educated predictions about the key trends set to emerge next summer or perhaps even sooner, so read on for my editor's selection of the six most significant themes Paris has to offer.

      1. **Pencil-Box Brights**

      A multitude of designers in Paris sought inspiration from their art supply stock, presenting a vibrant mix of primary colors, poster paint tones, and coloring pencil shades. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez made their debut at Loewe, showcasing color-blocked windbreakers, 'denim' jeans and jackets crafted from fluffy leather, as well as vibrant cashmere polos, pleated leather shirts, and mini shift dresses. Miuccia Prada, inspired by the 80s, drew from images of a German clothing factory and the women who wore aprons for their shifts in Miu Miu’s SS26 collection, showcasing printed silk scarves, floral patterns, and many apron-style designs. Akris's SS25 collection highlighted the work of American painter Leon Polk Smith with bold colors and sharp graphics, while Celine offered versatile looks with a preppy vibe, featuring silk scarves, logo sweaters, and jacquard mini dresses. These collections expertly showcased creativity, craftsmanship, and a bold use of colors.

      **Brands to Note:** Loewe, Miu Miu, Akris, Celine.

      **Key Takeaway:** Embrace primary colors and artistic inspiration for a fresh, dopamine-driven wardrobe.

      2. **Cosmic Dreaming**

      To add a touch of fantasy and grandeur, some of Paris's top designers drew on celestial themes and golden accents. Schiaparelli presented looks in a minimalist palette of black, white, and brown, alongside exquisitely crafted gold garments that resembled sculpture. Gabriela Hearst integrated cosmic themes into her collection with star motifs, deep blue hues, and golden leather dresses. Mugler’s models paraded as bionic women in a palette featuring shades of beige, taupe, and peach, accessorized with statement jewelry, while Matthieu Blazy’s debut for Chanel characterized by an ethereal display at the Grand Palais, introduced modern takes on classic tweed and luxurious handbags.

      **Brands to Note:** Chanel, Mugler, Gabriela Hearst, Schiaparelli.

      **Key Takeaway:** Embrace luxurious metallics and celestial themes for evening wear and standout occasions.

      3. **Nostalgic Opulence**

      One of the most anticipated shows to kick off Paris Fashion Week was Saint Laurent, where Anthony Vaccarello drew on the 80s for inspiration, showcasing oversized leather bombers and vibrant jewel-toned outfits. Valentino's Alessandro Michele evoked nostalgia with a collection reminiscent of a dressing-up box, with intricate fabrics and