Despite concerns around a global luxury slowdown, the upcoming Paris Couture season is shaping up to be a confident and busy one. With 29 fashion houses confirmed and two new names joining the official schedule, the January shows point to continued strength at the very top of fashion.
The couture season will take place from Monday, January 26 to Thursday, January 28, according to the official calendar released by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
Two New Houses Join the Official Calendar
Paris will welcome two new guest houses to the couture lineup this season. Greek designer Celia Kritharioti and Vietnamese couturier Phan Huy have both secured a place on the official schedule for the first time.
Phan Huy has previously shown in Paris during ready to wear season. His upcoming show marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first designer from Vietnam to appear on the official couture calendar. Celia Kritharioti has also presented couture collections in Paris before, but this is her first appearance on the approved French schedule.
Major Couture Debuts to Watch
Some of the most anticipated moments of the season will come from two major fashion houses. Matthieu Blazy will present his first couture collection for Chanel, while Jonathan Anderson will make his couture debut at Dior.
Both designers have already unveiled ready to wear collections for their respective brands. However, this season marks their first step into couture for two of France’s most influential fashion houses.
Armani Privé Returns After Founder’s Death
Attention will also turn to Giorgio Armani Privé. The Milan based house will present its first couture collection since the death of founder Giorgio Armani in September.
The show is expected to carry strong emotional weight and will be closely watched by the global fashion industry.
A Packed Schedule of Couture Leaders
The season will once again open with Schiaparelli, setting the tone for the week. The schedule also includes established couture names such as Rahul Mishra, Giambattista Valli, Stéphane Rolland, Elie Saab, Valentino, Viktor and Rolf, and Germanier.
Germanier will close the couture season on Thursday evening, bringing the three day showcase to an end.
Transition From Menswear to Couture
As in recent seasons, the house of Patou will stage a ready to wear show on Sunday afternoon, January 25. The show acts as a bridge between the end of Paris menswear week and the start of couture.
Owned by LVMH, Patou’s presentation offers a softer transition before the city fully shifts into couture mode.
