Haute Couture Summer 2026: Front Row Stars and Power Players
Haute Couture has always existed in a world of its own a rarefied universe where fashion transcends clothing and becomes ritual, theatre, and cultural currency. But couture is not only about the dresses that glide down the runway. It is equally about the people who sit in the front row, the clients who commission the gowns, the celebrities who amplify the moment, and the collectors who treat couture as living art. This season, Haute Couture Summer 2026 reminded us that the audience is as much a part of the spectacle as the collections themselves.
And what an audience it was.
A Front Row Without the Usual Suspects
One of the biggest surprises of the week was the complete absence of the Kardashian–Jenner clan. Not a single appearance not on the runway, not in the front row. Their absence created a noticeable shift in the energy of the shows, almost as if the spotlight had been recalibrated. Couture, after all, is not about mass influence; it is about intimacy, legacy, and the ultra‑elite.
Rihanna at Dior HC
But where one dynasty was missing, another presence shone brightly: Rihanna. As Dior’s global testimonial, she attended the show with her signature effortless power. And in true Rihanna fashion, she stepped out in Dior immediately after the presentation a look that ignited social media within minutes. Her presence felt like a reminder of what true star power looks like: unforced, magnetic, and rooted in authenticity.
Her partner, A$AP Rocky, continues to be one of the most influential men in fashion today. His close relationship with Matthieu Blazy dates back to the Bottega Veneta era, and now, as an ambassador for Chanel, Rocky has become a bridge between luxury heritage and modern masculinity. His presence at Chanel felt natural a man who understands the poetry of a great bag, the architecture of a perfect coat, the quiet power of couture.
Chanel’s Guest List: A Masterclass in Star Curation
Chanel has long mastered the art of the impeccable guest list, and this season was no exception. Nicole Kidman brought her signature elegance, while Dua Lipa delivered one of the standout front‑row looks of the week: a yellow printed skirt‑and‑jacket ensemble with a matching bag, radiating a kind of modern glamour that felt perfectly aligned with the house.
Chanel understands that the front row is not merely decorative it is strategic. It shapes the narrative, sets the tone, and signals who embodies the spirit of the maison at that moment.
Lauren Sánchez: The New Power Player in Paris
In Paris, one name kept circulating in hushed tones: Lauren Sánchez. Seen repeatedly alongside Anna Wintour, insiders whispered that she may soon take on a role at Vogue. Whether rumour or reality, her presence was impossible to ignore.
Sánchez arrived in the city with Jeff Bezos, who attended shows and was spotted at the most fashionable parties. The transformation of Bezos from tech titan to polished, Clooney‑esque figure has become a recurring comment among industry observers. Together, the couple brought a new kind of celebrity energy to couture week: powerful, polished, and undeniably influential.
Dior’s Front Row: A Study in Heritage and Modernity
At Dior, one of the most elegant appearances came from Natalia Vodianova, married to Antoine Arnault. She wore the newly reimagined Dior Bar jacket by Jonathan Anderson a piece that instantly signalled itself as a future icon. Seeing Vodianova in that silhouette felt like a confirmation: Anderson’s vision for Dior is not only working, it is resonating with the women who matter most to couture.
Street‑Style Royalty: The Babani Sisters
Haute Couture week also brought the return of the Indian sisters Snehal and Jyoti Babani, beloved for their maximalist, logo‑rich style. Their devotion to Chanel and Hermès is legendary, and once again, they delivered looks that turned the streets of Paris into their personal runway. They represent a new kind of couture client bold, expressive, and unafraid of excess.
Chiara Ferragni’s Return: A Question Mark
Chiara Ferragni attended the Schiaparelli show, marking her first major Paris appearance since the “Pandorogate” scandal. Her presence sparked debate: is this the beginning of her return to top‑tier influencer status, or has the digital landscape moved on?
Because the truth is undeniable: influencers are fading from the couture conversation. The shift is subtle but real. Couture is not built for virality; it is built for legacy. And the true stars of couture week are and have always been the clients.
The Couture Client: The Real Star of the Street
While celebrities draw cameras, the couture clients draw respect. These are the women who commission gowns, who understand the craft, who treat couture as cultural heritage. Their street style is not performative; it is personal. And this season, their presence felt more powerful than ever.
A Historic Auction: Mona Ayoub’s Legacy
One of the most significant moments of the week happened off the runway: the auction of pieces from Mona Ayoub, one of the world’s most important couture collectors. The Lebanese icon sold 95 Dior haute couture pieces — including John Galliano masterpieces — in a historic sale at the Bristol Hotel, totalling over €6.19 million.
It was a reminder that couture is not only fashion; it is investment, history, and art.
Mona Ayoub
The Designers Who Came to Watch
The audience this season included some of fashion’s most influential creators. John Galliano, Pharrell Williams, and Jean Paul Gaultier all attended Jonathan Anderson’s debut a rare alignment of creative titans, signalling the importance of this moment for Dior.
Diego Della Valle, patron of Tod’s, attended Schiaparelli, reinforcing the house’s growing influence among luxury power players.
Valentino’s Vibrant Front Row
Valentino’s show was a magnet for celebrities. Dakota Johnson, now an ambassador for the brand, sat close to Alessandro Michele, radiating the kind of cinematic glamour that perfectly matched the Old Hollywood theme. Lily Allen, Kirsten Dunst, and Thai actress Freen Sarocha added to the star‑studded atmosphere.
Heart Evangelista: The Consistent Street‑Style Queen
And of course, Heart Evangelista always immaculate, always camera‑ready continued her reign as one of couture week’s most consistent street‑style stars. Her presence has become a staple of the season, a reminder that true style is not about noise but refinement.
A Final Note on Style
The style of the attendees this season was largely dictated by the designer whose show they were attending. Some guests arrived in full evening gowns at midday, others embraced sculptural daywear, and many leaned into the codes of the house they were honouring. Couture week is, after all, a stage and everyone plays their part.