Paris Haute Couture Week has long been synonymous with the grandeur of the Grand Palais the elegance of the Musée Rodin and the historic Balenciaga couture salons on Avenue George V. However, the true essence of couture extends far beyond these iconic venues. This year, a new generation of designers is making its mark, challenging traditions, and captivating audiences with their unique visions.
Haute couture is a hallowed practice, a precious export of France that dates back to the 1800s. The Fédération de la Haute Couture and the French Ministry of Industry set strict criteria for participation, ensuring that only the most dedicated and skilled designers can join the official calendar. Yet, this exclusivity has also given rise to an alternate couture week, where designers from unexpected places—such as Ireland, Hong Kong, and India—are making headlines and captivating high-profile celebrities.
Robert Wun: The Pop Couturier
Robert Wun, a Hong Konger designer based in London, has become an unexpected sensation in the world of haute couture. His debut couture collection in was met with acclaim, and his fall-winter 2026 collection continues to push the boundaries of imagination. Wun’s designs, often described as “clown couture,” feature outlandish and imaginative elements, such as dresses that resemble burned paper or are covered in crystal raindrops.
Wun’s journey to couture stardom began with a ready-to-wear collection in 2014, which garnered industry attention but did not lead to immediate success. However, his fortunes changed in 2026 when he won a special recognition at the ANDAM Awards leading to a mentorship with Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel. Pavlovsky’s support was instrumental in Wun’s inclusion on the couture calendar, making him the first Hong Konger designer to showcase his work at Paris Couture Week.
Wun’s celebrity following is impressive, with nine guests at the 2026 Met Gala donning his designs, including Lisa, Naomi Osaka, Jordan Roth, and Beyoncé. His work has also caught the eye of Andrew Bolton, chief curator at the Costume Institute, who acquired two of Wun’s looks for the museum’s collection. Despite his playful and imaginative designs, Wun remains grounded, stating, “We are a small team, and we get paid by everyone.”
For his fall-winter 2026 collection, Wun drew inspiration from the idea of child’s play, creating dresses in primary colors and easy shapes. His designs referenced iconic characters like Cinderella and Maleficent, as well as Jack Skellington. Wun embraces his reputation as a pop couturier, stating, “I don’t have to, in a sense, respect those traditions,” and continues to captivate audiences with his imaginative and enchanting creations.
The Indian Delegation: Manish Malhotra and Rahul Mishra
For the first time this season, Paris Haute Couture Week features not one but two Indian designers: Manish Malhotra and Rahul Mishra. Mishra, who debuted on the official Haute Couture Week lineup in, has gained significant attention, particularly after Zendaya wore one of his looks at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre launch in 2026.
Mishra’s fall-winter 2026 collection was inspired by the presence of a perennial artist’s muse, referencing Indian goddesses and iconography. Models were airbrushed to appear as sculptures, adorned with beads and crystals, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship that has been a hallmark of Indian design for centuries. Mishra’s work has also caught the eye of high-profile celebrities, with Cardi B being one of his most vocal supporters.
Manish Malhotra, a fashion and costume designer with a high profile in India, made his debut on the couture schedule this season. His designs have garnered international attention, particularly after outfitting Kim Kardashian and Ivanka Trump for the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in 2026. Both Malhotra and Mishra are supported by Isha Ambani, the heir and executive director of the retail arm of the Ambani business, Reliance. Ambani has been fashioning herself as an industry power broker, shining a spotlight on these talented designers.
Isha Ambani emphasized the significance of these designers showcasing their work in Paris, stating, “Indian craftsmanship has operated at the couture standard for centuries—long before the modern European vocabulary of couture existed. Their presence is at the same time an achievement for two remarkable designers, and representative of a broader shift in how Indian creativity is being understood and celebrated on a global platform.”
Ashi Studio: Teyana Taylor’s Favorite
Ashi Studio, founded two decades ago by Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi, has become a favorite among high-profile celebrities, including Teyana Taylor, Demi Moore, Margot Robbie, and Kylie Jenner. Taylor, an Oscar nominee and current fashion It girl, frequently wears Ashi Studio’s designs, showcasing their dramatic and surreal sensibility.
Ashi’s fall-winter 2026 collection was inspired by the 1972 Rothschild Surrealist Ball, featuring imaginative looks such as dresses with skirts draped to appear frozen midair and tight, molded bodices with mermaid skirts. Despite the industry’s occasional skepticism, Ashi’s work continues to captivate audiences and attract celebrity attention. Ashi Studio’s inclusion on the couture calendar in July 2026 marked a significant milestone as the first designer from the Gulf region to showcase his work at Paris Couture Week.
The fashion industry’s relationship with celebrity culture is complex, often balancing between embracing and critiquing the influence of high-profile individuals. However, the work of these new guard designers—Robert Wun, Rahul Mishra, Manish Malhotra, and Mohammed Ashi—underscores the evolving landscape of haute couture. Their unique visions and innovative designs are redefining the boundaries of couture, captivating audiences, and ensuring that Paris Haute Couture Week remains a vibrant and dynamic event.
