Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton collection headlines first day amid tributes to Valentino
PARIS:
Men’s Fashion Week opened in Paris on Tuesday, with the fashion world honoring the late Italian designer Valentino Garavani, who passed away at 93 on Monday. Valentino’s “refined, radiant, and sumptuous” creations were remembered by peers across the French capital, including Louis Vuitton owner Bernard Arnault.
The Fall/Winter 2026 edition’s opening day is set to be dominated by Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s celebrity designer, who will unveil his latest high-profile collection in the brand’s glittering western Paris gallery. The day also featured the debut of French newcomer Jeanne Friot, who described participating as “quite an unusual joy and stress” to AFP.
The six-day event will set trends for the coming season and includes a farewell to Veronique Nichanian, the legendary Hermes menswear designer stepping down after 37 years. At 71, Nichanian leaves behind a house renowned for its timeless, refined masculinity, with London-based Grace Wales Bonner poised to succeed her, bringing a generational and stylistic shift to the classic French brand.
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Fashion insiders will also be watching Christian Louboutin’s show on day two, where Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith, will present his debut menswear collection. Named creative director last September, the 27-year-old model and musician represents a bold move for the French luxury brand, whose menswear accounts for roughly a quarter of its sales.
Meanwhile, Dior designer Jonathan Anderson will present his second Homme collection on Wednesday, following a well-received unisex debut last June. With mixed reactions to his recent womenswear collection, industry observers anticipate a more decisive statement from Anderson as he continues to shape Dior’s evolving identity.
“There’s a lot of anticipation,” said Alice Feillard, men’s buying director at Galeries Lafayette.
