Cover Every season, fashion’s most discerning eyes turn to Haute Couture Week; but what exactly makes couture so extraordinary? (Photo: Dior)
Every season, fashion’s most discerning eyes turn to Haute Couture Week; but what exactly makes couture so extraordinary? (Photo: Dior)
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From Dior to Robert Wun, the Autumn/Winter 2026 Haute Couture collections celebrated the very best of fashion
Every season, fashion’s most discerning eyes turn to Haute Couture Week; but what exactly makes couture so extraordinary? Haute couture, French for “high dressmaking,” represents the highest expression of fashion, where exceptional craftsmanship, artistry and imagination converge. Born in 19th-century Paris, couture has evolved from creating bespoke garments for royalty into a highly regulated world dedicated to preserving the finest traditions of dressmaking.
Beyond the runway spectacle, couture is a celebration of meticulous craftsmanship. From hand-embroidered details and intricate beadwork to sculptural silhouettes and precise tailoring, each creation reflects hours of dedication and the designer’s creative vision. More than simply clothing, couture tells a story: one of artistry, emotion and the endless possibilities of fashion.
From dreamy silhouettes to unexpected accessories, here are the Haute Couture moments from the season so far that had us looking twice.
Read more: 8 times Lily Collins channelled Audrey Hepburn on and off the red carpet
Dior
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Magnifique! For his second Haute Couture collection for Dior, Jonathan Anderson delivered a vision that felt dreamy and enchanting. Inspired by the sculptural language of artist Lynda Benglis, where the designer explored fluidity and movement through exaggerated volumes, soft draping and intricate couture craftsmanship.
The collection balanced structured tailoring with delicate botanical touches, with floral ear jewels featuring beautiful orchids adding a romantic finish to the runway looks. Beyond the garments, Dior’s accessories stole the spotlight too; from nature-inspired botanical clutches and the now-talked-about armadillo and metallic cockroach bags to vintage chintz-adorned Lady Dior bags and sculptural metallic heels, each piece carried its own sense of fantasy.
See also: The new Dior Cigale bag presents newness and heritage in one delicate package
Above (Photo: Dior)
Above (Photo: Instagram/@Dior)
(Photo: Dior)
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Balenciaga
Above (Photo: Balenciaga)
(Photo: Balenciaga)
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Balenciaga is back, and this time, the maison embraced a lighter, more joyful side of Haute Couture. For his first collection for the house, Pierpaolo Piccioli explored colour, volume and movement while staying rooted in the craftsmanship that defines couture. Colour blocking, a trend that has definitely dominated fashion this year, took centre stage through bold combinations and unexpected pairings. But Balenciaga elevated the look through exaggerated silhouettes, sculptural forms and striking details; from voluminous capes and feathered creations to statement gowns that commanded attention.
Accessories also had their moment, with the iconic City bag taking the spotlight once again. A piece that has been on every fashion lover’s radar right now, the bag was reimagined through intricate embellishments and a couture finish, adding a fresh touch to the beloved classic. Full of personality and charm, Balenciaga’s latest collection revealed a different side of the maison.
Above (Photo: Balenciaga)
Above (Photo: Balenciaga)
(Photo: Balenciaga)
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Chanel
Above (Photo: Chanel)
(Photo: Chanel)
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The Chanel show was a fairytale, and so was the collection. Set inside a botanical-transformed Grand Palais, the runway was covered in towering vines and greenery, instantly transporting guests into a world inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk. For his sophomore Haute Couture collection for Chanel, Matthieu Blazy brought the story into the clothes, with three silhouettes reflecting the growth of a magical bean through fabrics such as open-worked guipure, transparent silk jacquard and flowing mousseline.
What made the collection even more special were the details. From intricate embellishments and delicate textures to playful accessories Even the shoes carried a touch of fantasy, featuring pearl-like pods attached to the heels—a small yet unforgettable detail that brought the fairytale theme to life. Romantic, imaginative and unmistakably Chanel.
Above (Photo: Chanel)
Above (Photo: Getty Images)
(Photo: Chanel)
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Robert Wun
Above (Photo: WireImage)
(Photo: WireImage)
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When childhood fantasies become couture, everything about this collection screams nostalgia. Titled Child’s Play, Robert Wun’s latest Haute Couture collection took us back to the world of childhood imagination, transforming familiar fairytale characters into dramatic couture creations. Inspired by the stories we grew up with, from the innocence of Cinderella and Snow White to the darker figures that shaped their tales; Wun explored the contrast between childhood wonder and the emotions hidden beneath these familiar stories.
The collection brought these fantasies to life through bold colours, exaggerated silhouettes and unexpected details. From playful doodle-like embellishments to dramatic gowns and a striking finale featuring a dress adorned with a cloud of balloons, each look felt like a character stepping out of a storybook.
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Above (Photo: Getty Images)
Above (Photo: WireImage)
(Photo: Getty Images)
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Aliya Qarina is the Junior Style Writer at Tatler Malaysia with an interest in fashion and beauty. Her writing often focuses on contemporary style, beauty culture and emerging trends.
