SAINT LAURENT, LOUIS VUITTON, DIOR HOMME, DRIES VAN NOTEN and CELINE

From Ocean Vibes at Louis Vuitton to Tropical Birdsong at Dries Van Noten, Mother Earth was Duly Worshipped. Earthy Tones and Desert Shades Shimmered while Fauna & Flora Dominated as Motifs.

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Image Credit Paris Fashion Week

THE SHOW MUST GO ON! Heatwave or not. The epicentre of fashion (and of these crazy temperatures), Paris, pulled off a phenomenal set of shows despite the unimaginable heat. Paramedics were on stand-by amid scenes of front-row fashionistas feverishly fanning themselves with anything and everything, from fans to brochures and newspapers. A shout out to the unlucky souls who had to don coats on the runway!

Designers cleverly improvised: Rick Owens incorporated air conditioning into his show and Saint Laurent went the full whack and installed… a beach!

Big brands as well as fresh talent were amongst the 33 brands who showed on the runway . A whopping 37 presentations also got underway – impressive, considering trying times in the industry. Big guns Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton, Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent and Jonathan Anderson for Dior Homme delivered jaw-dropping performances, as did Sarah Burton for Givenchy and Julian Klausner for Dries Van Noten. Comme des Garcon, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Rick Owens and Celine wowed as ever (and pssssst… Michael Rider may just have stolen the entire show with a maverick offering for Celine.)

As for Trends… following on from Milan Menswear, suits – albeit a new look at the old favourite (blazers pared with shorts were a thing) – formed the backbone of many collections. Trench coats, most notably at Saint Laurent (shimmering gold metallic), Dior Homme, Louis Vuitton and Dries Van Noten, got a new lease of life. There was a push and pull between close-cut shapes and voluminous ones – wide, pocketed cargo pants as well as close-fitting micro shorts – featured in equal quantities. Transparent and lightweight fabrics were seen in many places – and made treble impact in the heat.

Nature-inspired themes (Louis Vuitton’s beach scene and Dries Van Noten’s Birdsong backdrop spring to mind) dominated, as did colours that mimicked nature. We spotted umpteen animal printed clothes, shoes and accessories. Colours also echoed the Mother Earth theme, with natural shades like sand, beige, ecru and mushroom looking very organic and understatedly sophisticated. Pops of subtle shades of pastel, amber, lavender, apricot and salmon were added to rshowcase the neutrals.

LOUIS VUITTON

Watch Louis Vuitton’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks8V_lVKhtQ

Perhaps the most talked-about show of the week was Pharrell Williams’ over-the-top beach with real white sand, boardwalk and gigantic mock-waves for Louis Vuitton. All this extravagance to the beat of potentially the most catching rap slang soundtrack of the season, or the decade, really. All this on the hottest recorded day in France’s history!

Here Williams floated his thoughts to what the fashionable hippie surfer – and their alter ego, the dandy – wears. In both cases he explores the universal themes of ‘travel’ and ‘performance’ with his vocabulary of palm-print Hawaiian shirts, weathered T-shirts, cut-off denim shorts, knitted hoodies and bomber jackets juxtaposed with the dandy’s urban attire of suits, logo-ed LV two-piece suits, collared shirts and trench coats.

And of course there was the inevitable – and enviable – array of LV bags and luggage, the latter portered across the sand on little buggies like crates full of gold.

Unsurprisingly ocean blue was the favourite shade of the collection, ranging from dusty and sun-bleached blue denim to sky blue, teal and sea-green.

The surfboards deserve a mention. There were many renditions to ogle, but our favourite has to be a sand-coloured, nude board. Oh, and most unforgettable was the LV logo-ed wetsuit. Beach-blonde, tousled-hair surfer hippies evidently earn much more these days than they did back in the day!

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SAINT LAURENT

Watch Saint Lauren’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arIRXcM_BxA

If ever there was a flashbulb memory moment from this season’s shows, it has to be Anthony Vaccarello’s fluid, as if dipped in gold, trench coat for Saint Laurent.

The archetypal Saint Laurent silhouette seemed even more exaggerated than in past renditions – the shoulders extended, the waist narrower: an hourglass of epic proportions.

But there were so many other treasures also in this collection characterized by an uncanny lightness in the tailoring, silhouette and shades. Flowy elongated jackets were nonchalantly fastened with one gem of a button, a la Tina Chow. A nipped-in-the-waist camel trench coat barely covered a pair of naked legs in matching camel micro shorts and a vest. A body-hugging shrunken black waistcoat was accessorized with a black noose-like black scarf, oozing sensuality.

But it has to be the parachute silk windbreakers in their shades of citrus that were the stop-in-your-tracks pieces, looking just so desirable and slightly 1980s retro. And an honourable mention goes to the ridiculously pointy winklepickers!

Indeed there were touches of opulence in the odd jewel-like jacket button, in the sumptuousness of a swingy, languid jacket, in the molten metallic gold of a perfectly tailored trench coat and in the ultra-fine rib of a silk knot.

Opulent or not, this is an ultra-wearable collection of pieces: an easy, sexy and flattering capsule collection for the discerning gentleman.

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DRIES VAN NOTEN

Watch Dries Van Noten’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orsJaH7K8lo

And now for a totally different take on masculinity, and the clothes we associate with maleness.

“The idea of sensuality guided many of our choices, colours and fabrications, rendering wardrobe staples as clothing that feels soft and intimate. Like a dream that vanishes upon waking up, I hope everything feels loose, delicate, easy to remove, ready to fly away. A tribute to simple beauty of a rest in nature.” – Julian Klausner.

Amid stifling heat guests at the Dries Van Noten show at the Tennis Club de Paris were offered ice lollies while awaiting what turned out to be a set of ethereal , doe-eyed models .

The refreshing coolness of the ice lollies amid the scorching heat were sort-of a metaphor for the collection: transparent layers of easy-to-peel-off pieces oozed lightness, airiness and fluidity. Colours – apricot, salmon, lavender – were dreamy and seductive, and added to the sense of weightlessness and aerial quality of the clothes. Some resembled watercolour paintings, others could’ve been drawn with Indian ink in navy and black.

There were parkas and trench coats in parachute silk, safari shirts, tie-dyed cargo pants and beach shirts. Tiny little shorts may have been a thread that ran right through the collection – and very befitting in the heat.

For a brand known for its quirky colour combinations and ingenious patterning, Klausner didn’t budge from the ethos of the brand or his mentor Dries Van Noten: colour blocking, pattering and an unbeatable sense of combining all of the latter, were evident in every ensemble. If one had to single out one dominating shade, it would be sunset orange, which accentuated a V-neck jumper, the hem of a coat and a pair of shorts.

In fact, the whole show was reminiscent of a classic ballet like Ophelia. The models reminded one of nymphs in the woods, dream-like, sensual and magical. No denying this collection is escapism at its very best, and these are indeed clothes that are “easy to remove” and that lets one “fly away”, as per Klausner’s press notes.

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DIOR HOMME

Watch Dior Homme’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orsJaH7K8lo

Jump aboard the time machine!

Creative director Jonathan Anderson took his inspiration for Dior Homme’s SS 2027 from his music producer Fred Again and the creative process that allows a record-producer to sample, remix and reinvent already existing tunes.

Likewise, Anderson looked back and forth over the decades and centuries, took inspiration from iconic pieces of costume and accessories – and remixed/reinvented them for 2027.

Transparent tuxedos being a good example: the tuxedo is an already classic garment, but given the Dior treatment it became airy and ultra-wearable (even in the heat!) and refreshingly covetable. The trusted homely cardigan became a sculptural piece of stringy, ripped knitwear – sexy and breezy, devoid of all connotations of being ‘old-fashioned’.

Polo shirts and blazers in traditional plaids and tartan were most unconventionally married to bright pink jeans. The traditional collared formal shirt came with a collar that was nothing like the stiff, starched collar one would expect, its sleeves and cuffs overly long and peeking out from under jackets and cardigans. Some jackets were sported without a shirt, their hems fraying and swaying.

All refreshingly unorthodox, eccentric even, and avant-garde. And alas (sigh), so-must-haveable!

At Dior Homme

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CELINE

Watch Celine’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L43CjZKAyps

It’s quite possible that Michael Rider’s gutsy collection for Celine on the very last day of fashion week completely hijacked the show. It was novel, diverse, exciting – and most of all pretty unpredictable on a macro and micro level, in the very best of ways.

To say it was an eclectic mix of ensembles is an understatement. The inspiration seems to have come from a multitude of fashion eras and movements over the decades, even the future!

There were elements of Buffalo (iconic 80s youth culture fashion movement) in the way pieces were put together and ensembles styled… there was definitely some Preppy elements too, a bit of Mod, a bit of Rocker, some New-Age and Space-Age, a tad of Gothic, Dandy, Hippy and Emo. And more.

But it wasn’t just the styling, the devil was in the detail, in the way every piece was just not quite what you’d expect: a tie would have a square end, a cloak-coat would be long enough to cover the hands (but surprise-surprise, a hand would emerge sporting a blood-red glove) and an off-one-shoulder V-neck jumper would be artfully pleated into a pair of cow-print jeans (but wait, why are they brightest custard yellow?).

The flares, stove-pipes, straight-cut and other trousers would be just a little shorter than you’d imagine they should be. Shrunken jackets, flip-flops worn with suits… and so on and so forth, the amusing and rather puzzling little quirks and surprises were hidden in plain sight in every ensemble.

It suffices to say, the tailoring was impeccable, the colours inspired, the silhouettes refreshingly different and the overall feel was that of well-considered luxe. Even though it was somewhat random, some may even say ‘odd’.

But how befitting and brave to end a week of classic, often pared-down looks with a sensationally maverick collection. May we go forth in the glow of Celine’s floaty coats, harem pants and cummerbunds – and be eternally inspired..

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Today is the final day of Essence Fest, 2026!

While I personally wasn’t there, Fashion Bomb Daily had reporters on the ground to report on stylish moments. Take a look at some highlights!

1.Cardi B on Night One

Cardi B kicked off night 1 in a series of wow worthy looks.

She always knows how to slay!

2. Michelle Obama in Proenza Schouler

For her highly anticipated appearance at Essence Festival, Michelle Obama took the stage in a black sleeveless Proenza Schouler midi dress featuring dramatic feather and eyelet embellishment cascading down the skirt, paired with black pointed-toe pumps. Styled by Thomas Christos, the former First Lady looked polished and powerful as she engaged with Keke Palmer and the crowd, generating one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the weekend.

3.Brandy in Jovana Louis

Brandy made a regal statement while accepting the Legend Award at the ESSENCE Women in Music event.

The singer wore a striking custom red gown by Jovana Louis, complete with a matching pillbox hat and opera gloves, creating a bold monochromatic look. Styled by Ashley Sean Thomas, Brandy’s ensemble was a sophisticated nod to timeless glamour and one of the standout fashion moments of ESSENCE Festival.

4.Tisha Campbell in H&M

Tisha Campbell joined Bevy Smith in conversation at Bevy’s annual H&M brunch, where she and her son coordinated in stylish H&M looks. The actress looked radiant in an all-white ensemble as the pair made a fashionable appearance together.

5. Normani and Ryan Destiny Backstage

Fashion Bomb Daily caught up with Normani and Ryan Destiny backstage at Essence Festival, where the longtime friends opened up about navigating the industry together and detailed their patriotic Fourth of July looks. Normani stepped out in Dsquared2, turning heads with a festive yet fashion-forward ensemble. The pair’s candid conversation offered a refreshing glimpse into what it looks like to build and sustain a genuine friendship in Hollywood.

What was your favorite moment from Essence Fest? Let us know below!

*We need to take a special moment for Ms. Patti Labelle, who said she loves fashion, and never leaves home in jogging pants or jeans.

We love an elegant queen!

Videos: @FreshMadeit/ Ashley Dunn/OhBrezzy/Essence

This week’s Amazon Sunday is all about the travel pieces that earned their spot during our time in Europe. Some were essentials I always pack, while others were newer additions that made long flights, hotel stays, and busy days out and about feel so much easier.

The standouts were the little things that smoothed over the chaos of a travel day: AirTags in luggage for peace of mind, packing cubes that kept everyone organized, hand wipes for those long stretches in the airport, and portable chargers that kept us entertained gate to gate. I also included a few beauty and toiletry essentials that I rely on to feel refreshed after a full day of being on the move.

Browse the full selection below, and explore more in our JB Amazon Shop and Amazon Storefront, refreshed weekly.

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Something on your mind? Chat about it here.

Oooh: I’ve wanted a pair of these comfy pants from AYR for a while, and this may be a sale that’s too good to pass up. Readers love these pants for comfortable pull-on work pants and travel-friendly pants… they’re washable, they’re washable and available in three lengths.

The moss (the color pictured) is the only one in stock at the moment for a lot of sizes, but it’s a great sale — the pants are $165 full price, but the pants come down to $66. (They are final sale only, alas.)

(Readers also love (LOVE) these jeans, and I’ve also been scoping out this stand collar blouse.)

The sale ends in 12 hours, so if you want to poke around, now is the time! Have a great weekend, all.

Sales of note for 6/26:

• Amazon Prime Day is still continuing! You can check out our roundup here… Also don’t forget that sister site Shopbop is offering 25% off a lot of great brands if you link your Prime account, including brands like A.L.C., Aeyde, Alex Mill, Alice & Olivia, Anine Bing, Barefoot Dreams, Beyond Yoga, Birkenstock, Black Halo, Clare V., Cult Gaia, Farm Rio, Ferragamo, Frank & Eileen, Jenni Kayne, La Ligne, Marine Layer, Nili Lotan, Printfresh (!), rag & bone, RAILS, STAUD, Stuart Weitzman, Theory, TWP, Veronica Beard, Vince, White & Warren, Xirena, and Z-Supply
• Nordstrom – Designer clearance, up to 60% off!
• Alexis Bittar – End of season sale, up to 50% off
• Another Tomorrow – Seasonal sale, 50% off select styles
• Ann Taylor – Semi-annual sale! 300+ new markdowns, extra 50% off al sale styles Readers love this blouse and I always love the variety of colors/textures for this jacket (it’s a great separate)
• Athleta – Semi-annual sale, up to 60% off reader favorites like Brookyn and Endless pants, and the Pranayama wrap is marked down to $55
• AYR – Ooh, good sale section — but lots on final sale. Readers love (LOVE) these comfy work pants and these jeans.
• Banana Republic – Up to 60% off sale styles
• Boden – Summer sale, up to 50% off – readers love these dresses, these blazers, and the brand’s fun suiting
• COS – New pieces added to sale, up to 50% off
• DeMellier – Summer sale: Final Reductions
• The Fold – Up to 50% off, further markdowns
• Hobbs – Up to 50% off, extra 20% off sale
• J.Crew – Summer sale – extra 50% off all sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 50% off all stores and sitewide, plus 60% off clearance
• Jenni Kayne – Semi-annual warehouse sale
• Lo & Sons – Summer sale, up to 50% off
• Lululemon – Summer sale!
• Margaux – Save up to 50% off, including archive sale
• M.M.LaFleur – Fourth of July sale! 70% off occasion styles (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
• Nordstrom Rack – Clearance, new arrivals up to 75% off! Nice selection of Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss and Rag & Bone, a ton of affordable work dresses from Calvin Klein, Maggy London, Eliza J, and Donna Morgan
• Ruti – Semi-annual sale, up to 70% off!
• Sarah Flint – 30% off select styles (we just ranked these shoes as some of our top 10 most comfortable heel brands)
• Splendid – Up to 60% off women’s sale!
• Strathberry – Up to 20% off select styles
• Stuart Weitzman – Summer styles now up to 40% off
• Talbots – 40% off your purchase and 6/26 only: 50% off all T by Talbots
• Veronica Beard – Extra 25% off sale

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• The Wall Street Journal [gift link] looked at how the first-day-of-work outfit is more casual for Gen Z.
• Allure spoke to the hair and makeup designers for the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, about how they created the look for a teenage Elle.
• The Atlantic [gift link] noted how American brands aren’t going big on patriotism for the country’s 250th birthday.
• The New York Times [gift link] revealed the secret reasons bosses want everyone back in the office every day.
• Harvard Business Review explained how the best leaders respond to employees’ rule breaking.
• TIME looked at the battle of the sexes over air conditioning at work.
• The Financial Times shared how employers around the world are increasingly offering menstrual leave and highlighted the debate over its value as well as the fears over unintended consequences.
• The Wall Street Journal [gift link] observed that student loans are following more Americans into what were supposed to be their retirement years. More than 3 million people 62 and older owe federal student loans, up from 1.8 million in 2018.
• Your Laugh of the Week comes from Points in Case, with “We Regret to Inform You That the Position You Interviewed for Has Been Filled by My Nephew.”

Noteworthy Threadjacks This Week…

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

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