The Fashion Moments Setting the Tone for 2026
starting strong
There was no easing into the year for fashion. From press tours to red carpets and couture, 2026 has arrived with momentum.
There’s a collective return to romance, glamour and playfulness, with nostalgia shaping how clothes are being worn. It’s been a lot… in the best way possible. These are a few fashion moments that have really kicked things off.
De La Vali ‘Luna’ launch with The New Trend
I spent an afternoon with The New Trend celebrating De La Vali’s Spring/Summer ’26 collection, Luna, at a private residence in Sydney’s Rose Bay. Founder and Creative Director Jana Sascha flew in from London with her team, and the entire afternoon set the mood for the range: confident, feminine and magnetic, worn effortlessly by the women in the room.
Margot’s archive era
There really is no one quite like our homegrown Margot Robbie. Beauty and brains, creativity and expression in human form, her global press tour for Wuthering Heights has been anything but boring. Styled by Andrew Mukamal in archival Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano, the looks felt intentional, directional and carefully considered from start to finish. Archive dressing is officially back, and when it’s done like this, it feels far cooler than anything brand new.
Chanel Haute Couture SS26
In Paris, Chanel showed its Spring/Summer ’26 Haute Couture collection inside the Grand Palais, marking Matthieu Blazy’s debut at the house, a moment we’ve been patiently waiting for. The set felt like a dreamy movie scene, a soft pink space scattered with oversized mushrooms that framed the collection beautifully.
On the runway, pieces were light and fluid: softened tweeds, silk mousseline suits, sheer chiffon held together with delicate chains, feathered details and clever trompe-l’œil pieces that looked like tanks and denim but were pure couture. The finale, a voluminous red dress, brought just the right amount of drama. Overall, it felt calm, romantic and quietly playful, like a huge exhale and Blazy proving that craftsmanship, imagination and joy always win.
The Grammys doing what they do best
The Grammys remain one of the most anticipated red carpets on the global fashion calendar, and everyone wants to see what will land. This year delivered bold silhouettes, archival pulls and unapologetic individuality at full volume. Bad Bunny made history in custom Schiaparelli, while artists like Sabrina Carpenter leaned into high-glamour couture. Unlike more tightly controlled awards shows, the Grammys continue to be a space where fashion can take risks, make statements and capture the cultural mood in real time.
AACTA Awards 2026, but make it fashion
On the Gold Coast, the AACTA Awards showcased modern Australian glamour with confidence. Aisha Dee wore a striking chainmail gown with feathered detailing, while Phoebe Tonkin stepped out in a cobalt jersey gown by Christopher Esber. Across the carpet, strong tailoring, fluid silhouettes and an ease of style highlighted the depth and maturity of Australian fashion on a national stage.
Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin bring cinematic style
Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s AACTA appearance felt deeply personal and considered. Celebrating 30 years since Romeo + Juliet, they embodied the intersection of fashion, costume and storytelling that has defined so much of their work. Few creatives command the level of respect they do, and their presence reflected a lifetime spent shaping visual culture with intention and craft.
Rabanne at AACTA
Rabanne’s presence at the AACTAs extended beyond branding. The house felt woven into the evening, aligning itself with the ceremony’s creative energy through design, visibility and support of emerging talent. Introducing the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award marked the brand’s third year involved with the event, reinforcing a genuine, ongoing relationship with the arts rather than a fleeting red-carpet moment.
