PARIS — It appears to be Matthieu Blazy’s world at the moment.
It looks like the Chanel mania sparked earlier this month when Blazy’s debut collection for the brand hit stores is nowhere near slowing down. Just when many customers and industry insiders queued outside the Chanel store in Paris — and subsequently its outposts in London and New York — to try to get their hands on pieces of the spring 2026 line, Blazy paraded a sophomore ready-to-wear collection for fall that could build on the frenzy.
Chanel fall 2026
Aitor Rosas Suñe/WWD
Buyers were quick to list the brand’s fall 2026 show as among the highlights of the season, confirming Blazy’s talent in bringing a sense of desirability back in a tired fashion landscape. The designer’s way of leveraging the house’s prowess in craftsmanship by infusing it with refreshing levity and joy is mirroring and fueling a shift in consumer behavior. Consumers seem inclined to leave the quiet luxury days behind, especially when it comes to accessories, which have always been the entry to luxury brands.
A bolder attitude and wish to express a sense of individuality is gaining heat, as also signaled by the likes of Dior, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Fendi, to cite a few. Cue the overall textural richness, exotic skins, animal prints and pops of color that infiltrated the accessories arena during the fashion marathon, adding to the more familiar soft suedes and leather silhouettes that form the pillars of everyday looks.
Details at Chanel fall 2026.
Aitor Rosas Sunez/WWD
“Customers are increasingly drawn to accessories that feel new, distinctive and conversation-starting,” said Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and group fashion venture officer at Mytheresa. “There is a clear appetite for pieces that add personality to an outfit, whether through texture, proportion or unexpected design details. Compared to last season, the demand for individuality and standout items has become even more pronounced.”
“Customers are starting to feel that a new trend is coming: less minimal and less sporty,” echoed Maud Pupato, buying director for luxury womenswear, accessories and footwear at Printemps. “We feel the request for embossed croco, gold details, smaller shapes. Accessories are the right pieces to differentiate, which is a major behavior trend in the future. Safety is no longer to buy the same must-have items. Now the point is to invest in singularity and uniqueness.”
Prada fall 2026
Adam Katz Sinding/WWD
Victoria Dartigues, buying director for women’s ready-to-wear and accessories at Galeries Lafayette, confirmed there’s “a clear shift toward more expressive styling and statement accessories, rather than purely minimal or quiet luxury pieces” compared to last season.
“Customers are increasingly looking for impactful accessories that can transform a simple outfit. Rather than investing in full runway looks, many prefer to play with accessories to recreate the spirit of a collection,” she said. “These details give styling tips to women who may not invest in a full branded look but enjoy experimenting with their reflection in the mirror. Accessories therefore become the entry point to the brand universe.”
Bottega Veneta fall 2026
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
Accessories also helped fuel the conversation around what it means to be sexy in 2026. From killer stilettos and pointy slingbacks to knee-high boots and loafers, there were many takes on the theme, suggesting the interpretation of sensuality now lies in the hands — and feet — of women, rather than the diktats of designers.
“We’re excited to see feminine, dressed‑up accessories resonate with our customer,” said Linda Cui Zhang, accessories fashion director at Nordstrom. “From higher heels to polished loafers and flats, the trend in footwear steps up to the occasion. Bag designs for the modern woman, like clutches and shoulder bags, add organization to the work tote and transition for going out. Belts accent the waist and feminine silhouette — we’re energized by the new animations in this category and look forward to sharing with our customer.”
For Bloomingdale’s fashion director Marissa Galante Frank, “novelty details are driving across all accessories,” as she cited customers embracing newness also in “oversize aviator sunglasses, silk scarves and elevated beaded jewelry — all pieces that help express personal style.”
Backstage at Etro fall 2026.
Mirella Malaguti/WWD
Trends Cheat Sheet
Footwear kept building on the dressier approach seen the past few seasons, expressed especially via feminine pointed pumps and slingbacks, retro-flavored squared-toe versions and ornate sandals, with examples spanning from Saint Laurent and Balenciaga to Chanel and Dior. Fancy laced-up boots grabbed the attention at Prada and Marni in Milan, while things got hotter in the thigh-high versions presented by Khaite, Givenchy and Tom Ford, to cite a few. Other takes on the style included the opulent, brocade iterations at Dries Van Noten and the boho ones at Chloé, up to the flashy versions seen at showrooms, like the embroidered cuissardes boots at Roger Vivier and ones in exotic skin at Giaborghini.
Givenchy fall 2026
Courtesy of Givenchy
Even the more daily styles, like the chunky-heeled loafers that made an appearance at Hermès and Mugler, or the sneakers that popped up at Miu Miu played with colors or embellishments for a twist.
In bag-land, big suede silhouettes and revivals of heritage styles found competition from sleek clutches emphasizing textures and fantasy minaudière styles amplifying brands’ craftsmanship. Cue the battle for the most viral design that saw Dior’s frog clutch stand off against the coffee bean- or pomegranate-shaped minaudière styles paraded at Chanel.
Backstage at Dior fall 2026.
Delphine Achard/WWD
Fuzzy textures ruled in both footwear and handbags, with prime examples seen at Bottega Veneta, as well as in other categories now considered essential to personalize outfits, such as scarves and stoles — like at Etro, for one — or the eye-catching fur trapper hats at Miu Miu. Headpieces were a key element also at Louis Vuitton and Celine, adding to other key items, including belts, gloves and jewelry, with a special focus on brooches this season.
One final touch? Invest in hosiery. From the dreamy embroidered socks at Prada and the logoed tights at Gucci to the colored iterations seen at Jil Sander or Rabanne, there was an option for every taste.
Gucci fall 2026
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
And for those looking for lesser-known names to spice up their outfits, there was no shortage of talents on the rise. While Christen has definitely moved beyond the “emerging” phase with the opening of its first store in Paris, and Jude, the footwear brand launched by Jurgita Dileviciute and Denitsa Bumbarova, continued to gain heat, American shoe brand Herbert Levine was also among buyers’ ones to watch.
Other labels to check out included Lie Studio, Le Sundial, Savette, Métier, Liffner and Amanu Studio, whose mission is to support local artisans in Kibera, Kenya, through its academy.
The Icon Pump from Jude.
Courtesy of Jude
Here, buyers weigh in on the top accessories of the season:
Linda Fargo, senior vice president, fashion office and store presentation at Bergdorf Goodman
Favorite accessories: Some of the most exciting accessory moments came from Chanel, Dior and Fendi, where new creative directors came out with invigorating new takes on house codes. At Chanel, standout pieces included the new surface-mounted chain bag, the reworked double flap and the gold bracelet-clasp bag. Dior delivered an oversize suede bag finished with a bow, and Fendi showcased distressed black bags with a cool, undone edge.
Top trends: Fall 2026 is shaping up to be a true “more is more” accessory season. As the season has shifted to more polished and considered dressing, layers of accessories complete the looks. Heels are back, led by pointy toes and higher stilettos, alongside knee-high boots and the emerging biker boot. Handbags showed the most newness in several seasons, with softer, slimmer and unstructured silhouettes, longer top handles and unexpected colors like olive, ruby and walnut, as well as black bags with blackout hardware. Suede also stays in the picture, lending a casual lean to more formal bags. Gloves appeared across every city from New York to Paris, while statement necklaces, bold earrings and novelty buckled belts added personality. Shawls and scarves are also reemerging, and materials such as shearling, suede and croc or mock-croc were key in defining the season’s accessory landscape.
Must-have items: A bicolor patent shoe from Chanel, the large suede bag from Dior and a distressed Baguette from Fendi are standout pieces for the season. Prada’s fantasy feather shoes and boots are another unforgettable moment.
Backstage at Fendi fall 2026.
Adam Katz Sinding/WWD
Chloe King, director, fashion and lifestyle at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus
Favorite accessories: It was a strong season for accessories, with designers offering both fantasy novelty and hardworking wardrobe items. We saw fantastic and wide-ranging boots, with feather lace-up showstoppers at Prada, Bardot-esque zebra pony hair from Roger Vivier and super slick embossed croc boots at Gucci and Tom Ford. The Baguette bonanza at Maria Grazia Chiuri’s return to Fendi went understandably viral, and the new frame shapes at Bottega Veneta and Chanel feel fresh after seasons of softer silhouettes. The wraps and stoles popping up were an important ingredient in layered looks and an opportunity to play with texture for fall.
Top trends: Boots came thigh-high, especially in Paris — shearling-lined at Chloé, mint or chocolate cap-toed at Chanel, slouchy moto at Balenciaga and a fabulous tall new iteration of the shark boot at Givenchy. Embossed croc and eel added a glossy texture to shoes, echoing the glamorous ’80s and early ‘90s looks we saw reemerge. Pumps and stilettos are important in every market, and a squared off toe emerges as the quirky counterpoint to sexier silhouettes. Shearling, pony hair and faux fur trim appeared on boots, flats and bags, ranging from bohemian to surrealist in execution. Fuzz for everyone.
Must-have items: Celine’s embossed croc drawstring pouch was a cool, easy shape subverted in the most decadent way. Dior’s metallic jacquard T-strap shoes with enamel floral brooches were so luminous they seem to have captured the Tuileries light. Prada’s pink kitten heel court shoe, dripping in beadwork and slightly distressed, were twisted with tension in the singular Prada way and an instant collector’s item.
Emerging names to watch: Christen generated buzz in Paris, gaining a following among women not only for her cool, modern point of view, but also for her thoughtful approach to comfortable construction — even in a party-ready, hidden thong peep-toe stiletto.
Backstage at Chloé fall 2026.
Adam Katz Sinding/WWD
Linda Cui Zhang, accessories fashion director at Nordstrom
Favorite accessories: The accessories dressed up runway looks and brought a decorated femininity to the season. Topping our favorites list: the animated heels — the Dior playful polka-dot pump and embellished Prada kitten. Bold, statement jewelry brought a layer of adornment; favorites include the Marni crystal earrings, Celine charm necklaces and Chanel chrysanthemum brooch. The sleek clutch adds polished elegance, from Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato to the Saint Laurent envelope.
Top trends: Rich textures in accessories are among our top trends. From animal‑embossed leather goods and pony hair footwear to exuberant furry scarves and plumed hats, textural accessories were a hit on the runways. Neck details on the runway — from exaggerated scarf dressing (Loewe inflatable; Celine and Sacai structured tailoring) to Napoleonic ruffs (Erdem ruff, Burberry trench) and reimagined ties (Goyagoma leather durag) — elevated collar interest.
Occasion for every day. Opulent touches like embellished and jacquard heels, satin and embossed clutches and statement jewelry brought excitement to the going‑out accessory.
Must-have items: Conversational clutch; modern pump; textural scarf.
Emerging names to watch: Herbert Levine is one to watch for their ladylike heels, and we’re excited by the development in boots for fall. With designer Trevor Houston at the helm, the footwear styles have the brand’s character, revived with modern elegance.
Backstage at Marni fall 2026.
Mirella Malaguti/WWD
Marissa Galante Frank, fashion director at Bloomingdale’s
Favorite accessories: At Chanel, the handbags already felt like future collectibles. Matthieu Blazy’s point of view came through clearly, bringing a fresh energy to the house codes. I loved the croc clutches, and the colorful beaded chain strap bag was a true showstopper. Between the punchy colors and embroidered florals, these pieces are bound to spark the same kind of frenzy we’re seeing right now in Paris once they hit stores.
Embellished pumps from Prada add excitement to the classic kitten heel, with intricate embellishments and playful color. Tod’s gold monogram charms will add a personal touch to any fall accessory from a belt to a silk scarf.
Top trends: Brooches were the standout jewelry item of the season. From vintage-inspired crystal and feather styles at Prada and Chanel to colorful three-dimensional florals at Khaite, there was a brooch for every customer. This category feels essential for the fall season, with an emotional quality and a true sense of individuality.
Clutches appeared on virtually every runway this season, emerging as one of the most important handbag shapes for fall. Designers reimagined the silhouette through structured frames, oversize proportions and rich textures, transforming it from a traditional evening bag into something far more versatile. The clutch now feels like a true 24-hour bag, just as relevant during the day as it is at night.
Backstage at Etro fall 2026.
Mirella Malaguti/WWD
Feathers, faux fur, hair calf and exotic textures added dimension and a sense of richness across accessories this season. Khaite’s feather handbag balanced whimsy and refinement with soft textures and earthy tones, and Etro’s oversize feather scarf brought a bold yet luxurious touch to fall. This fashion month proved that opulent animal textures can really be worn head to toe — croc gloves from Tod’s down to Chanel’s multicolor croc pumps.
Must-have items: New editions of Fendi’s iconic Fendi Baguette bag; fur trapper hats from Miu Miu; Celine’s lace-up flat.
Emerging names to watch: Jude stands out for its fearless use of texture and pattern — from opulent animal prints to punchy satin hues — while key silhouettes like their iconic peep‑toe mule deliver a statement-making yet wearable shoe. Known for sculptural, modern jewelry, Lie Studio’s new handbags feel equally elevated — versatile, well-rounded and infused with the same thoughtful design as their signature pieces.
Backstage at Miu Miu fall 2026.
Kuba Dabrowski/WWD
Ryan Kleman, director of accessories at Moda Operandi
Favorite accessories: The Row’s Rita pump and Elodi frame clutch. Saint Laurent’s sharp stilettos and maxi earrings. Dries Van Noten’s patchwork and leather wood-stacked boots. Miu Miu trapper hats and crystal-slide sandals. Dior’s floral brocade sandals, polka-dot pumps and novelty handbags. Alaïa’s austere mesh pump.
Top trends: It’s a season of handbags. Saint Laurent, which has in the past made a point of eschewing handbags on the runway, opened and closed the show with one. Clutches were the silhouette of note, with most brands showcasing exotic iterations. Otherwise, novelty handbags appeared in all collections, and they’re dominating our current selling reports. For shoes, it was all about a boot — at all costs, literally. We saw high-craft optionality and pricing that seems to have no limit. For jewelry, the maxi earring was the predominant item chosen to finish the look, endless brooches and a special mention for long necklaces. Opera gloves continue to trend. Lastly, we’re primed to welcome the smoking scarf — ones of dramatic lengths, fabrications and textures — to wrap oneself when stepping outside.
Must-have items: The Row’s Noor satin d’orsay pump in the perfect shade of pearl gray; Saint Laurent’s fur handbags; Alaia’s hair calf opera gloves.
Emerging names to watch: Le Sundial. A Moda-first brand, Silvia Dusci has created a world in jewelry that our client can’t get enough of. Her Art Deco, supremely creative and trend-defining collection was a peak of Paris.
Dries Van Noten fall 2026
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and group fashion venture officer at Mytheresa
Favorite accessories: The bags at Chanel stood out for their timeless allure and collectible appeal, reaffirming the house’s enduring authority in accessories. Chloé’s jewelry and belts brought a distinctive bohemian strength that added character to the collections. Nina Christen’s shoes also impressed with their sculptural elegance and exceptional attention to proportion on the foot.
Top trends: Dropped-waist hemlines and ultra-slim silhouettes introduced a refined new proportion across ready-to-wear. Rich textures such as velvet, exotic-effect bags and transparent or “barely-there” shoes added an element of modern intrigue.
Must-have items: Accessories such as the Chloé maxi Paddington and the house’s signature horse belt bring strong identity and desirability. On the footwear and evening side, Saint Laurent plexi heels paired with crystal-embellished evening bags offer an instantly recognizable statement.
Emerging names to watch: Christen by Nina Christen is a particularly exciting name in accessories right now. Her shoes combine meticulous craftsmanship with silhouettes that feel modern, flattering and instantly desirable for fashion-forward clients. She has an intuitive understanding of what contemporary women want to wear — pieces that feel distinctive yet effortless.
Saint Laurent fall 2026
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
Brigitte Chartrand, chief buying and merchandising officer at Net-a-porter
Favorite accessories: Extremely high thigh-high boots, almost as if they’re being worn as pants, which were seen at Khaite, Dries Van Noten and Chloé. We also saw playful styling with tights this season, particularly at Rabanne, Saint Laurent and Jil Sander.
Top trends: We saw lots of pointed-toe heels and pumps this season, reminiscent of the ‘90s. Purple emerged as a key trend, appearing not only in ready-to-wear but also extending into footwear. Statement belts appeared early in fashion month as a standout accessory, and tall leather gloves were also a recurring trend throughout.
Must-have items: Thigh-high boots from Christen, Saint Laurent’s beaded evening bag and Dries Van Noten’s brocade embroidered belts, which I spotted in their showroom.
Emerging names to watch: Herbert Levine
Backstage at Rabanne fall 2026.
Fran Gomez de Villaboa/WWD
Josie Garner, head of buying, shoes, accessories and childrenswear at Harrods
Favorite accessories: Loewe’s new Whisker Bag is already shaping up to be the season’s breakout hit. Presented in six colorways and positioned at an accessible 2,450 pounds, it blends whimsy with the meticulous craftsmanship the brand is known for.
The Row’s vintage-inspired clutch delivered the house’s signature quiet elegance. Its softly structured silhouette and understated hardware make it a timeless evening companion — effortlessly polished without trying too hard.
At Chloé, Chemena Kamali’s newly assembled accessories team is beginning to carve out a fresh design identity. The slouchy reimagining of the iconic Marcie stood out, with its braided handle, substantial hardware and relaxed tasseling — a modern riff that feels instinctively right for now.
Dior’s medallion belt returned with a host of new variations this season. The classic style has already become a styling favorite, cinched over coats and tailoring.
I also loved a charming, soft sculpted shoulder bag nicknamed the “Peanut,” bringing a touch of humor to the collection while still feeling distinctly Dior.
Top trends: Suede bags, silk scarves and novelty pieces are defining the mood. Shoppers are leaning away from sober, structured black bags and gravitating instead toward accessories with playfulness, texture and personality.
Backstage at Dior fall 2026.
Delphine Achard/WWD
Maud Pupato, buying director for luxury womenswear, accessories and footwear at Printemps
Favorite accessories: Shoes are stronger than bags this season, with a wide diversity of shapes and functionalities. High boots very strong in Milan like at Tod’s, embellished precious shoes at Prada.
In Paris everything was more romantic and inspired by retro. Velvet pumps from Loulou Studio, opera shoes from the collaboration Giaborghini x Pirrie Wright, Roger Vivier’s “Roses” collection. Chanel is winning the shoes game with the square two-colored pumps.
Bags are more quiet but their aesthetic and the carrying attitude are changing: They are worn as a pouch, open, under the arm, at Celine or The Row, or a delicate minaudière at Dior.
Jewelry is the star of the runways: statement earrings are super important. Givenchy or Saint Laurent were the strongest necklaces: tassels, and a lot of vintage touch. My favorite were Le Sundial.
Backstage at Prada fall 2026.
Adam Katz Sinding/WWD
Top trends: The main trend is Art Deco, 1920s and ’30s. Gloves on every silhouette. Retro croco lady bag. Pumps with geometric details. Elegance is back and replaces athleisure for sure. Shoes are feminine, bags are mini. Proportions evoke delicacy. Gold is also key for hardware, chains, buttons, [finishing] and jewelry. Hats are central: the Celine ones are perfection, Maison Krasnova is also leading the trend.
Must-have items: A pair of long gloves; a long necklace with a tassel; a pair of high lady pumps with distinctive shape or retro detail.
Emerging names to watch: Le Sundial for jewelry. Jude for white pumps. Métier for beautiful qualitative leather bags.
Celine fall 2026
Courtesy of Celine
Victoria Dartigues, buying director, women’s ready-to-wear and accessories at Galeries Lafayette
Favorite accessories: Overall, the season is marked by highly styled silhouettes with strong accessory layering. Designers are embracing a deliberate styling approach where accessories are no longer secondary but essential components of the look. Hats, belts, scarves, socks and statement jewelry are often accumulated to build character and personality.
Defined waist, which has brought belts back as a true fashion statement piece rather than just a functional accessory. Slim belts layered over jackets, coats or tailoring were widely seen across shows, [like] at Bottega Veneta, Celine, Givenchy and even Saint Laurent, over the big fur coats.
Footwear plays a major role in shaping the silhouette. Ultra-pointed high heels and sharp pumps are defining the season, particularly with the return of the [stirrup] pants, which naturally highlights the shoe.
Tom Ford fall 2026
Courtesy of Tom Ford
High-knee boots are another dominant statement, reinforcing a confident, sensual attitude. They were a big focus at Tom Ford, Gucci and Stella McCartney.
The brooch seems to be the new emerging accessory. We are seeing a return of the chic woman, and this accessory expresses it perfectly. It is both a piece of jewelry and something functional. It can be discreet or ostentatious. It also allows a first step into the major luxury houses.
Top trends: Highly polished, sophisticated silhouettes with a strong emphasis on waist definition, statement belts. Sexy and confident attitude, driven by high heels, sharp pumps and over-the-knee boots. Layered styling: scarves, belts, jewelry and hats worn together to elevate simple tailoring. Faux fur accents used as refined luxury details — especially on collars. Playful, sculptural handbags, mixing craftsmanship. Accumulation of jewelry.
Emerging names to watch: Completedworks, sculptural jewelry with an artistic approach that resonates with the current taste for statement pieces. Savette minimal and architectural handbags are gaining traction among fashion insiders. Amanu, a South African brand. The perfect mix of craftsmanship and timeless chic. They offer the most desirable belts, structured bags, jewelry and sandals of the moment.
Khaite fall 2026
Hanna Tveite/Courtesy of Khaite
Pia Lombard, director of footwear and leather goods at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche and Samaritaine Paris Pont Neuf
Favorite accessories: Thigh-high boots, statement belt with an elegant detail; everyday functional and timeless XL bag; hand pouch.
Top trends: Femininity, sexy but not vulgar. Elegance, with a kind of nostalgia. Classic with a twist, not boring. Highlight on the quality of the accessories [and their craftsmanship]. Materials with texture, like ostrich, croco, eel.
Must-have items: A pair of flat “cavalière” shoes with no zip; a pair of closed pump with kitten heels; a XL tote bag in suede.
Emerging names to watch: Herbert Levine, Jude, Savette, Lié studio and Liffner.
Loewe fall 2026
Kuba Dabrowski/WWD
Marco Raccuia, head of buying, women’s accessories, cosmetics, home and food at Rinascente
Favorite accessories: The shows highlighted a strong return to bags with significant volume and structured shapes. Bourgeois charm was the protagonist of the Milan fashion shows, featuring rigid bags with trapezoidal and squared forms, very prominent on the runways of Prada, Fendi and Tod’s.
Textures are tactile, and the fringe trend, which we had already seen in the spring 2026 collections, continued. In this case, we saw it on the Dior runway with its Lady Dior featuring ponytail fringes; in this collection, accessories continued to explore fluid textures and volumes.
Croco print was a key feature, in black, gray, green and brown, with a strong presence at Prada, Gucci and Celine, along with animal prints featuring distinctive textures like python, leopard and zebra. Suede continues to dominate, appearing prominently at Jil Sander, Etro and Max Mara.
A very strong trend was open bags with contrasting interiors, a style anticipated by Loewe with its Amazona. Its presence on the runway was notable, with a visible interior contrasting with bright colors like blue and yellow.
Backstage at Max Mara fall 2026.
Delphine Achard/WWD
Black leather models with white fur trim and metal hardware were the elements [defining] Blazy’s Chanel bags — soft tweed enriched with numerous details for a modern luxury that is also retro-chic. Full leather and XXL dimensions marked Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga bags with a touch of distressed leather. The colors were dark: besides black and gray, there were hints of biscuit alternated with red and baby blue. Jewel closures, like Celine’s double-C Triomphe logo, were also present.
Rings were essential and cleaner, but worn in clusters or as wide bands; these dominated the Milanese runways, while Paris showed us luminous earrings to brighten the face and layering of necklaces with overlaps of colored stones. Large, dark frames, such as those from Fendi, Saint Laurent, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, alternated with a retro and cat-eye aesthetic.
Must-have items: Trapezoidal and geometric bags and crocodile-print bags. The scarf is a protagonist, a true statement piece that wraps and completes the entire look, from printed ones like Etro’s, to those in bright colors on the Celine runway, culminating in the maxi, puffy scarves from Loewe, integrated into the coat itself. Rigid bracelets were worn high on the wrist, even over garments or over the extra-long gloves, which were also very present at Balenciaga, and paired with handheld bags at Miu Miu.
Balenciaga fall 2026
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
Tiziana Fausti, owner 10 Corso Como and Tiziana Fausti
Favorite accessories: Accessories with strong personalities and daring footwear stood out this season. From heels layered with embroidered socks to lace-up pumps seen at Prada, and pointed boots at Bottega Veneta, these pieces can transform even the simplest outfits into something memorable.
Top trends: Accessories were used as key styling elements: statement belts, oversize jewelry, structured bags with handles and soft handheld totes, as well as “sculptural” scarves. Designers are playing with proportions and materials, making each accessory a defining element of the look.
Must-have items: Bold shoes, oversize jewelry with a strong character, and an iconic bag, such as those proposed by Fendi. Maria Grazia Chiuri has reinterpreted the maison’s codes in a contemporary way, rethinking classics in animal prints and floral patterns, and in different sizes.
Emerging names to watch: The most interesting designers to watch are Duran Lantik, who used accessories to create unique silhouettes in his second collection for Jean Paul Gaultier, and Meryll Rogge, who showcased a very personal approach to accessories in Marni. In their shows, accessories become central elements of styling, with a strong focus on construction and materials.
Backstage at the Marni fall 2026 fashion show as part of Milan Fashion Week.
Mirella Malaguti/WWD
Ludovica La Mela, women’s buying supervisor at LuisaViaRoma
Favorite accessories: Chanel delivers perfection. The accessories seen at the Chanel presentations captured the house’s timeless elegance while introducing contemporary updates. The iconic two-tone shoes with contrasting toe caps once again proved their enduring appeal, balancing sophistication and practicality. Chanel also presented beautifully crafted new handbags that play with refined proportions, materials and delicate chain details. These pieces reinforce the brand’s ability to evolve its heritage while maintaining a sense of effortless Parisian chic.
Top trends: Two major directions emerged strongly across the runways. First, croc-embossed and glossy textures appeared widely, adding a sense of luxury and tactile richness to accessories from handbags to boots. Second, confident colors and bold footwear dominated the scene. Shoes were intentionally loud, playful and attention-grabbing, often becoming the focal point of the look.
Must-have items: Chanel contrasting toe-cap shoes and new handbags. Dior 3D flower heels. Romantic yet architectural, these heels transform footwear into wearable art. Sculptural handbags at Bottega Veneta with bold shapes and innovative construction, turning accessories into true design objects.
Emerging names to watch: Christen is an emerging name to keep an eye on in the footwear space. The brand stands out for its distinctive silhouettes and contemporary aesthetic, blending fashion-forward design with a strong sense of identity. Its shoes feel modern, sculptural, making them particularly appealing for fashion insiders and trend-driven consumers looking for something new beyond the established luxury houses.
Dior fall 2026
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
