Paris may be the undisputed capital of haute couture, but during the recent Fashion Week, some of the most loyal followers of Avenue Montaigne would have been left utterly aghast by the sartorial choices on display. As celebrities vied for attention among their fellow A-listers, a number of high-profile figures failed to meet the exacting standards expected at such a prestigious event.
A Legacy of Style Under Scrutiny
Since its inauguration in 1973, Paris Fashion Week has transformed the French capital into a magnet for famous faces from around the globe. Attendees are traditionally expected to exhibit style that rivals, or even complements, the models strutting down the catwalk. However, this season, several celebrities found themselves dominating online worst-dressed lists, their outfits criticised for missing the mark in terms of elegance and appropriateness.
Questionable Choices from Pop Stars to Billionaire Partners
Among the most notable style offenders was British pop sensation Dua Lipa. The 30-year-old singer opted for a bold, matching ensemble featuring a knee-length skirt, jacket, and purse in a striking yellow, black, and red print. One prominent American fashion magazine was particularly scathing, noting that the look "wasn't particularly pleasing to the eye" and lacked the finesse expected at such a high-calibre event.
In stark contrast, Lauren Sánchez, the partner of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, chose a rather dull all-grey outfit. The dress was cinched at the waist and featured an eye-catching fur collar, but the overall effect was deemed lacklustre by many observers. Her fashion woes were compounded by an embarrassing stumble at the doorway while entering the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 show on Tuesday. Fortunately, the 56-year-old recovered quickly from the trip and proceeded inside with her billionaire husband.
Sánchez also faced widespread mockery for another outfit worn during her time in Paris: a blood-red Schiaparelli suit that critics unflatteringly likened to something from the fast-fashion retailer Shein. This further cemented her place among the week's sartorial disappointments.
Actors and Influencers Defying Convention
Making equally questionable fashion choices was acclaimed British actress Tilda Swinton. While Paris Fashion Week is typically synonymous with glitz and glamour, the 65-year-old star decided to defy the status quo. She appeared in a sophisticated ensemble that many felt was more suited to a day at the Cheltenham races or a dinner at a quaint countryside pub than a haute couture showcase.
For the Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 collection, The Chronicles of Narnia star donned a tweed jacket paired with a matching midi skirt, complete with two-tone slingback heels and a patterned blouse. The look, while elegant in its own right, was perceived as out of step with the extravagant atmosphere of the event.
However, perhaps the most bizarre attire of the week belonged to Brazilian social media influencer Livia Nunes. The internet personality, a frequent attendee at fashion week events, made a dramatic entrance at the Saint Laurent Menswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show. She wore what appeared to be a raunchy white lace bodysuit, an item many felt would have been better left in the bedroom. In an attempt to add some modesty, Nunes layered the look with a silky green blouse and a pair of sheer black tights, finished with black high heels. Despite these additions, the outfit was widely panned as inappropriate and out of place on the Parisian fashion stage.
These incidents highlight the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities at Paris Fashion Week, where every outfit is dissected by critics and the public alike. While the event celebrates creativity and high fashion, it also serves as a reminder that not all sartorial risks pay off, even for the world's most famous faces.
