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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Thomas Adamson

Bare skin, fantasy and the machine: 3 takeaways from Paris' starry couture week

France Fashion Christian Dior Haute Couture F/W 26/27 - (2026 Copyright The Associated Press)

Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo were among celebrities who took their seats in a sweltering university courtyard for the most anticipated show of Paris couture week: Designer Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut for Balenciaga.

In his first Balenciaga couture show — and the fashion house's biggest statement since it revived its haute couture line in 2020 — Piccioli sent out ballooning gowns and hooded feather cocoons on Wednesday, then closed with model Gigi Hadid engulfed in rooster feathers.

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