Paris Men’s Fashion Week Showcases Relaxed Bold Menswear Trends

The Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collections showcased at Paris Fashion Week and other trade shows reveal a trend toward calm, softness, and lightness, reflecting a desire for comfort and urban functionality amid a complex global climate. Hermès, under Véronique Nichanian's direction, emphasized luxurious yet breathable materials like fine leather and lightweight cotton, crafting travel-ready, elegant pieces infused with delicate detailing such as openwork leather and fringed scarves. Simultaneously, Dutch brands at the Shift trade show highlighted a shift from casual streetwear to 'smart street' and 'smart casual' styles, integrating playful elements like embroidered logos and vibrant colors such as burgundy, pink, and lilac, signaling a move toward refinement and creativity in menswear. The overall mood at Paris Men’s Fashion Week was notably optimistic and lively, with designers embracing bold colors—violet, fuchsia, moss green, and candy pink—and prints ranging from Indian motifs to 1970s pop geometry, alongside fluid silhouettes like flared trousers and long jackets. Across these venues, there is a shared emphasis on blending functionality with artistic expression, creating wardrobes that are both practical for urban life and expressive of individual style. This season highlights a balance between comfort, elegance, and playful refinement, indicating a refreshed outlook for menswear fashion in 2026.