Resort 2026’s Most Talked-About Fashion Shows
From Manhattan’s polished glamour to the laid-back elegance of the French coast, this season’s resort collections turned fashion week into a global showcase of creativity, luxury, and cinematic storytelling.
Fashion’s destination runway shows have evolved into far more than traditional seasonal presentations. Today, they are immersive experiences that transform iconic cities into spectacular stages for luxury fashion. Whether set against the seaside beauty of Biarritz, the vibrant energy of Los Angeles, or the refined streets of New York, the biggest houses continue to merge travel, celebrity culture, art, and craftsmanship into unforgettable moments. This season’s resort collections felt like a stylish international tour, with Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren each presenting their own interpretation of modern glamour and escapism.
Louis Vuitton’s Tale of Two New Yorks
For Cruise 2027, Louis Vuitton took over Manhattan’s Upper East Side, unveiling its latest collection at The Frick Collection. The historic museum became the setting for one of the season’s most star-studded events, with guests including Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone, Cate Blanchett and Chloë Sevigny seated front row.
Creative director Nicolas Ghesquière explored New York’s dual identity through the collection, contrasting uptown sophistication with downtown edge. Denim played a key role throughout the runway, elevated through sharp tailoring and polished silhouettes that reflected an effortless American cool.
The collection fused leather biker jackets and sporty references with dramatic ‘80s-inspired tailoring and elegant eveningwear influenced by the opulence of the Gilded Age. The balance between structure and rebellion gave the runway a distinctly modern energy.
Another highlight was Ghesquière’s tribute to legendary artist Keith Haring. Inspired by Haring’s influence on both street culture and fine art, the designer incorporated the artist’s signature graphics into several looks after discovering that Haring had once customized a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk. The collaboration added emotional depth to the collection, celebrating creativity, individuality, and artistic freedom.
Dior’s Hollywood Dream
Meanwhile, Dior headed to Los Angeles for its Cruise 2026/2027 presentation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Under creative director Jonathan Anderson, the house continued pushing its identity in a bold new direction.
The glamorous setting attracted a celebrity-filled audience that included Miley Cyrus, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sabrina Carpenter and Jisoo.
Anderson embraced maximalism, reinterpreting Dior’s heritage through distressed fabrics, dramatic proportions, and playful accessories. Bouclé jackets appeared intentionally raw, denim featured oversized tears linked with chains, and sparkling embellishments covered shoes, sunglasses, and handbags. Quirky touches, such as ladybird-shaped clutches, added to the collection’s theatrical mood.
Cinema and old Hollywood glamour remained central inspirations throughout the show. Christian Dior famously dressed icons including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, and Anderson built on that legacy by presenting fashion as fantasy and escapism. Artwork by Ed Ruscha added another cultural layer to the runway’s bold visual narrative.
Chanel’s Seaside Escape
At Chanel, the atmosphere became softer and more relaxed. Creative director Matthieu Blazy chose Biarritz for his first cruise collection for the house, honoring the seaside town where Gabrielle Chanel opened a couture salon in 1915.
The destination also held personal meaning for Blazy, whose childhood memories of the Basque coast inspired the collection’s carefree spirit. The runway featured shimmering fish-scale dresses, oversized raffia pieces, striped swimwear-inspired looks, and relaxed daywear designed for comfort and movement.
Accessories added a playful sense of glamour, from oversized tote bags to sparkling shoes. While remaining true to Chanel’s craftsmanship, Blazy introduced a youthful freshness and optimism that continues to strengthen the house’s appeal among a new generation of fashion audiences.