When people think of Paris Haute Couture, the first things that come to mind are the dramatic gowns, intricate craftsmanship, and legacy fashion houses. But beyond the clothes, couture is also about the faces that bring these designs to life.
The 2026 Paris Couture season didn’t just showcase artistry on the runway, it quietly introduced a new generation of models stepping into the couture spotlight. Some made notable runway appearances, others turned heads through strong couture presence, front-row buzz, and editorial attention. Either way, these are names shaping the future of high fashion.
Here are a few rising models you should absolutely know from Paris Couture 2026.
Bhavitha Mandava
Bhavitha Mandava’s rise reflects one of fashion’s favorite narratives, being discovered through an unexpected path. Gaining global attention after a viral moment tied to Chanel, she has since stepped into major fashion conversations leading into Paris Couture 2026.
Her growing runway exposure and editorial recognition highlight how couture is embracing diversity, individuality, and new definitions of what a high-fashion model looks like. Bhavitha’s journey is one to follow as she continues expanding her footprint across global fashion weeks.
Awar Odhiang
Awar Odhiang continues to solidify her presence as one of the most striking Black faces in high fashion, with Paris Couture 2026 further reinforcing her position on the couture runway. Known for her statuesque frame and commanding walk, Awar has become a favorite for designers who value strength, elegance, and presence.
Her appearances during couture season reflect a growing demand for models who embody both artistic depth and runway authority. Awar represents a new standard in couture modeling, one that embraces bold beauty, confidence, and global appeal. As couture continues to evolve, her presence signals that Black models are not just included, but central to the future of high fashion.
Kai Schreiber
At just 17 years old, Kai Schreiber is already carving out space in elite fashion circles. During the Paris season, she walked the Celine runway, placing her among the youngest emerging models connected to couture-level fashion in 2026.
Kai represents the next wave of Gen Z models entering high fashion early, bringing a fresh energy that aligns with how luxury brands are evolving. Her debut signals the industry’s growing interest in new faces with strong presence, poise, and long-term potential.
Why These Faces Matter
Paris Haute Couture isn’t just about established supermodels. It’s also a testing ground, a space where the industry quietly introduces new talent, experiments with representation, and sets the tone for future seasons.
The models rising from Couture 2026 reflect key shifts happening in fashion right now:
• A broader definition of beauty
• Openness to non-traditional backgrounds
• A focus on presence, individuality, and storytelling
These faces may be early in their journeys, but couture visibility often marks the beginning of something much bigger.
Couture has always been exclusive, but it’s no longer inaccessible to only one kind of model. As Paris Couture 2026 showed, the future of high fashion belongs to those who bring authenticity, confidence, and a strong sense of self to the runway.
If you’re watching the modeling industry closely, these are the names worth remembering, because today’s rising couture faces often become tomorrow’s fashion mainstays.
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