Who Delivered the Hottest Accessories of the Season? Buyers Weigh In
Chanel, Dior, Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Fendi were among the fashion brands showing the hottest fall 2026 shoes, bags and accessories, according to buyers.
PARIS — It appears to be Matthieu Blazy’s world at the moment.
It looks like the Chanel mania sparked earlier this month when Blazy’s debut collection for the brand hit stores is nowhere near slowing down. Just when many customers and industry insiders queued outside the Chanel store in Paris — and subsequently its outposts in London and New York — to try to get their hands on pieces of the spring 2026 line, Blazy paraded a sophomore ready-to-wear collection for fall that could build on the frenzy.
Buyers were quick to list the brand’s fall 2026 show as among the highlights of the season, confirming Blazy’s talent in bringing a sense of desirability back in a tired fashion landscape. The designer’s way of leveraging the house’s prowess in craftsmanship by infusing it with refreshing levity and joy is mirroring and fueling a shift in consumer behavior. Consumers seem inclined to leave the quiet luxury days behind, especially when it comes to accessories, which have always been the entry to luxury brands.
A bolder attitude and wish to express a sense of individuality is gaining heat, as also signaled by the likes of Dior, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Fendi, to cite a few. Cue the overall textural richness, exotic skins, animal prints and pops of color that infiltrated the accessories arena during the fashion marathon, adding to the more familiar soft suedes and leather silhouettes that form the pillars of everyday looks.
“Customers are increasingly drawn to accessories that feel new, distinctive and conversation-starting,” said Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and group fashion venture officer at Mytheresa. “There is a clear appetite for pieces that add personality to an outfit, whether through texture, proportion or unexpected design details. Compared to last season, the demand for individuality and standout items has become even more pronounced.”
“Customers are starting to feel that a new trend is coming: less minimal and less sporty,” echoed Maud Pupato, buying director for luxury womenswear, accessories and footwear at Printemps. “We feel the request for embossed croco, gold details, smaller shapes. Accessories are the right pieces to differentiate, which is a major behavior trend in the future. Safety is no longer to buy the same must-have items. Now the point is to invest in singularity and uniqueness.”
Victoria Dartigues, buying director for women’s ready-to-wear and accessories at Galeries Lafayette, confirmed there’s “a clear shift toward more expressive styling and statement accessories, rather than purely minimal or quiet luxury pieces” compared to last season.
“Customers are increasingly looking for impactful accessories that can transform a simple outfit. Rather than investing in full runway looks, many prefer to play with accessories to recreate the spirit of a collection,” she said. “These details give styling tips to women who may not invest in a full branded look but enjoy experimenting with their reflection in the mirror. Accessories therefore become the entry point to the brand universe.”
Accessories also helped fuel the conversation around what it means to be sexy in 2026. From killer stilettos and pointy slingbacks to knee-high boots and loafers, there were many takes on the theme, suggesting the interpretation of sensuality now lies in the hands — and feet — of women, rather than the diktats of designers.
“We’re excited to see feminine, dressed‑up accessories resonate with our customer,” said Linda Cui Zhang, accessories fashion director at Nordstrom. “From higher heels to polished loafers and flats, the trend in footwear steps up to the occasion. Bag designs for the modern woman, like clutches and shoulder bags, add organization to the work tote and transition for going out. Belts accent the waist and feminine silhouette — we’re energized by the new animations in this category and look forward to sharing with our customer.”
For Bloomingdale’s fashion director Marissa Galante Frank, “novelty details are driving across all accessories,” as she cited customers embracing newness also in “oversize aviator sunglasses, silk scarves and elevated beaded jewelry — all pieces that help express personal style.”