At the heart of Paris Fashion Week, Andreas Kronthaler presented a poignant homage to the late Vivienne Westwood with his Fall 2026 collection, the 21st for her eponymous label. Titled “Joy in Tough Times,” this collection is an intricate tapestry woven from threads of continuity, grief, and playful exuberance, a reflection of Kronthaler’s enduring connection to Westwood’s legacy.
Captured through the lens of photographer Marta Holden, fleeting runway moments from the Fall/Winter 2026/2027 show were immortalised on iPhone, emphasising the raw, unpolished beauty of the event. The atmosphere pulsated with the kind of eroticism and spontaneity that has long characterised Kronthaler’s vision at the house.
All photos by Marta Holden @acedi4
Website: martaholden.squarespace.com
As models strutted down the runway, candy in hand, a cheeky nod to knickers, Kronthaler playfully embraced the intersection of innocence and audacity, a testament to his multifaceted design approach. Backstage, he welcomed pop sensation Chappell Roan amid whispers of cinematic inspirations and deliciously provocative designs.
Reflecting on memory and the artists who inspire him, Kronthaler drew from the illustrious life of Austrian silver screen icon Romy Schneider. Her bold spirit and dynamic persona reverberated throughout the collection, particularly with the glittering makeup that adorned the models, paying homage to Schneider’s fearless artistry. “She was an incredible actress, very powerful. She wasn’t frightened. She always went for the risky things in life,” he noted.
This fearless pursuit of risk was manifested in the collection’s striking pieces, where dresses featured rough, open seams that twisted and draped unpredictably, creating an intimate yet anarchic fall wardrobe. Kronthaler’s exploration transcended mere clothing; it was a celebration of life’s chaotic beauty, echoing both love and loss, making the collection an unforgettable part of the fashion narrative for this season.
