263. The Young Designers Outshining Chanel and Dior on the Paris Runways
Thu Feb 05 2026
Next-Gen Couture: The Young Designers Defying Gravity on the Paris Runways
In this Fashion Thursdays episode, Diane Gilman skips the usual Chanel–Dior recap and dives into the next generation of couture geniuses lighting up the Spring/Summer 2026 Paris runways. Instead of corporate mega-houses, she spotlights visionary designers from India, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Greece who are pushing fashion into sculptural, weightless, almost otherworldly territory.
From Rahul Mishra’s elemental storytelling and 3D embroidery to Gaurav Gupta’s vinegar-set chiffon swirls and gravity-defying gowns, Diane unpacks how these creators are redefining what “couture” means today. She also highlights the sensual precision of Ashi Studio’s crocodile-textured dresses and the luminous metallics and feathered fantasies of Celia Kritharioti, Greece’s premier couture house. This episode is a love letter to craft, imagination, and the kind of fashion that makes you say, “How on earth did they do that?”
What you’ll hear in this episode
Why Diane finds traditional big-house shows (like some recent Chanel outings) underwhelming compared to emerging couture talent.The philosophy of Rahul Mishra: sustainability, elements (wind, fire, water), and intricate 3D work that turns fabric into moving sculpture.How Gaurav Gupta uses techniques like vinegar-and-water–set pleating, resins, and hidden structure to build anti-gravity chiffon gowns.The rise of Ashi Studio from Saudi Arabia and why its sculpted leather, sparkling black gowns, and ethereal white looks are dominating red carpets.How Celia Kritharioti mixes metallics, feathers, sequins, and 1960s-inspired shapes to create dreamlike, motion-filled pieces.The shared values of these designers: slow fashion, sustainability, rural artisanship, and staying free of heavy corporate influence.Why Diane believes couture still matters—for inspiration, beauty, and the joy of dreaming—even if most of us will never own these pieces.
Special Offers & Resources Mentioned:
✨AMRA Supplements – Diane shares her discovery of this "miracle" supplement containing collagen, peptides, vitamins, and minerals that helps combat age-related nutrient absorption issues. It tastes like butterscotch and provides noticeable results in energy, skin, and hair health.
Special Offer: Get 15% off your first purchase with code DIANEGILMAN at tryarmra.com/DIANEGILMAN
Connect with Diane Gilman:
YouTube: @thedianegilmanFacebook: TheDianeGilmanInstagram: @thedianegilmanTikTok: @thedianegilmanWebsite & Mailing List: TheDianeGilman.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with friends! Remember: age is just a number. Together, we’ll prove that we’re all Too Young to Be Old.
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Next-Gen Couture: The Young Designers Defying Gravity on the Paris Runways In this Fashion Thursdays episode, Diane Gilman skips the usual Chanel–Dior recap and dives into the next generation of couture geniuses lighting up the Spring/Summer 2026 Paris runways. Instead of corporate mega-houses, she spotlights visionary designers from India, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Greece who are pushing fashion into sculptural, weightless, almost otherworldly territory. From Rahul Mishra’s elemental storytelling and 3D embroidery to Gaurav Gupta’s vinegar-set chiffon swirls and gravity-defying gowns, Diane unpacks how these creators are redefining what “couture” means today. She also highlights the sensual precision of Ashi Studio’s crocodile-textured dresses and the luminous metallics and feathered fantasies of Celia Kritharioti, Greece’s premier couture house. This episode is a love letter to craft, imagination, and the kind of fashion that makes you say, “How on earth did they do that?” What you’ll hear in this episode Why Diane finds traditional big-house shows (like some recent Chanel outings) underwhelming compared to emerging couture talent.The philosophy of Rahul Mishra: sustainability, elements (wind, fire, water), and intricate 3D work that turns fabric into moving sculpture.How Gaurav Gupta uses techniques like vinegar-and-water–set pleating, resins, and hidden structure to build anti-gravity chiffon gowns.The rise of Ashi Studio from Saudi Arabia and why its sculpted leather, sparkling black gowns, and ethereal white looks are dominating red carpets.How Celia Kritharioti mixes metallics, feathers, sequins, and 1960s-inspired shapes to create dreamlike, motion-filled pieces.The shared values of these designers: slow fashion, sustainability, rural artisanship, and staying free of heavy corporate influence.Why Diane believes couture still matters—for inspiration, beauty, and the joy of dreaming—even if most of us will never own these pieces. Special Offers & Resources Mentioned: ✨AMRA Supplements – Diane shares her discovery of this "miracle" supplement containing collagen, peptides, vitamins, and minerals that helps combat age-related nutrient absorption issues. It tastes like butterscotch and provides noticeable results in energy, skin, and hair health. Special Offer: Get 15% off your first purchase with code DIANEGILMAN at tryarmra.com/DIANEGILMAN Connect with Diane Gilman: YouTube: @thedianegilmanFacebook: TheDianeGilmanInstagram: @thedianegilmanTikTok: @thedianegilmanWebsite & Mailing List: TheDianeGilman.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with friends! Remember: age is just a number. Together, we’ll prove that we’re all Too Young to Be Old.