Story Highlight
– Watches gaining traction at Paris Fashion Week 2026.
– Louis Vuitton embraces haute horology with stylish designs.
– Pharrell Williams showcases watches in his menswear collections.
– Dolce & Gabbana promotes watches as outfit-defining accessories.
– Ralph Lauren merges classic watches with modern fashion aesthetics.
Full Story
The intersection of high fashion and watchmaking has long been a contentious area, with some perceiving “fashion” as an inappropriate label within the context of traditional horology. However, as the appeal for luxury watches continues to grow among fashion enthusiasts, designers are beginning to acknowledge this relationship, often displaying timepieces alongside apparel in their collections. This year’s Paris Fashion Week for autumn/winter 2026 showcased several brands that successfully combined stylistic elements with technical sophistication.
A highlight from the event was Louis Vuitton, which has been increasingly establishing itself in the realm of luxury watchmaking. The brand’s La Fabrique du Temps facility, acquired in 2011, has significantly enhanced its watch production capabilities. With the talented Jean Arnault leading the charge, Louis Vuitton’s latest designs at the LVMH Watch Week bridge the gap between aesthetic appeal and serious horological function.
Pharrell Williams, appointed as menswear creative director in 2023, has introduced a variety of watches in his latest collections. His previous collaborations, including notable projects with Richard Mille and G-Shock, lend him considerable insight into the watch industry. For the FW26 collection, workwear-inspired designs intermixed with understated detailing highlighted the craftsmanship integral to both apparel and watches. Notably, the Tambour watches were elegantly displayed beneath utilitarian outerwear, enhancing the overall look.
The renewed focus on timepieces was evident in Louis Vuitton’s rescaled versions of classic models, designed to attract a male demographic. The recently revamped timepieces, which now include 40mm iterations in gold and two-tone options, showcase the in-house LFT023.01 calibre, featuring a 50-hour power reserve—perfect for an audience drawn to practical elegance.
In a strikingly different approach, Dolce & Gabbana embraced maximalism and bold statement pieces, positioning watches as pivotal elements in their outfits. The collection transformed traditional accessories by substituting belt buckles with ornate pocket watches and incorporating lavish watch brooches adorned with jewels. Commentator Justine Dupont-Martin noted that this reflects a broader trend wherein fashion designers increasingly view watchmaking as a key avenue for artistic expression.
The Italian fashion house is further pushing this agenda with a dedicated presentation at its Milan boutique until January 25, showcasing live craftsmanship. A master artisan will demonstrate their skills, particularly focusing on the intricate DG7 Invisible Setting technique, highlighting a commitment to both artistry and authenticity in timepiece design.
Ralph Lauren has also been at the forefront of integrating watches into its fashion narratives. Known for pioneering the style of wearing watches over clothing, the brand’s recent menswear collection showcased this trend during its return to Milan after two decades. The presentation, described as a blend of various influences on men’s lifestyle, included watches that complemented both preppy outfits and classic Americana aesthetics.
Standout pieces included the Vintage 67, meticulously designed with a 40mm stainless steel case and refined opalin silver dial—drawing inspiration from early 20th-century timepieces. Conversely, the Polo Sport watch, with its striking orange rubber strap and green aluminium bezel, represents a new wave of sporty sophistication powered by the Swiss-made RL200 calibre.
The exploration of watchmaking in high fashion is evidently on the rise, as designers continue to blur the lines between rugged craftsmanship and aesthetic innovation, offering consumers not just a timepiece, but also an extension of their personal style.
