Stars, Style and Surprises: L’Oréal Paris Défilé Lights Up Fashion Week

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Celine Dion, Kendall Jenner, Viola Davis, Jane Fonda and several other global stars took centre stage at L’Oréal Paris’ Le Défilé during Paris Fashion Week, turning the September 28 event into one of the week’s high-profile fashion spectacles.

Held near the Eiffel Tower, the show celebrated the theme “Express Your Worth”, with L’Oréal Paris placing emphasis on self-confidence, diversity, inclusion and sisterhood. Rai, 52, emerged as one of the evening’s major highlights in a custom black velvet gown with a dramatic crystal cape from Yara Shoemaker’s Fall/Winter 2026-27 collection. She completed the look with burgundy waves, red lips and a jeweled headpiece.

The former Miss World shared the runway with stars including Kendall Jenner, Simone Ashley, Cara Delevingne, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell and Aja Naomi King. The event's biggest surprise came when Celine Dion appeared at the finale and performed her 2002 hit “I’m Alive”, receiving a strong response from the audience. Dion, dressed in a sculptural black Schiaparelli gown, subsequently joined L’Oréal ambassadors on the runway.

Rai and Dion also shared an emotional moment, embracing onstage as other stars gathered around them. The interaction quickly became a talking point across social media and entertainment coverage.

Jane Fonda, 88, was another notable presence, walking the runway in a red sequined dress. Kristen Bell made her Le Défilé debut, while Brazilian stars including Anitta, Taís Araújo, Liniker and Bella Campos added to the event’s international representation. The show also featured athletes and personalities, including Lindsey Vonn and Paralympic champion Beatrice Vio, reinforcing L’Oréal Paris’ focus on representation beyond traditional fashion.

Beyond the celebrity showcase, the event formed part of L’Oréal Paris’ wider beauty strategy. The brand promoted its Runway Matte Collection, including shades developed for Indian skin tones, while also highlighting its retail partnerships in India.

With its mix of fashion, beauty, music and celebrity appearances, the Paris event underscored L’Oréal Paris’ positioning of Le Défilé as both a major fashion-week spectacle and a platform for its message of confidence and self-worth.