Designers Revive 18th Century Fashion Trends

Dior, Khaite, and Louis Vuitton draw inspiration from the Rococo era for their latest collections.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:00pm

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Fashion designers are looking to the 18th century for inspiration, reviving the ornate and romantic Rococo style on the runway. Brands like Dior, Khaite, and Louis Vuitton have all featured elements of 18th century fashion in their recent collections, including structured bodices, padded hips, and intricate embroidery. This retro renaissance is also fueled by the popularity of period dramas like "The Gilded Age" and "Bridgerton", as well as the 20th anniversary of the film "Marie Antoinette". Designers are drawn to the exquisite craftsmanship and sense of grandeur from the Rococo era, though they aim to reinterpret the style for a modern audience.

Why it matters

The resurgence of 18th century fashion on the runway reflects a broader cultural fascination with historical aesthetics and a desire for more elaborate, statement-making clothing. As minimalist trends have dominated in recent years, the Rococo revival allows designers to experiment with bold silhouettes, rich fabrics, and ornate embellishments that offer a refreshing counterpoint. This trend also taps into the current popularity of period dramas, which have reignited interest in the sartorial opulence of bygone eras.

The details

Designers like Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Catherine Holstein at Khaite, and Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton have all incorporated 18th century elements into their latest collections. Anderson's Dior line featured padded hips, military-inspired jackets, and his own take on the 18th century bicorne hat. Holstein experimented with rigid bodices at Khaite, while Simone Rocha continued her exploration of modern romanticism with drop waists and sumptuous fabrics. Ghesquière chose to show his Louis Vuitton collection in the 17th century summer apartments of Anne of Austria at the Louvre.

  • The Rococo revival trend emerged on the Spring 2026 runways.
  • The film "Marie Antoinette" is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Jonathan Anderson

The designer who reinvented Dior with his Spring 2026 collection, incorporating 18th century elements like padded hips, military jackets, and bicorne hats.

Catherine Holstein

The designer of the Khaite brand, who experimented with rigid bodices in her latest collection.

Simone Rocha

A designer known for her interpretations of modern romanticism, continuing to feature drop waists and sumptuous fabrics in her Spring 2026 line.

Nicolas Ghesquière

The creative director of Louis Vuitton, who chose to show his Spring 2026 collection in the 17th century summer apartments of Anne of Austria at the Louvre.

Meruert Tolegen

A New York-based designer who admires the exquisite craftsmanship of the Rococo era, often studying the works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection for inspiration.

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What they’re saying

“It's not necessarily discernible how they made the garment, but [it sparks] this love for the intricacy of embroideries and beadings.”

— Meruert Tolegen, Designer

“I think the sense of structure and silhouette can lend itself beautifully to a woman's wardrobe now.”

— Erdem Moralioglu, Designer

The takeaway

The Rococo revival on the runway reflects a broader cultural fascination with historical aesthetics and a desire for more elaborate, statement-making clothing. As minimalist trends have dominated in recent years, this retro renaissance allows designers to experiment with bold silhouettes, rich fabrics, and ornate embellishments that offer a refreshing counterpoint to the status quo.