PARIS: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returned to the Paris Fashion Week runway on September 28, making an appearance at L’Oréal Paris’ Le Défilé 2026 in a dramatic black velvet couture ensemble.
The Bollywood actor walked the runway at Place Joffre near the Eiffel Tower, joining an international cast of L’Oréal Paris ambassadors and celebrities for the brand’s ninth Le Défilé. The 2026 show was presented under the theme “Express Your Worth.”
Rai Bachchan’s outfit was created by Syrian designer Yara Shoemaker. Reports from the event described the look as a black velvet gown featuring structured, corset-style detailing and a fishtail silhouette, finished with a crystal-embellished cape.
The look was paired with a sparkling crown or tiara-style headpiece and a deep burgundy-red hair colour. Her makeup retained the red-lip look that has become closely associated with many of her public appearances.
Aishwarya Rai joins global stars in Paris
Rai Bachchan was among a large international line-up at the L’Oréal Paris event. Other names associated with the show included Kendall Jenner, Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Simone Ashley and Celine Dion.
The runway was staged against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, giving the event a distinctly Parisian setting. L’Oréal Paris had announced before the show that its 2026 edition would return to Paris Fashion Week on September 28 at Place Joffre.
The company said the event was designed around themes including women’s empowerment, sisterhood, diversity and inclusion. It also described Le Défilé as an annual fashion-and-beauty showcase bringing together international ambassadors and figures from entertainment and fashion.
From the runway to viral moments
Beyond the runway, Rai Bachchan was also seen interacting with other stars at the event. Reports from Paris showed her sharing a warm moment with Celine Dion, while footage from the evening also featured interactions involving Eva Longoria and Simone Ashley.
The appearance quickly generated attention across entertainment and fashion coverage, particularly because of the combination of the dark velvet couture, crystal detailing and her new burgundy-toned hair.
For Rai Bachchan, the Paris appearance continues a long association with L’Oréal Paris. The brand has featured her among its international ambassadors at previous editions of Le Défilé, including its 2025 Paris Fashion Week presentation.
The 2026 appearance therefore combined her established role with L’Oréal Paris with a new runway look that leaned heavily into couture drama and Parisian fashion spectacle.
Who is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is an Indian actor and longtime L’Oréal Paris ambassador who regularly participates in the brand’s international fashion and beauty events.
When did Aishwarya Rai attend Paris Fashion Week 2026?
She walked at L’Oréal Paris’ Le Défilé on September 28, 2026, during Paris Fashion Week.
What did Aishwarya Rai wear at Paris Fashion Week 2026?
She wore a dramatic black velvet couture look by Yara Shoemaker, accompanied by a crystal-embellished cape and a sparkling crown or tiara-style headpiece.
Where was the L’Oréal Paris Le Défilé held?
The 2026 show was held at Place Joffre near the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
What was the theme of Le Défilé 2026?
L’Oréal Paris announced the theme as “Express Your Worth.”
Who else appeared at the L’Oréal Paris show?
The international line-up included figures such as Kendall Jenner, Eva Longoria, Viola Davis, Simone Ashley and Celine Dion, alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
What was notable about Aishwarya Rai’s hair?
She appeared with a bold burgundy-red hair colour, which became one of the most discussed elements of her Paris Fashion Week look.
