MAXIMALISM REIGNS WITH OVERSIZED ACCESSORIES
- BY KRISTOPHER FRASER
- 29 OCTOBER 2025
- 3 Min
Photo: Courtesy of Rabanne
One of legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel’s most famous quotes was, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” It’s a quote many fashion editors and stylists have taken to heart for years and has shaped how countless people approach their personal style and creative projects. What Chanel probably didn’t account for was the era of oversized accessories that Paris Fashion Week has ushered in this season.
This isn’t the first time oversized accessories have made a splash on Paris Fashion Week runways. Chanel, under the artistic direction of Karl Lagerfeld, created a viral moment when the brand unveiled a giant hula hoop bag, a piece that the internet quickly turned into a meme and a symbol of Lagerfeld’s wit and imagination.
Now, oversized accessories are making a comeback, and it’s not limited to handbags. This season, statement belts took center stage. Chloé, which has been making waves with bold belt designs, continued its streak with a new spring 2026 collection. The brand first ignited the trend with a logo belt debuted during creative director Chemena Kamali’s first show for fall 2025.
Zoe Saldaña wore the belt at the 2024 Met Gala, pairing it with a full Chloé ensemble. The return of the statement belt was further cemented with Demna Gvasalia’s debut collection for Gucci, where he revived the house’s iconic interlocking G logo belt. This time around, the statement belt is bigger, bolder, and more unapologetically ornamental.
The oversized belt wasn’t the only standout accessory trend. Rabanne went fully maximalist, showcasing chunky, sculptural belts that blurred the line between fashion and function. Creative director Julien Dossena didn’t stop there, as heels were adorned with metallic foliage inspired by nature, proving that fantasy and craftsmanship remain at the heart of the house’s identity.
Many in the industry have wondered what Vivienne Westwood’s namesake brand would look like following her passing. Her partner, Andreas Kronthaler, has worked to preserve her rebellious spirit while evolving the label. In the latest collection, Kronthaler drew inspiration from the London Underground, blending cultural references into streetwear and hip-hop codes. A standout look featured an oversized white ensemble with a graphic tee and a massive necklace spelling “Chaos.” The piece embodied both Westwood’s punk legacy and the energy of contemporary youth culture.
For spring 2026, the overarching message in accessories is clear: maximalism is back. After several years of quiet luxury reigning supreme, fashion is once again embracing boldness, playfulness, and proportion. This era of oversized accessories celebrates confidence and creativity, proving that sometimes, more really is more.