Novelist and cultural fixture Ottessa Moshfegh took V Magazine along for her day at Celine’s Spring/Summer 2026 show—from the moment the invitation arrived to catching up with friends backstage. Her behind-the-scenes look captures the anticipation, energy, and quiet glamour that build before a Fashion Week show begins.

“I found my invitation waiting in my hotel room—“Madame Ottessa Moshfegh” handwritten in such graceful cursive that I half-imagined “Madame Céline” herself had signed it with an effortless flick of the wrist.”

“The afternoon before the show, I met up with my favorite painter and best friend in Paris, Jill Mulleady, at the Celine showroom for our fitting. We hadn’t seen each other in over a year, and suddenly we were trading jackets and laughing like teenagers.”

“The next morning Jill and I got ready together at the hotel. She snapped some Polaroids. “Relax your face!” she kept telling me.”

“I am obsessed with the cut and silhouette of this camel jacket. With the cigarette pants and cream loafers, it was so delicious.”

“We drove through Paris, bright and bustling on a Sunday morning, to the Parc de Saint-Cloud. Walking through those royal gardens and sparkling fountains, the vibe was very friendly and happy.”

“It was a gorgeous autumn day, a slight chill in the air as the breeze stirred with excitement and the guests arrived. The catwalk was along a long walkway between two groves of trees.”

“Miranda July and I had never met before, so it was very special to be seated next to her at the show.”

“More brilliant and talented Los Angeles ladies, Mamie Gummer and Melissa Seley, sat nearby. I kept trying to put my finger on exactly what was so cool about the people in the crowd. Everyone was polished and beautiful, yes, but they also just looked so relaxed and unique in their Celine looks. When clothes allow one’s spirit to shine so bright, I think we all feel more connected.”

“Everyone hushed, fascinated and hypnotized as soon as the show started. Every look had its own delightful wink to it. There was such a dramatic lightness to the whole show… intelligent and hopeful. Michael Rider’s miraculous mix of ease and daring is so bold and refreshing. I can’t wait to see what comes next!”