Paris Haute Couture Week delivered no shortage of dramatic runway moments, but one entrance instantly set the tone for the entire show. At Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2026 couture presentation on January 28, all eyes were on Deva Cassel, who opened the show in a look designed to command attention from the very first step.
The 21-year-old model — and daughter of Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel — appeared in a dazzling gold gown embroidered with beads, featuring a voluminous skirt and a deep V-neckline. The dress embodied the collection’s theme of “light and shadow,” drawing inspiration from 1970s glamour and cinematic elegance. With minimal makeup and softly waved hair, Deva let the craftsmanship and silhouette speak for themselves.
Opening a couture show is a statement role, and Deva delivered it with calm confidence, setting the mood for the collection that followed. Her presence felt deliberate rather than decorative — a reminder that she has firmly stepped out of the shadow of her famous parents and into her own space in fashion.
Deva’s modeling career began early. At just 14, she starred in a fragrance campaign for Dolce & Gabbana, quickly becoming a recognizable face in the industry. Today, she is an ambassador for Dior and the jewelry house Cartier, balancing high fashion with a growing presence in cinema.
In recent years, Cassel has also expanded into acting. Her debut film, the drama Beautiful Summer, premiered in 2023, followed by La Bella Estate a year later. With at least two new film projects expected in 2026, her career continues to evolve across both fashion and film.
Opening the Elie Saab couture show wasn’t just another runway appearance — it was a clear signal that Deva Cassel is becoming one of her generation’s most watched young stars.
