Kendall Jenner stuns Paris Fashion Week with Celine Dion's surprise

**Paris, France –** On the opening night of Paris Fashion Week, supermodel Kendall Jenner, 30, stepped onto the L’Oréal Paris runway at Place Joffre to launch the “Express Your Worth” show. The event took place in front of the Eiffel Tower and was attended by a constellation of brand ambassadors and top models.

The night was highlighted by a surprise performance from Celine Dion, who closed the show singing “I’m Alive.” The singer appeared in a strap‑less velour gown and danced with the catwalk stars, adding a powerful moment to an evening already rich with star power.

The show carried a strong message of empowered beauty and sisterhood, uniting ambassadors from different countries and top talents to celebrate diversity on the Paris stage.

## Background & Context

L’Oréal Paris is one of the most high‑profile events on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, and 2026’s “Express Your Worth” theme emphasized confidence and self‑respect. The show was staged at Place Joffre, a historic square near the Eiffel Tower, offering a dramatic backdrop for the runway.

Kendall Jenner has been a global brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris since signing with the company in July 2023. This season marked her second consecutive year opening the brand’s runway show, underscoring her central role in the brand’s public image.

The lineup of models was led by Jenner, joined immediately by fellow ambassadors Eva Longoria, 51; Jane Fonda, 88; and Viola Davis, 61.

Other high‑profile names included Cara Delevingne, 34, who walked in a red cape gown; Heidi Klum, 53, who sported a plunging dress with a thigh‑high split; Simone Ashley, 31; Andie MacDowell, 68; Emily In Paris star Philippine Leroy‑Beaulieu; and actress‑model Amy Jackson.

For the first time this year, Kristen Bell joined the cast on the catwalk as L’Oréal’s newly appointed ambassador. The show also featured international ambassadors and top talents, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to empowerment across cultures.

Celine Dion’s appearance was a surprise element that resonated strongly with audiences. At 58, she is in the middle of a comeback residency in Paris following a battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), which forced her to cancel her last tour in 2023. In 2024, Dion vowed to return to the stage, declaring “I’ll sing again.”

The show’s opening weekend coincided with designers such as Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent unveiling their Spring/Summer 2027 collections. L’Oréal’s final show will close Paris Fashion Week on October 6, featuring Louis Vuitton.

## What Happened

Kendall Jenner opened the evening in a semi‑sheer black dress, flanked by Eva Longoria, Jane Fonda, and Viola Davis. The trio carried an aura of confidence as they stormed the runway in front of the Eiffel Tower’s glittering lights.

Throughout the show, Cara Delevingne dazzled in a red cape gown, while Heidi Klum impressed with a daring thigh‑high split in a plunging dress. Simone Ashley walked in a champagne mid‑dress and gold heels, and Andie MacDowell appeared in an off‑white silk gown that underscored her elegance.

The surprise finale arrived when Celine Dion stepped onto the catwalk, wearing a strapless velour gown. She sang “I’m Alive,” an anthem of resilience, before dancing alongside the runway stars. The moment was described as vibrant, with the singer and models linking arms and sharing a collective celebration of strength.

The show’s energy was further amplified by the presence of older icons such as Jane Fonda, who demonstrated that age is merely a number, and younger ambassadors like Kristen Bell, whose participation marked a new chapter in L’Oréal’s ambassador roster.

## Analysis

Kendall Jenner’s consecutive opening roles highlight L’Oréal Paris’s reliance on her global appeal to anchor its high‑profile runway shows.

The brand’s choice to feature diverse ambassadors—from 88‑year‑old Jane Fonda to 51‑year‑old Eva Longoria—reinforces a narrative of inclusive empowerment that aligns with the “Express Your Worth” theme.

The inclusion of Celine Dion’s comeback performance underscores a broader industry trend of celebrating resilience and personal triumph. Dion’s battle with SPS, a debilitating condition that forced her to cancel tours, adds a layer of authenticity to the show’s message of perseverance.

Paris Fashion Week’s opening weekend is traditionally dominated by designers such as Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent. L’Oréal’s ability to create a spectacle that draws the same level of attention suggests its growing influence within the fashion calendar.

The decision to close the week with Louis Vuitton indicates a strategic partnership that may shape future collaborations.

The collective presence of ambassadors from varied backgrounds—spanning different ages, careers, and nationalities—serves as a microcosm of contemporary beauty ideals.

The event’s emphasis on sisterhood and empowerment resonates with L’Oréal’s corporate mission, while also providing a platform for models like Heidi Klum to showcase bold fashion choices such as thigh‑high splits.

## Closing

The L’Oréal Paris runway show delivered a memorable night that fused high fashion with powerful storytelling.

Kendall Jenner’s opening performance, the diverse lineup of ambassadors, and Celine Dion’s triumphant finale together set an empowering tone for the rest of Paris Fashion Week, reaffirming L’Oréal’s role as a leading advocate for inclusive beauty.