As fashion elite gathered in Paris, France to close out a month of exclusive fashion shows, the most talked about runway of the season was surprisingly happening nearly 5,000 miles away… in Paris… Texas.
The Other Paris Runway had no velvet ropes, no seating chart and no “if you have to ask” price tags, it did, however, have the Eiffel Tower and stunning fashion, and it was all unapologetically JCPenney.
Not only did JCPenney’s Spring 2026 presentation feature shockingly affordable fashion, made for everyone and designed to celebrate all shapes and sizes, but local high school students joined models strutting the runway.
“Thanks to JCPenney, our community experienced something truly extraordinary,” said Paris ISD superintendent Althea Dixon. “Right here in Paris, Texas, a world-class fashion show came to life beneath the Eiffel Tower. With incredible production and stunning, reasonably priced fashions, our local high school students confidently walked the runway. It was an unforgettable night. It gave our students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we all felt like celebrities under the bright lights.”
Hair and makeup was courtesy of JCPenney Salon and Beauty’s expert artists, featuring partners like Shades by Shan and TOUS, proof that runway worthy glamor doesn’t require a passport.
Following the show, every guest was able to enjoy the afterparty with photo moments, beauty touch-ups, gourmet bites from local restaurants and bakeries and more.
“The VIP experience isn’t reserved; it should be universal.”
Signature private brands like Worthington, a.n.a, and J. Ferrar anchored the assortment with effortless polish and everyday versatility, from tailored workwear and elevated separates to relaxed lifestyle staples made for life on the move.
Feminine silhouettes from Belle Vie introduced dresses that make brunch feel cinematic, while St. John’s Bay and Arizona delivered easygoing essentials with timeless appeal.
Runway looks also featured the ASHLEY GRAHAM for JCPenney collection, designed specifically for curvy figures and created to celebrate all shapes and sizes – because real fashion isn’t one size fits all as well as pieces from RM by Rebecca Minkoff showing designer driven style without the luxury markup including handbags and shoes.
“At JCPenney, we see things differently,” said Marisa Thalberg, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Catalyst Brands. “You don’t have to be in the front row, wait seasons before a look makes its way to market, or choose between style and affordability. The Other Paris Runway proves that anyone can be a fashion VIP, and that head-turning fashion can be fun, wearable and affordable at Yes, JCPenney.”
Unlike the shows happening in Paris, France where what you see won’t hit the stores until fall, every look on The Other Paris Runway is available now.
To shop JCPenney’s Spring Collection, click here
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About JCPenney
JCPenney, part of Catalyst Brands, is the shopping destination for America’s diverse, working families. With inclusivity at its core, the Company’s product assortment meets customers’ everyday needs and helps them commemorate every special occasion with style, quality and value. JCPenney offers a broad portfolio of fashion, apparel, home, beauty and jewelry from national and private brands and provides personal services including salon, portrait and optical. The Company and its 50,000 associates worldwide serve customers where, when and how they want to shop – from jcp.com to more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
In 2022, JCPenney celebrated 120 years as an iconic American brand by continuing its legacy of connecting with customers through shopping and community engagement.