Jane Fonda Steals the Show in Red Sequins at L’Oréal Paris’s Le Défilé

Few fashion moments are as exhilarating as L’Oréal Paris’s annual Le Défilé, a public runway event held beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower. The brand promotes this event as a celebration of women’s empowerment, inclusivity, freedom, confidence, and sisterhood. Open to all, it is livestreamed on Instagram, TikTok, and L’Oréal Paris’s digital platforms.

This year’s ninth edition took place on Monday, September 28, at Place Joffre, with the theme “Express Your Worth.” The show kicked off Paris Fashion Week, which continues until October 6. The lineup featured a mix of ambassadors, showcasing both new faces and established stars.

Among the standout participants was the beloved Jane Fonda. The 88-year-old actress dazzled in a long-sleeved red sequin gown, complete with a twisted, ruched neckline. She complemented her look with red T-strap heels and a matching red lip, her silver curls styled in soft waves.

jane fonda the goddess you are pic.twitter.com/aN1NfrzhIg

— elizabeth (@graciferrr) September 29, 2026

Fonda’s stunning gown wasn’t the only highlight. After her walk, she shared a moment with Kristen Bell, who made her runway debut for the brand after being named a global ambassador in August. Reports noted Bell turning back to emphasize how incredible Fonda looked.

This year’s red gown continues a shimmering tradition. In 2024, Fonda walked the runway in a sparkling silver belted trench coat paired with silver-and-white sneakers. The following year, she wore a head-to-toe gold sequin gown adorned with a bejeweled neckline and square-toed gold pumps.

Fonda’s latest red ensemble keeps the glitzy theme alive. InStyle humorously suggested that Google might need to drop the term “former” from her modeling description. The two-time Oscar winner and ‘Barbarella’ star clearly relishes the catwalk, and the audience loves watching her.

Fonda has also candidly discussed her life outside the fashion spotlight. In a conversation with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, she addressed the challenges of finding acting roles at her age. This honesty adds depth to her runway appearances, showcasing her presence in a world that often overlooks older women.

For many viewers, this contrast enhances her appeal. A glamorous walk in red sequins symbolizes visibility and confidence, aligning perfectly with the show’s empowering message.

Fonda was joined by a star-studded lineup, including Kendall Jenner, who opened the show in a sheer black dress featuring a high neckline and a dramatic thigh-high slit. Other notable participants included Heidi Klum, Viola Davis, Cara Delevingne, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Simone Ashley, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Aja Naomi King.

The lineup also featured Anitta, Lindsey Vonn, and ‘Off Campus’ star Mika Abdalla, who made her Paris Fashion Week debut. This mix of film, fashion, and sport reflects L’Oréal’s global reach.

The finale was a surprise, with Céline Dion appearing in a black gown and Boucheron jewelry, performing her 2002 hit ‘I’m Alive’ against the backdrop of the illuminated Eiffel Tower. The runway stars, including Davis, Ashley, King, and Longoria, joined her for this memorable closing moment.

Dion’s appearance was particularly poignant. Currently in the midst of a Paris residency at La Défense Arena, which began on September 12, it marked her first full concert in over six years. Health challenges, including stiff-person syndrome, had previously forced her to cancel the remainder of her Courage World Tour. The residency includes 26 shows running through May 2027, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was seen embracing her and dancing along.

The evening beautifully blended glamour with a powerful message. Watching stars of various ages share the runway made the event feel inclusive rather than exclusive. Fonda’s red gown, Bell’s debut, and Dion’s surprise performance created unforgettable moments.

This event also demonstrated how a single fashion moment can resonate widely. Photos and clips from the show have circulated across international media, from Croatia to South Africa. This reach is precisely what a public runway aims to achieve.

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