DS Automobiles Electrifies Paris Fashion Week with Luxury and Sustainability
Paris, France — The world of haute couture and automotive innovation collided once again this week as DS Automobiles, the premium French carmaker, took center stage at Paris Fashion Week. The brand’s DS 7 E-TENSE and DS 9 E-TENSE models served as the official vehicles for the event, transporting journalists, influencers, and industry talent across the French capital in a seamless blend of style, technology, and sustainability. This partnership, now in its fifth consecutive year, underscores DS Automobiles’ commitment to redefining luxury through electric mobility—a vision that aligns perfectly with the forward-thinking ethos of the fashion world.
For the Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture shows, which ran from April 22 to April 25, DS Automobiles deployed a fleet of its flagship plug-in hybrid models, offering guests a silent, emission-reduced journey between venues. The collaboration with the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), the governing body of Paris Fashion Week, highlights the growing synergy between the automotive and fashion industries, where sustainability and innovation are no longer optional but essential.
“Paris Fashion Week is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and vision,” said Béatrice Foucher, CEO of DS Automobiles, in a press statement. “Our partnership with the FHCM reflects our shared values: excellence, elegance, and a commitment to a more sustainable future. The DS 7 and DS 9 E-TENSE models are not just cars; they are a statement about where luxury is headed.”
The Marriage of Fashion and Automotive Innovation
Paris Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious events in the global fashion calendar, attracting designers, buyers, celebrities, and media from around the world. The event is divided into two key segments: Men’s Ready-to-Wear, which typically kicks off the week, and Haute Couture, which showcases the pinnacle of sartorial artistry. For the Spring/Summer 2026 edition, DS Automobiles provided transportation for guests during both segments, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience.
The DS 7 and DS 9 E-TENSE models, which debuted in 2020 and 2021 respectively, are the epitome of DS Automobiles’ design philosophy: French luxury meets cutting-edge technology. Both vehicles feature plug-in hybrid drivetrains, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on electric power alone. This makes them ideal for urban environments like Paris, where emissions regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. The DS 7, a mid-size SUV, and the DS 9, a full-size sedan, offer spacious interiors, premium materials, and advanced driver-assistance systems, making them a natural fit for the fashion elite.
“The DS Automobiles fleet was a game-changer for us this year,” said a spokesperson for the FHCM, speaking to DS Automobiles’ official coverage of the event. “Not only did the cars provide a comfortable and stylish mode of transport, but their hybrid technology aligned with our sustainability goals. It’s a partnership that makes sense on every level.”
Sustainability as a Core Value
Sustainability has become a defining theme in both the fashion and automotive industries, and DS Automobiles’ participation in Paris Fashion Week reflects this shift. The brand, a subsidiary of Stellantis—one of the world’s largest automakers—has positioned itself as a leader in electrification within the premium segment. By 2024, DS Automobiles had committed to offering a fully electric or plug-in hybrid version of every model in its lineup, a goal it has largely achieved with the DS 3, DS 4, DS 7, and DS 9.
The DS 9 E-TENSE, in particular, has been a standout in the brand’s electric transition. The sedan, which competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, offers a combined output of 360 horsepower in its hybrid configuration, along with a luxurious interior featuring sustainable materials such as recycled aluminum and eco-friendly leather alternatives. For Paris Fashion Week, the car’s sleek design and quiet electric drive made it an ideal companion for guests navigating the city’s bustling streets.
“The fashion industry is undergoing a profound transformation,” said Foucher. “Designers and brands are increasingly aware of their environmental impact, and we are proud to support that journey. Our vehicles are a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets responsibility.”
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
DS Automobiles’ collaboration with Paris Fashion Week dates back to 2019, when the brand first became an official partner of the event. Over the years, the partnership has evolved to reflect the changing priorities of both industries. In 2022, DS Automobiles introduced its first fully electric model, the DS 3 E-TENSE, to the Fashion Week fleet, signaling a deeper commitment to zero-emission mobility. By 2024, the brand had expanded its involvement, providing vehicles for both the Men’s Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture segments.
The partnership is more than just a logistical arrangement; it is a strategic alignment of values. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode has been vocal about its sustainability goals, including a pledge to reduce the environmental impact of Paris Fashion Week by 50% by 2030. Initiatives such as carbon-neutral shows, digital invitations, and sustainable venue choices have become standard, and DS Automobiles’ hybrid fleet is a natural extension of these efforts.
“We are not just transporting people from one show to another,” said a DS Automobiles representative. “We are part of the narrative of Paris Fashion Week. Our cars embody the same principles that define the event: creativity, innovation, and a commitment to the future.”
The Future of Luxury Mobility
As the automotive industry continues its shift toward electrification, brands like DS Automobiles are redefining what luxury means in the 21st century. No longer is luxury solely about opulence and exclusivity; it is increasingly about responsibility, innovation, and a connection to the world around us. The DS 7 and DS 9 E-TENSE models are a perfect example of this evolution, offering a driving experience that is both indulgent and environmentally conscious.
For Paris Fashion Week, the partnership with DS Automobiles has become a staple, one that resonates with attendees and the broader fashion community. As the event grows in scale and influence, so too does the role of sustainable transportation. With plans to introduce more fully electric models in the coming years, DS Automobiles is poised to remain a key player in this space, bridging the gap between two industries that share a common vision for the future.
“The collaboration between DS Automobiles and Paris Fashion Week is a testament to what can be achieved when two industries come together with a shared purpose,” said Pascal Morand, Executive President of the FHCM, in a statement. “It’s not just about the cars or the clothes; it’s about the values we uphold and the future we are building.”
Key Takeaways
- DS Automobiles served as the official vehicle partner for Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture, transporting guests in its DS 7 and DS 9 E-TENSE plug-in hybrid models.
- The partnership, now in its fifth year, reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation between the automotive and fashion industries.
- The DS 7 and DS 9 E-TENSE models combine luxury, technology, and electric mobility, offering up to 50 kilometers of electric-only range.
- Paris Fashion Week has implemented sustainability initiatives, including carbon-neutral shows and digital invitations, aligning with DS Automobiles’ eco-friendly fleet.
- DS Automobiles plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup, reinforcing its position as a leader in premium sustainable mobility.
What’s Next?
With Paris Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2026-2027 Men’s Ready-to-Wear shows scheduled for June 2026, DS Automobiles is expected to continue its role as the event’s official vehicle partner. The brand has also announced plans to introduce new electric models in the coming years, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable luxury. For updates on DS Automobiles’ participation in future fashion events, readers can follow the brand’s official website or the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
As the worlds of fashion and automotive innovation continue to intersect, collaborations like this one offer a glimpse into the future of luxury—one that is as stylish as it is sustainable. Have you experienced DS Automobiles’ electric models? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal for more stories on the intersection of technology, culture, and global affairs.