Brief
Hugo Marchand opens Paris Opera Ballet season at gala
The gala featured Marchand’s pas de deux with Germain Louvet and a striking Hermès leather jumpsuit.
By Felo News Desk · Published
This weekend the Paris Opera Ballet kicked off its 2026 season with a gala at the historic Opéra Garnier, featuring principal dancer Hugo Marchand.
What happened
The three‑performance gala brought the entire company together under one roof. Marchand opened the evening with fellow principal Germain Louvet in the pas de deux “Rings of Saturn” by Juliano Nuñes. The event also included the traditional “Défilé,” a procession that marks the passage of time for the institution.
What the reports add
Vogue reported that Marchand described the gala as “always an exciting and beautiful experience” and highlighted the “Défilé” as a way for a principal dancer to measure his role in the company. The outlet also noted that Marchand’s performance was paired with a fashion moment: he wore a black Hermès leather jumpsuit from Véronique Nichanian’s fall 2026 collection, a re‑edition of a 1991 menswear piece, styled with a charcoal poplin sleeveless top, calfskin boots and diamond‑pavé jewellery.
What was said
“Attending the Paris Opera Gala is always an exciting and beautiful experience,” Marchand told Vogue. “To get to share the stage with the whole company is very special. The famous ‘Défilé’ is really a must—as a principal dancer, it really helps you measure the time passing, and what you represent for the institution.” He added, “I was lucky enough to perform with my best friend Germain, who's also a principal dancer. It was a very moving moment to show the audience our friendship through dance.” Regarding his outfit, Marchand said, “I felt absolutely at ease wearing it. I like that it is a bit disruptive, and not really expected in that kind of event.”
How it came about
Marchand entered the Paris Opera Ballet School in 2007 and has since performed at Opéra Garnier and on tours to Madrid, New York and Japan. For the 2026 gala he collaborated with longtime friend and stylist Christopher Rao to select the Hermès jumpsuit, aiming for a look that celebrated the new season while challenging traditional red‑carpet expectations.
Key facts
- The 2026 Paris Opera Ballet season opened with a gala at Opéra Garnier. (vogue.com)
- Hugo Marchand performed a pas de deux with Germian Louvet titled “Rings of Saturn.” (vogue.com)
- Marchand wore a black Hermès leather jumpsuit from Véronique Nichanian’s fall 2026 collection. (vogue.com)
- Marchand said the gala’s “Défilé” helps principal dancers measure their role in the institution. (vogue.com)
- The jumpsuit is a re‑edition of a leather style from Hermès’s fall 1991 menswear collection. (vogue.com)
Sources
- [1] vogue.com — originally reported as “How French Ballet Dancer Hugo Marchand Kicked Off His Dance Season”
