SS26: 10 Essential Trends Balancing Change and Comfort

This season’s fashion showcases were undeniably marked by the term “historic.” This impression was well-founded, as significant transformations unfolded within the fashion sphere. A remarkable 14 designers unveiled their inaugural collections as they stepped into the roles of creative directors at some of the most prestigious brands in the industry. This seismic shift heralded a fresh beginning in the realm of fashion.

The atmosphere buzzed with the allure of a new fashion era. Yet, after four weeks of presentations, familiar patterns began to emerge. The trends that took shape on the runways were rooted in recognized styles, even amidst the ongoing creative shifts.

Here are ten key trends from the SS26 collections.

Featherlight Textures

One particular feathered creation from Mathieu Blazy’s inaugural collection for Chanel will undoubtedly linger in fashion enthusiasts’ minds. However, he wasn’t the first or the only designer to incorporate feathers this season.

This season spotlighted an array of textures and movements, with feathers taking center stage. From waistcoats and headpieces at Ann Demeulemeester to skirt embellishments orchestrated by Pierpaolo Piccioli for Balenciaga, this material showcased remarkable versatility.

Ruffle Revival

Fashion is embracing a whimsical transformation with ruffles making a grand entrance this season. Far from being a mere homage to the past, ruffles serve as a fresh departure from the minimalist aesthetics of recent years. Marques’ Almeida offered a playful take with irregular shapes, while Alberta Ferretti crafted delicate, flowing layers. Chloé infused modernity into the ruffle, merging sporty elements with a romantic twist.

Floral Fantasy

Floral designs in spring are a timeless tradition that refuses to fade away. This season, Rabanne kicked off the floral trend with styles invoking an energetic 80s vibe. Valentino, on the other hand, offered a chic metallic dress in shimmering green, adorned with a floral motif that resembled a delicate artistic stroke.

Loewe took a more subtle route with a close-fitting minidress embellished by tiny, finely arranged floral details that evoked meticulous artistry.

In Vibrant Yellow

After seasons dominated by muted tones, the catwalks are now awash in bold colors, with yellow stealing the spotlight in various shades.

Miu Miu presented yellow as a striking addition to athletic shapes and distinctive patterns, while Alexander McQueen transformed the hue into luxurious, flowing gowns. Balenciaga explored sculptural silhouettes where yellow exhibited an architectural precision rather than lightness.

The Fringe Effect

The fringe trend appeared as a natural extension of the texture-heavy aesthetic defining the SS26 season. This season, fringes were showcased in a plethora of designs.

Chanel showcased a luxurious golden fringed outfit, while Alexander McQueen introduced a rougher aesthetic with metallic threads draping from a cropped top. Loewe offered an architectural take with electric cobalt fringes accentuating a sculptural skirt, paired with an oversized jacket.

Opulent Silhouettes

Last spring, designers began revisiting the extravagant pannier gowns reminiscent of the 18th century. This season, while the vision was less singular, the theme of sumptuous volume was evident, particularly in dresses.

The grandeur of volume injected energy into skirts and dresses, seen prominently in Jonathan Anderson’s debut for Dior alongside Sarah Burton’s collection for Givenchy. Louis Vuitton presented an eye-catching transparent pant design with voluminous layers that channeled drama.

Purple Palette

This season, purple emerged as a color contender against yellow, displaying a spectrum from soft lilac to deeper purples. Chloé introduced a gentle lilac dress that cascaded in delicate layers, while Balenciaga opted for a refined silhouette in bold purple.

Silhouette Experimentation

This season, designers are also reimagining jackets with cropped styles that modernize traditional silhouettes. Whether in minimal interpretations by Chanel, geometric shapes from Max Mara, or avant-garde creations by Alexander McQueen, this cropped look elevates the classic suit.

Dark Lingerie Aesthetic

Lingerie-inspired fashion is a recurring theme on the runway, taking a bolder, more sensual twist this season.

Tom Ford transformed the slip dress into an avant-garde piece, featuring intricate lace and bold graphics. Patou introduced playful lingerie elements that evoked vintage pin-up styles, while Jean Paul Gaultier pushed boundaries with daring designs.

Vibrant Orange Hues

This season isn’t just about yellow and purple; orange is also making a splash. The color exudes both a retro charm and vibrant energy.

Ottolinger presented an intense orange look paired with psychedelic patterns, while Saint Laurent embraced volume with a ruffled masterpiece reminiscent of the 80s. Jean Paul Gaultier melded sci-fi and haute couture with a sculptural catsuit in a metallic orange tone.