S/S 26 Catwalk Predictions - Womenswear

Romance (Nu Romantic & Haunted Cabaret)

Romantic aesthetics will continue to infuse collections, and for S/S 26, this will take two distinct directions. The first story, one we’ve named Nu Romantic, will use soft volumes, dusted pastels, delicate lace and 3D floral trims to give pieces a heirloom look. Opposing this will be a darker, more subversive take on romance themes, using layered sheers and distressed edges to give an unpolished direction to theatrical and boudoir-like aesthetics, creating a theme we’ve dubbed Haunted Cabaret.

Summer of prints

The use of prints on the catwalks has increased over the last two seasons, and we foresee that this trend will continue in the S/S 26 collections as an effective way to refresh best-selling styles and silhouettes. Resort-ready prints, including painterly florals, hothouse blooms, summery stripes and modern mariner patterns will bring a bold and playful look to collections. We expect to see labels investing in dots and spots, reflecting their versatility and timelessness. 

The ‘80s

Eighties influences will infuse partywear and tailoring. Padded shoulders will be pivotal for this design direction. Silky fabrics, pussy bows and soft bubble volumes will give occasion-ready pieces an opulent yet sophisticated glamour. For tailoring, strong shoulders will highlight the cinched waists, giving blazers a fresh, power-dressing silhouette after seasons of slouchy shapes. 

Nu-niforms

Updates to officewear trends continue to be important to labels because they are integral to consumers’ wardrobes. Like the menswear collections in Milan, Paris and Copenhagen, we expect the womenswear collections to recontextualise office attire, especially for new generations entering formal work environments. Expect palettes and patterns to be kept fairly traditional, while labels experiment with shape and silhouette for sartorial classics like tailoring and the button-down shirt and introduce pieces with versatile work and leisure styling adaptability into officewear assortments.

Watch this space for real-time fashion week coverage backed by data analysis, AI and human expertise coming soon.