Fashion Month SS26: A Season of Storytelling and the Power of Perspective
Fashion month has felt a little flat in recent seasons, but with so many creative transitions shaking up the schedule, SS26 finally delivered some sparks of excitement again. Across the four cities, there was a renewed sense of experimentation and a reminder that, at its best, fashion is storytelling.
Female-led shows were few, but they were the ones that stayed with us, offering the most memorable and thought-provoking moments this season.
New York: Colour, Culture and Carnival at Diotima
Image: Diotima
In a city known for commercial polish, Rachel Scott’s Diotima offered something beautifully human. Drawing from her Caribbean roots, Scott used the many expressions of Carnival - its movement, characters, and community - as a foundation for a collection alive with texture and colour.
Delicate crochet met sculptural tailoring; sequins and raffia danced in the light. It was one of the few runways this season to embrace genuine body diversity, with plus-size models walking, a small but vital reminder of what representation should look like.
London: Emotion Over Spectacle
Image: Simone Rocha
While Burberry delivered the season’s most viral moments, A-list audience, iconic British humour courtesy of Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, it was Simone Rocha who left a lasting impression.
Her collection explored the awkward beauty of early adolescence, with layers of sheer fabric, ornate embellishment and Rocha’s signature romantic silhouettes. Yet despite all the femininity, there was strength in the way she balanced fragility with structure. Silver sequins shimmered over rigid hip bustles, while hooped skirts featured sporty drawstring details. It was beautiful, yes, but never sweet.
Milan: Craft and Confidence
Image: Bottega Veneta
All eyes were on Louise Trotter as she debuted her first collection for Bottega Veneta, and she delivered a confident statement of intent. Craftsmanship was front and centre: the houses signature intrecciato weave was seen across coats and dresses, recycled fibreglass was reimagined as the most tactile skirts and jackets.
At a time when the luxury landscape is dominated by high-profile creative director moves (and with only 10 of the top 35 houses currently led by women) Trotter’s debut felt quietly powerful. Proof that innovation doesn’t need to shout.
Paris: A Heartfelt Experiment
Image: Cecille Bahnsen
In Paris, Cecilie Bahnsen’s show stood out for its tenderness and experimentation. The Danish designer collaborated with The North Face, reworking technical fabrics into sculptural, billowing forms; voluminous silk hoodies and anoraks with couture-like volume.
The LED hearts that pulsed in sync with the music were literal heartbeats threaded into the clothes.
A Shift in Perspective
This season may have been defined by big debuts, but for us, the most exciting work came from the women designing on their own terms. From Scott’s celebration of heritage to Rocha’s exploration of identity and Bahnsen’s blend of softness and strength, their collections cut through the noise.
As a creative agency rooted in culture and storytelling, we’re always interested in those who build connection through craft, emotion and perspective, and SS26 delivered exactly that.
