Spring-Summer 2026 Fashion Shows: How We’ll Dress When the Heat Hits! Part Two

Mood Leather by Beatrice Brandini

Resuming the discussion on the dominant themes for the next summer season:

I’ll start with what I’ve defined as TAILORED, meaning the predilection for well-made, handmade pieces, a slightly retro, classic, and timeless feel. This trend also responds to the ethical and sustainable need to avoid having to renew one’s wardrobe every season. If a piece features fine fabrics, expert craftsmanship, and a classic look, it can—indeed, should—last for many seasons. A return to an elegance we’d somewhat forgotten. Some interpret this theme conceptually, like Sakai, while others take a more traditional approach, like Calvin Klein or Barbara

Beatrice Brandini’s Sartorial Mood

From the runways: the TAILORED theme for Spring Summer 2026

Another evergreen theme is FLORAL. There’s no summer season where flowers aren’t a main focus. Flowers reassure, soften, and evoke the flavor of spring, adding that touch of romance that’s more important than ever for a woman today. Miu Miu’s interpretation is beautiful, certainly never predictable, as is Dolce & Gabbana’s, which takes us back to Capri’s golden years.

Mood FLOWERS by Beatrice Brandini

From the catwalks: The FLOWERS theme for Spring Summer 2026

Another important trend, perhaps the most prevalent, is LEATHER. This material, now a fully-fledged fabric, has been the star of the runways for several seasons now. While a few years ago it was synonymous with “power” and a slightly exaggerated, certainly aggressive, femininity, today it is truly an impalpable “fabric” with which you can create anything. Marco Rambaldi transformed it into lace, Bottega Veneta the quintessence of sartorial luxury, Burberry brought it back to the Swinging London of the 1960s, Gianni Versace in the 1980s with marvelous inlays, Yves Saint Laurent stole it from a Helmut Newton set… In short, leather can be interpreted as desired and has the power to transform one woman from the next.

Mood Leather by Beatrice Brandini

The LEATHER theme for Spring Summer 2026 is revealed on the catwalks

Also very important is the color KAKY, a shade of green with varying undertones that are very close to a military or colonial theme. It’s always very refined, goes with everything, and is perfect with a hint of tan.

Mood KAKI by Beatrice Brandini

From the runways: the khaki theme for Spring Summer 2026

The fashion industry is going through a rather challenging period, with the geopolitical context, including wars and trade tensions such as US tariffs, certainly among the most significant causes. But the reflection also extends to a more creative and product-related aspect, aspects on which I certainly have more authority to comment. I believe that in recent years, major fashion brands have entrusted their companies to managers and creatives who often didn’t fully understand the DNA of the brand they were appointed to manage. Furthermore, the rush to secure a top designer, often plucked from the competition, responded more to a need for prestige than to the actual fit between brand and creative. Because while it’s true that creativity and talent are transversal, it’s also true that aptitude is important. Changing creative direction every six months was another big mistake. You can’t innovate, trying to build a new identity for your brand, if you don’t give time to those who should do it (the designer), nor do you grant it to those who should assimilate it (the market).

Returning to fashion, there was so much more (the color white, nude, ’80s silhouettes, draped skirts, oversized trench coats, exposed bras and tops, belts, mini bags, etc., etc.). But, as I always say, the truly important thing is feeling good in your own skin, which in this case is a statement of intent that is literally true.

Enjoy your life!

Beatrice

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