Walter Van Beirendonck SS26 Reflects on the Current State of the World
The Antwerp Six designer returns to a youthful and naive sense of optimism.
Summary
- Presented at the Théâtre de l’Odéon, Walter Van Beirendonck’s SS26 collection is titled “Wink With Starry Eyes”
- The collection is a postmodern journey into naive optimism and connection, drawing from his childhood memories
- The collection features signature oversized structures with dramatic pockets and cuffs, incorporating pixelated, blown-up prints of the designer’s family photos as textiles
Under the grand arcs of the historic Théâtre de l’Odéon, Walter Van Beirendonck, the prolific Antwerp Six designer, unveiled his Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Titled “Wink With Starry Eyes,” this season saw Van Beirendonck once again use his fashion as a powerful lens to comment on his unique perspective of the world. Reflecting on his childhood memories when he was a wide-eyed boy with starry-eyed wonder, believing in the world and the best of humans. Trying to make sense of the state of the world, Van Beirendonck’s SS26 collection returns to a youthful and naive sense of optimism.
The collection is a vibrant time warp, resurfacing the designer’s own childhood memories and translating them into wearable art. This translates into a bold fusion of vibrant colors and stained smocks, presented as a direct form of self-expression. Van Beirendonck’s signature oversized structures are dramatized further, featuring major pockets, exaggerated cuffs, and fabric-covered buttons that amplify the collection’s playful yet thoughtful dimensions.
A particularly striking element of the collection is the use of pixelated, blown-up prints of Van Beirendonck’s own family photos as textiles. This deeply personal touch transforms intimate memories into public statements, adding layers of autobiography to the garments. Suits appear deconstructed and then playfully reconstructed, reminiscent of a Jean Arp puzzle, creating fragmented yet cohesive forms. These intricate pieces are often tied together with whimsical bowler hats by Stephen Jones, serving as a consistent, unifying accessory.
Through “Wink With Starry Eyes,” Walter Van Beirendonck urges the world to continue self-reflection, yet remain motivated and perceive the global landscape with an enduring sense of wonder and connection. It’s a collection that champions a unique blend of introspection and hope, proving that even in complex times, fashion can be a powerful vehicle for optimism.
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