Gucci, Fendi, & Marni Make Designer Debuts at MFW FW26 in This Week's Top Fashion News

Summary

• High-profile debuts from Demna at Gucci, Maria Grazia Chiuri at Fendi, and Meryll Rogge at Marni redefine heritage through modern lenses.
• The 2026 Met Gala theme explores the intersection of couture and fine art.
• New collaborations and graduate showcases highlight technical outdoor gear and emerging visionary talent

Gucci Is Reborn in Demna’s FW26 Debut

Gucci

Demna’s highly anticipated debut at Gucci marked a shift toward “sensual minimalism,” moving away from his signature oversized Balenciaga silhouettes. The collection prioritized “wearability,” blending Tom Ford-era sexiness with classic Florentine luxury. The runway featured a mix of icons like Kate Moss and emerging stars like Nettspend, set against a backdrop of Roman statues and flashing strobes. Men’s looks included laminated trousers and tight-fitting tees, while women’s attire featured mini-blazers and body-con dresses. Footwear reinterpreted traditional signatures into trend-forward shapes, such as sport loafers with sneaker overlays. Demna emphasized that his vision for the brand is a coexistence where heritage and fashion nourish one another, describing Gucci as a “superbrand” rooted in both pragmatic products and deep emotion.

Fendi FW26 Welcomes Maria Grazia Chiuri Back as Creative Director

Gucci

Maria Grazia Chiuri returned to Fendi for her FW26 debut, shifting the house’s focus toward exquisite craftsmanship and Art Nouveau-inspired silhouettes. Moving away from loud monograms, Chiuri utilized “applied materials” and intricate embroideries to emphasize individuality. The collection leaned into a palette of black and white, featuring elongated lace slip-dresses and translucent gowns. Fendi’s fur heritage remained prominent with neon yellow-green coats and patchwork designs, while accessories like animal-print bags and oversized shades added a bold modern touch. References to the Viennese Secession movement paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy, yet the inclusion of biker jackets and military-inspired garments kept the collection firmly in the present. Chiuri’s return reinstates Fendi as an arbiter of Roman elegance, favoring subtle luxury over overt branding.

Marni’s New Era Begins in Meryll Rogge’s FW26 Debut

Gucci

Meryll Rogge, the first female creative director at Marni since its founder, used her FW26 debut to reconnect with the brand’s quirky roots. Shifting away from the avant-garde maximalism of the previous era, Rogge introduced a “pared-back eccentricity.” The co-ed show opened with iconic pencil skirts covered in giant sequins—a nod to founder Consuelo Castiglioni. The collection featured chunky knits, multi-directional plaid pullovers, and cavalry-esque coats adorned with oversized silver buttons. Rogge’s vision focuses on “quirky clothing for the everyday,” balancing wearable basics with distinctive, playful details like fur trims and polka-dot tops. By reeling in experimental ambitions, Rogge aims to restore Marni’s reputation for sophisticated yet whimsical style, joining a growing wave of female designers leading major fashion houses.

“Fashion is Art” Is the Dress Code of the 2026 Met Gala

Gucci

Vogue has announced “Fashion is Art” as the official dress code for the 2026 Met Gala, scheduled for May 4. The theme aligns with the Costume Institute’s exhibition, “Costume Art,” which seeks to dismantle the hierarchy between fine art and the dressed body. The exhibition will feature nearly 400 objects spanning 5,000 years, housed in the new Condé Nast Galleries. An elite group of co-chairs—including Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams—will lead the event alongside creative director Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz. Curator Andrew Bolton noted that fashion serves as the common thread connecting every curatorial department in the museum. The dress code challenges attendees to transcend traditional red-carpet attire by presenting garments as conceptual masterpieces worthy of a gallery setting.

Official Look at the Upcoming Nike ACG x Cactus Plant Flea Market Collaboration Surfaces

Gucci

Following teasers featuring Travis Scott in Milan, official images of the Nike ACG x Cactus Plant Flea Market (CPFM) Spring/Summer 2026 capsule have been revealed. The collaboration focuses on highly functional, technical apparel designed for the elements. Key pieces include a weatherproof Anorak Jacket and a striking thermal-gradient Balaclava Hoodie. The collection also offers essential layering items such as a long-sleeve polo and crewneck sweatshirt. This partnership combines Nike ACG’s outdoor utility with CPFM’s signature playful and bold aesthetic. Spotted on cultural icons like Travis Scott and Yeat, the collection has already generated significant buzz. The full range is slated for a Spring 2026 release through both Nike and CPFM’s official channels, bridging the gap between high-performance gear and streetwear.

Central Saint Martins 2026 M.A. Show Presents 23 of the Program’s Emerging Visionaries

Gucci

Central Saint Martins showcased the thesis collections of 23 M.A. students during London Fashion Week, offering a glimpse at the industry’s future leaders. This year’s show embraced a mood described as “openly in flux,” prioritizing hand-made craft and profound meaning over commercial polish. L’Oréal Professional Creative Award winners Maxina Brewer and Ennis Finnerty Mackay stood out for their artful and meaningful designs. The show continues the school’s legacy of producing legendary talents such as Alexander McQueen and Grace Wales Bonner. The 2026 cohort’s work explored how “making and meaning collide,” reflecting an industry navigating its own identity. By focusing on meticulous craftsmanship and creative ingenuity, these emerging visionaries proved that the next generation is ready to challenge traditional fashion boundaries with technical skill and conceptual depth.