Kris Van Assche Reinvents the "Uniform of Youth" in Debut Fred Perry Collaboration

Summary

• Fred Perry has teamed up with Belgian designer Kris Van Assche for a 13-piece capsule collection titled “Uniform of Youth”

• The collaboration reimagines classic sportswear through a tailored lens, featuring a pinstriped “track suit,” a pre-tied polo shirt, and trompe l’oeil knitwear

• The collection is set to launch globally on February 19, 2026, with prices ranging from €80 to €450 EUR

Fred Perry has tapped Kris Van Assche, the renowned Belgian designer and former Artistic Director of Dior Homme and Berluti, for a sharp new collaboration that bridges the gap between heritage sportswear and high-end tailoring. Titled “Uniform of Youth,” the inaugural collection sees Van Assche applying his signature minimalist aesthetic to the British brand’s subcultural icons. By deconstructing and rebuilding staples like the Fred Perry Shirt and the track jacket, the designer aims to “break the rules” of the traditional casual uniform, creating a lineup that feels both rebellious and meticulously constructed.

At the heart of the collection is a radical reworking of the classic Fred Perry Shirt. One iteration arrives in bold red, adorned with a trio of badges featuring floral photography from Van Assche’s personal collection—a recurring motif in his career that adds a touch of romanticism to the punk-inspired garment. Another version transforms the pique polo into a formal “shirt,” complete with white buttons, black twin tipping, and a pre-tied, adjustable black tie, allowing the wearer to toggle between formal and informal modes.

The collection’s “sportswear-meets-tailoring” philosophy is most evident in the outerwear. The traditional tracksuit is reimagined as a “suit,” crafted from a black and white pinstripe fabric that mimics the drape of formalwear while retaining the comfort of athletic gear. This set features tailored detailing, such as adjustable pull strings and silver hardware, and is accompanied by a matching track skirt. For a more casual look, a blazer and matching shorts combo features signature white tipping, blurring the lines between a tennis court kit and a city uniform.

Van Assche also introduces a playful element with trompe l’oeil knitwear. A short-sleeved V-neck jumper in a subversive black, grey, and red Argyle pattern creates the illusion of a Fred Perry shirt worn underneath, while a long-sleeved floral grid jumper mimics the look of a piece layered over a zipped-up track jacket. The range is rounded out by a “sweat-shirt” that blends a half-zip design with poplin sleeves, and a simple black cap that serves as the finishing touch to the modern uniform.

Check out the campaign images shot by Alasdair McLellan above. The Fred Perry x Kris Van Assche collection will be available online and in select global flagship stores (including Tokyo, Shanghai, and London) starting February 19, 2026.