Yohji Yamamoto FW26 Sees a Master at Work
The Japanese designer presented a lineup of modern-day kimonos that felt both reverent and rebellious.
Legendary Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto took over Hôtel de Ville last night, transforming the historic venue with a runway that reimagined traditional Japanese dress through his unmistakable drapery. Greeting cards were placed on every seat, gently asking guests to experience the show with their eyes rather than their phones — a subtle but powerful gesture from the 82-year-old master. True to form, Yamamoto didn’t miss a beat with his Fall/Winter 2026 offering.
The collection unfolded through liberated silhouettes that flowed effortlessly with the body, presenting a lineup of modern-day kimonos that felt both reverent and rebellious. Knotted fabrics gathered at the side of the body, while flashes of contrasting textiles emerged from meticulously constructed robes. Each look began with Yamamoto’s signature black foundation, punctuated by vibrant prints from Katsushika Hokusai that injected bursts of color and narrative.
From artistic flamingo motifs to psychedelic stripes, the garments layered jacquard textures and subtle plaids that pushed the silhouettes into new territory. The result felt suspended between past and future — a quiet dialogue between heritage and experimentation.
For the finale, five models stepped out drenched in tradition, wearing austere knits paired with wooden geta footwear rarely seen beyond ceremonial settings. Towering hair and delicate layers defined the closing moments, as Yamamoto took his final bow to a roaring crowd that, fittingly, bowed back to the master.
Take a closer look at Yohji Yamamoto FW26 in the gallery above.
