SHUSHU/TONG Rewrites the Rules of Identity for FW26
The brand merges 1930s Parisian elegance with rebellious, ‘Stepford Wives’-esque undertones for its latest collection.
Summary
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SHUSHU/TONG has unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2026 collection dubbed “The Invented Self,” drawing heavy inspiration from the film Violette Nozière
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The seasonal offering blends 1930s silhouettes with a contemporary, deconstructed sensibility, emitting subtle “Stepford Wives” vibes throughout the runway presentation
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Footwear sees a major expansion with the brand’s first-ever sneakers and color-blocked suede loafers joining collaborative YVMIN accessories
SHUSHU/TONG has officially unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026 collection, titled “The Invented Self.” Drawing heavy inspiration from the film Violette Nozière, the seasonal offering constructs a psychological terrain that navigates the constraints of class, family, and moral order. Blending the elegant silhouettes of 1930s Paris with a contemporary, deconstructed sensibility, the runway presentation also emitted subtle Stepford Wives energy, framing performance and fabricated identities as a rebellious means of reaching toward a freer future.
The design language introduces a delicate friction between sweetness and order, continuing the brand’s ongoing exploration of girlish tension. Drop-waist dresses adorned with bow details evoke a vintage attitude, while the off-shoulder neckline emerges as a key silhouette of the season to accentuate the collarbone. Knotted shoulders, undulating trims, lace, sailor collars, and ribbon-formed three-dimensional florals transform the theatricality of “being seen” into an empowered act of self-styling.
Fabric serves as a central narrative vehicle throughout the collection. Green jacquards and gold velvet recall the grandeur of a bygone era, sharply contrasted by a disciplined foundation of grey, navy, and nude technical fabrics. The brand introduces deliberately crinkled pink, yellow, and blue textiles alongside tie-dyed corduroy and Italian fleece to represent identity rupture and inner conflict. Faux fur is extensively employed across waist cinchers, capes, and scarves, while knitwear evolves with bias-cut constructions, diagonal striping, and semi-sheer mohair.
Rounding out the runway presentation, accessories continue the brand’s ongoing collaboration with YVMIN, amplifying the period atmosphere with Art Deco-inflected metallic textures. Brimmed-hat-inspired headbands serve as a recurring visual motif, directly referencing the film’s heroine. Furthermore, footwear expands into new territory, introducing sneakers and color-blocked suede loafers for the very first time, alongside high heels featuring deliberately upturned bows.
Ultimately, “The Invented Self” proposes a contemporary self-image that remains open to continual rewriting, shifting seamlessly between fantasy and reality.
