Louis Vuitton's AW26 Collection is All About Timelessness
- Bethany Berkeley
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
By Bethany Berkeley
Sunset at the Jardin d’Acclimatation signalled more than just a change in light; it marked a shift in the Louis Vuitton DNA. For Autumn/Winter 2026, Pharell Williams bridged the gap between functional living and high-concept style, introducing a vision of 'Future Dandyism' that feels as structural as it does sartorial.
The centrepiece of the event was the DROPHAUS, a prefabricated, futuristic home designed by Pharell in collaboration with the architectural firm Not A Hotel. Filled with pieces from his HOMEWORK furniture collection, the space was scented with a custom fragrance designed to mirror the surrounding gardens.
The tailoring this season marks a departure from the rigid structures of the Williams has embraced a "soft" approach—volume that feels organic and breathable rather than theatrical. The clothes, designed to move with the wearer offer a relaxed elegance that mirrors the modular, fluid lifestyle of the modern man.
Louis Vuitton AW26 Photographed by Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
The true brilliance of the collection lay in Williams’s manipulation of materials. By reimagining heritage patterns like houndstooth, herringbone, and classic checks with light-reflective technical yarns, he achieved a masterful trompe l’oeil effect. Silk took on the sheen of nylon, while wool adopted the structural rigidity of neoprene. This clever play on perception proved that modern luxury is as much about utility as it is about craft. While the palette remained rooted in masculine neutrals, sharp injections of primary red, orange, and blue offered a nostalgic, '80s-inspired vision of the future.
This narrative extended to the accessories, where the 'LV Drop' sneaker debuted a water-ripple sole, and iconic trunks were transformed into artisanal dioramas featuring stained glass and leather marquetry of Paris.
At the heart of Williams’ latest offering is an investment in longevity. These are garments engineered to outlive the seasonal cycle, designed not to fade from relevance but to evolve alongside the wearer, gaining character and value with every passing year.
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