January 20, 2026 |
Grace Wales Bonner’s AW26 collection for her namesake brand arrives rooted somewhere between the “practical and the sensual”. Drawing from “the elemental simplicity and pursuit of harmony in modernist architectural traditions,” namely the purity-centred design ideas of figures like Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi, the British designer builds a wardrobe that balances restraint with ornament. Calling it Morning Raga, after the traditional ascending melodic patterns in Indian music, it’s a study in calm rhythm and considered contrast.
Arriving months after Wales Bonner’s appointment as creative director of Hermès menswear (she’s set to debut in 2027), the collection feels assured rather than declarative. The lookbook, lensed by Malick Bodian and styled by Tom Guinness, presents an intimate vision of ease: hazy portraits wherein a ’70s colour palette of ivory, Atlantic blue and burnished browns soften the frame. Across the images, polos and flannels are cinched with satin sashes, Victorian tuxes are cut lighter and studded leather lapels bring a controlled edge.
Collaborations are integral. Adidas Originals anchors the offering with crocodile Karintha trainers and a new BW Army profile, while knits by John Smedley and tailoring by Anderson & Sheppard ground the collection in English craft. Architectural brooches carved from Panga Panga wood by Botswana-based Beullah Serema punctuate looks styled with fresh flowers for boutonnières. Footwear lands in zebra-print pony-hair Studio Moccasins, completing a collection that feels composed, tactile and quietly expansive.
Photography by Malick Bodian.
