February 23, 2026 |
Picture an industrial uniform. Now add a dash of Charlie Constantinou, and you’ll get a repurposed ensemble that, while true to its functional core, screams dynamic individuality. That is exactly what all of the designer’s AW26 collection, Season 6, felt like.
The challenge Constantinou set for himself was clear: confronting the traditional stagnation of the uniform and transforming it into a fluid motor for independence, for the wearer to express their personality. This was achieved through a thorough historical study on forms and techniques, referenced in the collection and blended with modern fabrications. Decorative period pleating, appliqués and braiding, once a crystallised symbol of rank, found a new everyday purpose in practical pieces crafted to take on a more expressive, functional role.
Staying true to the house’s ever-lasting commitment to circularity, each garment started its journey from neutral deadstock fabric and was later treated with Constantinou’s signature in-house dyeing and hand-brushing techniques. The collection marked a significant step forward in the brand’s sustainability agenda, incorporating various new organic deadstock materials, from boiled wools to raw silks. The manifold uniqueness of the pieces also manifested in the irregular application of colour across the different textures, meaning that no two pieces were identical.
To finish off the outing was yet another addition to the designer’s circular narrative: bespoke, hand-dyed 3D-printed reusable bottles and bottle bags developed in collaboration with Chilly’s.
Piece by piece, Constantinou’s Season 6 built an eclectic wardrobe rooted in functionality and projected towards a future that feels oh-so-green.
Photography courtesy of Charlie Constantinou.
