Dries Van Noten presented a vibrant and eclectic collection for the Men’s Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear runway, showcasing a diverse array of styles and inspirations. The show, held in New York City, highlighted the designer’s exploration of the menswear archive, featuring elements such as kilts from the early 2000s.
During a preview, Julian Klausner, who oversees the collection, expressed excitement about the creative potential of his teams and suppliers. “I want to keep everyone busy. I want to keep everybody excited. I also want to challenge myself and play around with a lot of things,” he stated. This enthusiasm translated into the collection, where Klausner incorporated an impressive range of prints and designs.
Bold Patterns and Tailored Outerwear
The show opened with slender, military-inspired coats that set the tone for tailored outerwear as a key trend for the upcoming season. Many of the pieces featured detachable knitted collars, underscoring a strong emphasis on knitwear. Klausner’s approach involved a careful balance of various motifs, including botanicals, florals, Fair Isle patterns, and geometric prints. While the risk of overwhelming the audience with such diversity was present, the collection maintained harmony through a predominantly muted color palette.
Klausner also drew inspiration from Francis Bacon, revisiting some of the bold shades from a previous women’s collection. The overarching theme of the collection focused on the coming-of-age experience, encapsulating “that fragile moment in between being a teenager and becoming an adult,” Klausner explained. The collection featured elements such as pocket crests, graduation capes crafted from traditional menswear fabrics, and spacious school bags, all contributing to a collegiate aesthetic.
Youthful Spirit and Innovative Accessories
The runway was imbued with a youthful spirit, accentuated by accessories like knit trapper hats, center-parted hairstyles, and oversized glasses. “I think I am quite ambitious in these first seasons,” Klausner remarked. “I want to kind of play around with a lot of things, and I want to make sure I get a strong message across.”
The collection also showcased innovative accessories, including ultra-flat leather shoes, wrestling boots, and shoulder bags with wide straps. One standout piece was an apron-like garment that created the illusion of an untucked shirt, reminiscent of a dickey designed for the hips.
Klausner’s fervor for experimentation and creativity shone through in the Men’s Fall 2026 collection, setting a dynamic stage for the season ahead and reaffirming Dries Van Noten’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of menswear design.
