What's happened
Recent fashion shows and collections reveal a focus on heritage, craftsmanship, and modern innovation. Hermès showcased a sophisticated spring/summer 2026 collection inspired by equestrian heritage, blending artisanal techniques with contemporary styles. Meanwhile, Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 emphasized regional craft and global influence, and luxury brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Prada continue to innovate with timeless materials and iconic designs.
What's behind the headline?
Hermès' Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled 'Free Rein,' exemplifies how heritage and craftsmanship remain central to luxury fashion. The collection's use of equestrian motifs and artisanal techniques highlights a desire to preserve tradition while appealing to modern, free-spirited women. The emphasis on utility, artisanal detail, and contemporary silhouettes signals a shift towards more versatile, heritage-inspired luxury. Meanwhile, Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 demonstrates regional influence gaining international prominence, blending traditional craft with contemporary fashion, which could reshape regional and global fashion dynamics. Brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Prada continue to leverage their iconic materials—such as leather and signature weaves—showing that timeless quality remains a key driver of luxury consumer interest. Overall, these developments suggest a sustained focus on heritage, craftsmanship, and regional influence, with a clear move towards versatile, meaningful luxury that resonates across generations.
What the papers say
South China Morning Post highlights Hermès' focus on heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, emphasizing the collection's equestrian motifs and modern twists. Gulf News discusses Riyadh Fashion Week 2025, showcasing regional designers and their influence on the global stage, blending tradition with innovation. The same source also covers Indian designer Manisha Verma's collection, which balances tradition and modernity through motifs rooted in Madhubani art and Islamic geometry. Additionally, South China Morning Post details how luxury brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Prada continue to innovate with signature materials and techniques, such as the BC Duo bag collection and Prada's Galleria bag, emphasizing timeless quality and craftsmanship. Contrasting opinions are minimal, but the articles collectively underscore a shared emphasis on heritage, artisanal skill, and regional influence shaping the luxury fashion landscape today.
How we got here
The fashion industry continues to evolve, blending tradition with modernity. Hermès' latest collection reflects its heritage through equestrian motifs and artisanal craftsmanship. Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 positioned regional designers on the global stage, emphasizing craft and innovation. Meanwhile, luxury brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Prada focus on timeless materials and iconic designs, reinforcing their legacy and adapting to contemporary tastes.
Go deeper
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