Unveiled under warm lights, the Isabel Marant Spring-Summer 2026 collection exuded an energy that felt both familiar and forward-looking. For the first time in decades, Isabel Marant herself stepped back from the creative forefront, handing the reins to Kim Bekker, her longtime collaborator. Yet, from the first suede jacket to the final flutter of lace, the spirit of Marant remained unmistakably intact.
The new Creative director drew inspiration from her experiences with travel and solitude to design a collection that celebrates movement, freedom, and ease. “I was thinking about my personal journey,” Bekker said, describing days spent wandering through open landscapes with only a backpack and a quilt. That nomadic vision came alive through clothing meant to travel light yet leave an impression.
Bekker revisited many of the brand’s beloved staples – such as army jackets, cargo pants, suede boots, and embroidered tops – and infused them with a sense of fresh air and discovery. She transformed utilitarian shapes into sensual, sun-washed pieces in weathered shades of sand, ivory, and khaki. Models walked across a catwalk dusted with red earth, their outfits layered with desert charm and a soft whisper of adventure.
The Isabel Marant Spring-Summer 2026 collection showcased the ease of daywear with cropped suede vests, low-slung trousers, and banana-shaped shoulder bags that swung casually by the hip. The footwear – lace-up moccasins, gladiator sandals, and espadrille-soled boots – was both practical and alluring, reflecting the brand’s commitment to effortless chic. These boots, the younger cousins of the famous Bobby wedge sneakers, perfectly captured the balance between glamour and comfort.
Follow all the latest news from Fashionotography on Flipboard, or receive it directly in your inbox with Feeder.
You might also read
Dresses carried the same relaxed confidence. Some were sheer and off-the-shoulder; others were made of broderie anglaise or soft silks. Their movement evoked summer days spent wandering through small towns where one might stumble upon vintage treasures. Occasional hints of eveningwear appeared as well—sequined tops, patchwork trousers, and a slip dress trimmed with silver paillettes, ready for a night under faraway stars.
The collection’s craftsmanship was revealed up close. Zippers traced the edges of blousons, and layers of perforated fabrics met smooth leather in subtle patchworks. Bekker’s use of baubles, shells, and tassels added a personal touch, drawing attention without being overbearing. The men’s looks nodded to early 1980s silhouettes with roomy jackets, striped tunics, and relaxed pants – a quiet continuation of the brand’s androgynous charm.
Under Bekker’s new leadership, the brand is evolving gently, not being redefined. Her approach radiates confidence rather than caution. Isabel Marant reportedly smiled and said, “That was so Isabel Marant” while watching her successor’s debut. It was high praise, and it felt true.
The Isabel Marant Spring-Summer 2026 collection didn’t chase novelty; it reaffirmed a way of dressing that feels grounded, sun-kissed, and timeless. The show marked both an ending and a beginning, with the label’s free-spirited essence now being carried forward by a designer who clearly understands its origins.
