SS26 Menswear: Walter Van Beirendonck Delivers a Dazzling, Avant-Garde Vision for SS26 Menswear

Walter Van Beirendonck

In Paris this July, Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck once again challenged convention with his Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, unveiling a riot of mixed prints, colour, texture, and conceptual flair that defied easy categorization.

Inspired by the utilitarian garments of artists, Van Beirendonck sent models down the runway described in his notes as "starry-eyed, wide-eyed boys on a time-warping, postmodern pilgrimage." 

The result was a boldly imaginative display that merged clashing colours with eclectic shapes and patterns, all "wrapped in pure future-forward imagination," according to the designer.

The collection featured painter's coats and smocks reinterpreted in exaggerated silhouettes, crafted from a range of fabrics. Oversized accessories played a starring role — fabric-covered buttons, oversized cuffs, dramatic collars, and super-scale necklaces lent a whimsical, almost surreal edge to the ensembles. Prominent pockets, frayed edges, and sculptural detailing completed the show’s off-kilter, dreamlike aesthetic.

Once again, Van Beirendonck proved that in his hands, menswear is a vivid, theatrical art form.

All photos from Walter Van Beirendonck / Totem Fashion

Design Inspiration: Rewilding Takes Root: From Garden Design to Interior Trends in SS25

The once-niche concept of rewilding—the restoration of ecosystems to a self-sustaining, natural state—is now reshaping everything from garden design to high-end interiors. Originally associated with large-scale conservation efforts, rewilding now influences urban parks, private gardens, and increasingly, the world of home design.

At its core, rewilding emphasises the reintroduction of native species, the return of natural processes, and a reduction in human management. In landscape and garden design, the approach manifests through the use of meadows, hedgerows, ponds, and deadwood, with an emphasis on biodiversity, seasonal change, and ecological function. Plants are often native or self-seeding, and maintenance is minimal—guided more by the rhythms of nature than strict horticultural control.

From ILIV - Rewilding Collection - Blind in Wild Garden Cotton Chintz.
Pelmet in Little Bud Sky

Now, this nature-led ethos is inspiring interior designers and textile houses in their Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25) collections, where wild beauty, ecological materials, and organic textures are shaping a new aesthetic language.

Among the season’s standout launches is the Rewilding collection from ILIV, the Lancashire-based British textile company known for its trend-driven designs. This collection channels the rustic elegance of untamed landscapes with painterly botanical florals, delicate embroideries, and tactile weaves. Offered in six evocative colourways—Chintz, Coral, Cornflower, Eden, Forest, and Sky—it reflects a palette pulled directly from nature’s canvas.

From ILIV - Wildflower Fields Moonstone fabric in  in Coral colourway, part of the Rewilding Collection. 

Also embracing the wild is Divine Savages, the Bath-based British design house renowned for bold wallpapers and home accessories, gifts and limited-edition art prints. Their recently-launched Rewilding Collection includes the Wild Wild Woods Grasscloth Wallpaper, a digitally printed painterly design in soft greens, blues, and pinks, in eco paper made from 79% renewable fibres. The line extends to complementary furnishing fabrics and lampshades, reinforcing a holistic approach to eco-conscious interiors.

From Divine Savages - Wild Wild Woods Grasscloth Wallpaper
part of the Rewilding Collection
Printed bespoke to order by the metre.

In the world of garden design, rewilding is more than a trend; it's a shift in philosophy. Celebrated garden writer Clare Foster, known for her thoughtful advocacy of biodiversity and climate-aware gardening, brings the concept to life in her latest book, Pastoral Gardens (Montgomery Press, Nov 2024). The book presents 20 international gardens and more than 250 photographs, with essays exploring themes of habitat, ecology, and natural design. Foster champions "managed naturalism"—gardens that appear wild but are skillfully curated to support wildlife while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

Pastoral Gardens published by Montgomery Press
Author: Clare Foster  Photographer: Andrew Montgomery

Foster emphasises managed naturalism—gardens that look wild but are carefully curated to be both ecologically functional and aesthetically pleasing.    Rather than abandoning gardens to nature, the book advocates working with nature, allowing ecological processes to flourish under the guidance of a gardener or land steward.

Likewise, Thomas Hoblyn, an award-winning designer and Chelsea Flower Show veteran, incorporates rewilding into a broader vision he describes “gardens with purpose.” His planting schemes favour native-rich communities and sensory design, supporting pollinators, mental wellbeing, and place-specific ecology. His 2025 Chelsea Flower Show entry, Garden of Compassion, created for Hospice UK and Project Giving Back, was awarded Silver-Gilt. The garden fused Mediterranean plants—scented, silvery, and textural—with sculptural elements to create a tranquil sensory experience for palliative care settings.

Interior design in SS25 embraces similar values. Rewilding has become a conceptual framework for reimagining interiors as living, breathing ecosystems. Designers are favouring biophilic principles—bringing the outside in through the use of living walls, indoor gardens, and plant-forward spatial planning.

The so-called “Home Biome” trend, as noted in recent reports, redefines homes as interconnected systems. Terracotta, jute, linen, and organic forms dominate material palettes, while curved furniture, soft pastels, and botanical motifs offer a grounded, sensory-rich environment.

Colour stories mirror the landscape: deep forest greens, earthen browns, and soft sky blues pair with fresh spring pastels like mint and lavender to reflect nature’s transitions. Beyond aesthetics, material ethics play a central role: reclaimed timber, recycled textiles, mycelium, cork, seaweed, and stone are favoured for their environmental credentials and their imperfect, tactile beauty.

Cultural Event: The Glucksman Gallery to host "RINN/輪: An Ireland and Japan dialogue on making, place and time"

 To celebrate the strong cultural connections between Japan and Ireland, Making In by Joseph Walsh Studio is presenting RINN/輪 Ireland and Japan: a dialogue on making, place and time, an exhibition that explores the culture of making and its relationship to place and time through the work of Irish and Japanese artists and architects.

Created as part of the Ireland Japan 2025 programme, in partnership with the Government of Ireland, the exhibition premiered in April 2025 in Tokyo, at both Ireland House and A Lighthouse called Kanata Gallery.

At the Osaka World Expo 2025 (13 April - 13 October 2025),  a large-scale outdoor sculpture by Joseph Walsh entitled Magnus Rinn, is prominently on show at the Ireland. Pavilion.  Photo by Joseph Walsh Studio. 

It now travels from Tokyo to Cork City, Ireland, where it will run from 26 July to 2 November 2025 at The Glucksman, a contemporary art museum on the campus of University College Cork, designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects.  

The Osaka World Expo 2025 (13 April – 13 October) has opened, and one of the highlights showcased is a sculpture by Irish artist Joseph Walsh who has unveiled Magnus Rinn, his first large-scale outdoor sculpture, at the Ireland Pavilion. 

Inspired by Making In - Joseph Walsh’s cultural programme - and the connections that have developed between makers from Japan and Ireland, the exhibition is curated by Joseph Walsh and Wahei Aoyama of A Lighthouse called Kanata Gallery. 

The word RINN has meaning in both Gaelic and Japanese; in Gaelic it translates as a point or a headland, in Japanese it means circle or ring. Featuring both new and collaborative works from Irish and Japanese makers in art and architecture, RINN/輪 Ireland and Japan: a dialogue on making, place and time explores the idea of circularity, connections between people, relationship to place and to the past and the future through material form-finding. 

While each piece is a personal expression of form, the works exhibited are united by a shared immersion in the culture of making. Whether drawing on craft heritage – the materials and skills associated with place - or exploring new techniques and materials, they all share an intimate relationship with the handmade.

In addition to presenting the dialogues between Irish and Japanese artists first shown in Tokyo, the exhibition in Cork expands to include a focus on the Rambling Houses at Fartha by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects who also designed the Glucksman building.

RINN/輪 Ireland and Japan: a dialogue on making, place and time is presented by Making In by Joseph Walsh Studio, in partnership with the Government of Ireland. It forms part of the Ireland Japan 2025 programme and includes projects in Tokyo and at Expo Osaka, as well as Cork. The exhibition gallery partner is A Lighthouse called Kanata.

Home and Fashion Trend: Quilting Returns as a Cosy Staple in Fashion and Cottagecore Living

Quilting, an ancient craft with roots stretching back to Egypt, China, and medieval Europe, has long served both practical and decorative purposes. In colonial America, quilting evolved into a communal and symbolic activity, with patchwork quilts marking life milestones and showcasing resourcefulness. Over centuries, it transitioned from necessity to heritage art, reflecting cultural identity, personal stories, and regional traditions.

Emily Pink & Green Patchwork Quilted Bag from Oliver Bonas, made from patchwork pink and green soft corduroy sewn with floral and striped fabric panels in a geometric pattern. 

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Today, quilting is experiencing a revival, emerging as a key trend in both fashion and home design. It fits seamlessly into the country cottage and cottagecore aesthetics, which idealise rural simplicity, handcrafted charm, and a deeper connection to nature.   

Pink Rosalind Reversible Quilted Jacket from Laura Ashley
One side features ditsy print while the reversed side features a large scale Rosalind print.
The jacket is finished with tie front detailing and side pockets.

Part of quilting’s modern appeal lies in its emotional resonance—it evokes comfort, tradition, and care in an increasingly digital, fast-paced world. Consumers are seeking objects with stories, and quilting offers a tangible connection to history, family, and craft. This revival is also fueled by the broader maker movement and a renewed interest in slow fashion and sustainable design practices.

With quilting, one celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the comfort of lived-in, layered spaces—values that embodies through patchwork textures, varied colour palettes, and nostalgic motifs. 

Glassette Stella Quilted Bedspread in 100% cotton from The Secret Linen Store

In cottage-inspired interiors, quilts are often draped over beds, armchairs, or used as decorative wall hangings, adding warmth, character, and a sense of history. Similarly, in fashion, quilted garments and accessories evoke pastoral life and domestic coziness, reinforcing the slower, more intentional lifestyle at the heart of the cottagecore movement.  Glassette Stella Quilted Bedspread in 100% cotton from The Secret Linen Store

Radhika Quilted Makeup Bag from Rex London

The resurgence of quilting aligns with growing appreciation for handmade, sustainable, and nostalgic pieces. In fashion, quilted coats, bags, and patchwork garments are being embraced by designers and consumers alike, blending comfort with craftsmanship. Quilting offers visual texture and depth, making it ideal for statement pieces in modern wardrobes.

Star Blue Cotton Patchwork Cushion Cover (60x60cm) from Oliver Bonas
made from a series of geometric cotton panels in blue, green and white with top stitching
to create a quilted feel and texture.

In interiors, quilting complements the popular country cottage and cottagecore aesthetics, which romanticise rural life and slower living. Vintage and contemporary quilts are being styled as bedspreads, sofa throws, and wall hangings, bringing warmth, color, and softness to living spaces. Quilted patterns and patchwork motifs are also influencing upholstery, wallpaper, and table linens, adding a personal, handmade touch to decor.

Reversible Blue & Green Striped Quilted Bedcover in 100% cotton from Oliver Bonas,
featuring a wide blue and white stripe on one side with green trimming, and a slim green stripe pattern on the reverse.

Ultimately, quilting's comeback reflects a cultural shift toward authenticity, individuality, and meaningful living. Whether seen in a hand-stitched jacket, a cozy home throw, or a handbag by a design-led brand, quilting bridges past and present with its timeless appeal. Its ability to blend utility with beauty ensures that this age-old craft remains not only relevant but celebrated in today's creative landscape.

Interiors Trend: British Fabric House Linwood Launches New Printed Linen Collection Inspired by Nature

British fabric house Linwood has unveiled Maru, a new collection of printed linens designed to reflect the quiet beauty of the natural world. Designed in the UK and printed on 100% linen, the collection draws on archival references and traditional folk motifs from diverse cultures, reinterpreted with a contemporary approach.

Maru Hanging Lengths from Linwood

The Maru collection features seven individual designs, ranging from hand-drawn birds and stylised florals to playful lions and expressive stripes. The designs vary in character—some are intricate and delicate, while others take on a more graphic, bold appearance. Despite their differences, all share a cohesive aesthetic defined by subtle elegance and a semi-organic sensibility.

"Each design in Maru is a celebration of nature, reinterpreted through a modern lens," says Ella Richards, Head of Design at Linwood. "Our studio team has created something fresh and usable – perfect for homes that seek comfort, character, and timeless style."

Suitable for both upholstery and curtains, the linens are available in a colour palette that spans soft, earthy neutrals to stronger, modern tones, offering versatility across interior styles.

Songbird design in Crimson

The first design - Songbird - is already a favourite in Linwood's velvet collection, and is now reimagined on natural linen, offering a fresher, lighter interpretation. Inspired by a fragment of antique crewelwork embroidery and hand-painted in the Linwood studio, it features a lyrical composition of birds, scrolling foliage, and stylised leaves. The updated colour palette enhances the design’s intricate detail, bringing quiet elegance and character to both upholstery and curtains. 

Ima design in Marigold

Ima is inspired by a small-scale trellis pattern found in an Asian folk-art book. It offers a contemporary interpretation of a classic botanical motif. Layered leaves and subtle outlines create texture and rhythm across a natural linen ground. With its elegant scale, this versatile printed linen is ideal for both upholstery and window treatments – bringing refined detail to any interior.

Pipili design in Chickpea

Playful and richly decorative, Pipili is inspired by an antique bedspread. Hand-painted in Linwood's studio, the design features fantastical lions, stylised florals, and starry accents – blending historical charm with a whimsical, storybook spirit. Printed on natural linen and suitable for both curtains and upholstery, it brings colour, character, and a dash of British eccentricity to any interior. 

Yala design in Meadow

Reimagining a classic floral through a modern lens, Yala takes its cue from a hand block-printed bed cover found in Uzbekistan. A simple yet striking motif is reworked into an elegant repeat of sweeping foliage and stylised blooms. Printed on pure linen, Yala brings an elegant, decorative touch to any interior.

Yala Stripe design in Tulip

A playful partner to its namesake floral, Yala Stripe is a painterly stripe printed on natural linen. With hand-drawn character and tonal variation, this design offers balance and rhythm – perfect for layering with florals or using on its own for a more graphic look. Suitable for both upholstery and curtains, it brings a relaxed, contemporary mood to interiors. 

Hinako design in Prune

Hinako is a delicate design that takes inspiration from traditional Asian folk art. While based on a richly detailed, multicoloured original, Hinako has been reimagined in a far simpler form – featuring stylised florals that drift gently across the fabric to evoke a sense of calm and visual balance. 

Talki design in Lagoon

Talki features stylised palm fronds arranged in a rhythmic, vertical stripe. The design balances symmetry with looser, organic elements, creating a sense of movement and structure. Printed on natural linen, it brings a confident graphic edge to both upholstery and curtains. 

With the Maru collection, which is to be launched in September 2025, Linwood continues to expand its portfolio of British-designed textiles, reinforcing its commitment to craftsmanship and design rooted in natural inspiration.

Images courtesy of Linwood.

Summer Women'swear: British fashion and home brand Laura Ashley celebrates femininity with timeless romantic looks and delicate detailing

This summer, the Laura Ashley dress collection—available exclusively at Next.co.uk—celebrates the brand’s storied heritage with a range inspired by the rich Laura Ashley archive, reimagining iconic prints for the contemporary wardrobe. Founded in 1953 by Laura and Bernard Ashley in London, the brand continues to honour its legacy of romantic, vintage-inspired floral prints and home furnishings, now with a renewed emphasis on heritage design through collaborations and online retail.

Laura Ashley multi Honeybourne Floral Print One-Shoulder Midaxi Dress
Cut on the bias for a flattering drape, this dress is fully lined for comfort and boasts a side zip
fastening for a seamless fit.

Blending timeless romance with contemporary femininity, the current Summer collection features delicate ruffle detailing, puff sleeves and broderie detailing, ranging from large scale florals to ditsy prints.

Laura Ashley cream Kelby Floral Puff Sleeve Midaxi Dress in 100% recycled polyester,
featuring a soft ruffled V-neck with tie detailing, mid-length puff sleeves and an elasticated waist.
 

Laura Ashley green Foscot Damask Floral Chiffon Midaxi Dress
features a high neck, ruffle details, gently flared sleeves and a fixed waist belt. 

Laura Ashley multi Clarissa Ditsy Floral Print Broderie Midaxi Dress
featuring frill sleeve detail, a shirred back waistband and a tiered maxi skirt
with broderie detail at the hem. 

The collection features everyday casual dresses with effortless elegance to timeless statement occasion pieces.

Laura Ashley stripe Ruffle Strap Maxi 100% Cotton Dress
with ruffled strap details.

Images courtesy of Laura Ashley

Interior Design Event: WOW!house Returns to Chelsea Harbour - an Immersive Showcase Bringing Design Concepts to Life

Homeowners often struggle to visualise new design ideas, even when presented with detailed mood boards or high-quality renderings. While these tools are helpful, nothing compares to experiencing a design concept in a real-life setting.

That’s exactly what WOW!house offers. Running this month through to 3 July 2025 at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London, the event presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore fully-realised interiors brought to life by some of the world’s leading interior designers.

WOW!house features 22 meticulously designed rooms and outdoor spaces, each created in collaboration with globally recognised design brands and suppliers. These full-scale environments—constructed within the Design Avenue—offer visitors a rare chance to walk through, feel, and truly experience design concepts as they would appear in a real home.

Starting at the newly reimagined classical façade, visitors enter a 600-square-metre show-house that offers an immersive exploration of luxury interior design at its finest. 

For those seeking to understand how creative concepts evolve into fully realised spaces, WOW!house serves as the ultimate source of inspiration.

 The Façade, by Darren Price of ADAM Architecture, introduces a refined classical character to this year’s WOW!house. It is accompanied by a beautifully planted Entrance Garden and a lush Garden Terrace, created by garden designer Alexander Hoyle.  The  façade design takes its cues from the elegance of a Georgian townhouse, featuring handmade cornices and heritage-style lighting. However, this is no period pastiche. Instead, it offers a contemporary reinterpretation of classical architecture—“a demonstration that the timeless language of classicism remains as relevant and inspiring today as it was 250 years ago.”

The Entrance Hall, designed by Victoria Davar of Maison Artefact, evokes the grandeur of a French château. To create a sense of scale and drama, Davar raised the ceiling height to five metres and introduced a floating staircase by Excel Stairs, suggesting the presence of an upper floor and rooms beyond.  At the heart of the space are striking sculptural pieces by room sponsor Cox London—the renowned furniture, lighting, and art studio. Taking centre stage is the show-stopping Oak Leaf chandelier, a dramatic focal point that sets the tone for the elegance to follow.

The Fromental Drawing Room, designed by Texas-based Chad Dorsey, exudes the atmosphere of an exclusive private club. A bespoke Strike fireplace, sumptuous furnishings, and a raised ceiling adorned with statement chandeliers set a tone of understated luxury. The space is wrapped in Kiku—a series of exquisite hand-painted panels by room sponsor Fromental—bringing artistry and depth to every surface. Natural motifs are thoughtfully echoed in both the chandeliers and the decorative ceiling wallcovering, creating a harmonious and immersive environment.

The Media Room, designed by Alex Dauley, offers an intimate, cocooning retreat in rich tones of amber, walnut, and antique brass. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined—both sophisticated and sensuous.   Created in collaboration with sponsor Nucleus, renowned for crafting immersive environments, the space is a sanctuary of texture and contrast. Thoughtfully layered materials highlight the harmony between craftsmanship and comfort, while discreetly integrated surround sound speakers ensure a seamless and enveloping audio experience.

Designer Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, in collaboration with STARK, presents the Curator’s Room—integrating two connecting rooms - that celebrates collectible furniture, fine art, and exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. With a strong focus on female creative talent across generations, the room highlights influential women in art and design from the past, present, and future.  Visually striking and richly tactile, the space is both a tribute and a showcase, honouring the enduring impact of women’s contributions to the creative world.

The Primary Bedroom, designed by Tomef Design, transports visitors into the master suite of a luxurious Venetian hotel, where layers of detail, colour, pattern, and texture come together in perfect harmony.  The palette is rich and inviting, with deep burgundy and ruby tones accented by gold, amber, brown, black, and varied shades of green—evoking a sense of tradition and timeless elegance.  Tommaso Franchi, founder of Tomef Design, has partnered with three of Italy’s most revered heritage brands: renowned fabric house Fortuny, handcrafted rattan specialists Bonacina, and master glassmakers Barovier & Toso. Together, they have created a space that beautifully celebrates the artistry and legacy of Italian craftsmanship.

The adjoining Primary Bathroom by 1508 London is a contemporary sanctuary dedicated to ancient cleansing rituals, sponsored by House of Rohl.

Next door, the Morning Room features soaring ceilings and walls dressed in cotton poplin, hand screen-printed with a trompe-l'œil design inspired by 20th-century garden room treillage.  Interior designer and antique dealer Daniel Slowik has curated an elegant collection of paintings, furniture, and objets d’art sourced from exhibitors at The Treasure House Fair—the prestigious summer art fair founded by Thomas Woodham-Smith and Harry Van der Hoorn, which also sponsors the room.

The Courtyard Room, designed by Emma Sims-Hilditch, is a charming blend of classic elegance and playful practicality. Conceived as a refined back-of-house space, it seamlessly combines form and function with thoughtful features such as a boot room and a dedicated dog room.  Antiques, fine art, decorative wall finishes, and carefully considered architectural details lend the room a sense of history and permanence—creating the impression of a newly built space that feels as though it has always belonged.

The Living Room, designed by interior designer Kelly Hoppen, is a masterclass in tactile sophistication—moody, unexpected, and richly layered. Created in collaboration with lighting specialists and room sponsor Visual Comfort & Co., the space strikes a delicate balance between beauty and function.  Hoppen’s earthy palette of deep browns, terracottas, and soft neutrals evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. Natural materials—such as wood, honed stone, rose quartz, suede, and linen—enhance the room’s grounded elegance. “The room blends asymmetry, history, and personal storytelling,” said Hoppen, bringing a deeply personal narrative to a serene and thoughtfully composed space.

The Library offers an experience that celebrates both the power of silence and the expression of sound. This extraordinary circular space is the creation of Clémence Pirajean Lees and James Michael Lees, founders of the creative direction and design studio Pirajean Lees, in collaboration with the Italian fabric house Dedar, the room’s sponsor.  The room is wrapped in Dedar’s sumptuous wool satin, while the rug—crafted by Jennifer Manners—transforms A440Hz, the musical tuning standard, into a visible and striking pattern, blending artistry with sound.

In contrast, the Dining Room is a vibrant feast of colour inspired by Australia. Designed by Australian-born, London-based designer Peter Mikic and sponsored by Benjamin Moore, a leading manufacturer celebrated for its premium-quality paints, the space bursts with energy and character.  Dominating the room is an abstract artwork by Billy Metcalf, paired with a bespoke round dining table by British furniture brand Kaizen, adorned with semi-precious stones—adding a touch of luxurious craftsmanship to the bold, colourful setting.

The final space at WOW!house is the Garden Terrace, designed by Randle Siddeley and sponsored by McKinnon and Harris. Enclosed by an ornate trellis, meticulously handcrafted for the space by The Garden Trellis Company, the terrace features a striking stone fireplace framed by a lush green wall that serves as a focal point. Surrounding this, intimate seating areas are embraced by vibrant greenery, creating a serene oasis.

One of the best ways to experience WOW!house and deepen one's understanding of the creativity behind the rooms is by joining a complimentary guided tour that goes with the entry ticket. Visitors gain exclusive insights into how world-class designers transformed their concepts into spectacular, fully realised spaces. 

also troughout the month, there is a talks programme featuring many of the WOW!house designers who provide deeper insight into the creative intentions behind the rooms and the collaborative processes that brought the schemes to life.  

For the programme of WOW!Talks, click HERE.

As a dedicated centre for luxury interiors, the Design Centre is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style—modern, elegant, and designed to maximise natural light. Its main building is arranged around a central atrium, creating an inviting and uplifting environment for all who visit.

Originally part of a wider regeneration project transforming Chelsea Harbour from a commercial dock into a vibrant district, the Design Centre has become an international destination for sourcing the finest interior products and exploring the latest design trends. It is widely recognised as one of the country's if not the world’s foremost design destinations.

All images by Lucia Carpio.