How this statement style keeps making a comeback

Every year, the runways set the tone for what’s in, what’s out, and everything in between. Spring/Summer trends reveal patterns, breakthroughs, and subtle nods to each fashion house’s legacy. This year has been particularly special and different, with the reshuffling of creative directors and their debuts, leaving the fashion world in a tizzy. Across the runways of the most anticipated Milan and Paris fashion weeks, one defining trend was spotted.

Colour and pattern blocking. From colour combinations that are on opposite ends of the colour spectrum to overtly graphic patterns being styled together, Spring Summer 2026 ready to wear collections have seen it all. 

Bottega Veneta 

Louise Trotter’s collection as the new creative head for Bottega Veneta was one of the focal points this season, being the only female creative director under the Kering family. Multiple looks from Trotter’s debut were a testament to understated colour blocking as she included various muted tones in a single look through layering, cutting-edge fibreglass “furs” and contrasting Intrecciato-woven bags.
 

Fendi

At Milan Fashion Week, Fendi brought together what most would call an unlikely partnership of colours throughout the collection. Solid colours were the main character, some monotone while others in eye-catching pairings like pink, orange and green. The coloured pixelated weave in the bags and overcoats was a fresh spotting on a Spring Summer runway.

 

Loewe

Jack and Lazaro’s creative direction for Loewe’s Spring Summer 2026 collection pleasantly surprised the front row frequenters after Jonathan Anderson’s nearly decade-long stint with the brand. The bold palette of the collection was an ode to the brand’s Spanish heritage and Mediterranean roots. Case in point- the flamenco dresses with multicoloured ruffled panels that echoed movement and bounce.

Prada

Prada’s upcoming ready-to-wear collection “Body of Composition”, aimed to redefine elegance and femininity in a world where change is the only constant. Born out of this vision, the reconstruction of structures and silhouettes was highlighted through a variety of fabrics and textures. Unlike any of the other collections showcased, shades and tones were used to differentiate distinct layers of clothing.
 

 

Rabanne

Dossena, without a doubt, elevated resort wear and beachwear through Rabanne’s flirty and whimsical collection. A page fresh of this ramp would include a gold metallic mini skirt with a polo t-shirt filled with varying stripes and a billowing Crayola-peach ruffled pant paired with a sky-blue bikini tie top and shrug. A distinct detail in the footwear was the inclusion of metallic leather leaves that were reflective of Rabbane’s love for sparkle and metallics.
 

Versace 

A complete outsider to the Versace legacy, Dario Vitale’s entire collection for Versace is a masterclass in colour and pattern blocking. A nostalgic nod to Gianni Versace’s late 80s designs- the orangey-reds, azures, mint greens and aubergines were reminiscent of the rebelliousness of erstwhile Italian fashion. He also brought forward Versace’s once forgotten vintage prints with models wearing two clashing patterns together in the same outfit.
 

 

Lead image: Pexels; All images: Getty Images
 

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