THE HYPE FASHION / MAY 2026
How exactly is Maison Margiela contributing to the democratization of fashion, what does Versace suddenly have to do with sneakers, and why are we going out in our pajamas? Our current fashion favorites provide the answers to all these questions.
Trend
Perfect Match
Is comfort at the top of your priority list, but style is just as important to you? That calls for a formula we’ve cracked after some extensive research: pajamas meet lingerie. Both are comfortable, and both can be either very sexy or very casual. And neither is really meant to be shown off in public. But who cares about rules? With the right combination of loungewear and lingerie, you can pull off an outfit that actually lets you step outside—and even turn heads.
We Love
Silver is the new black
You have to have something that stands out. After all, it’s nice to discover a common thread amid the chaos of the world. At Sportmax, it’s not red, nor is it a thread—it’s a silver wave pattern that can be found on bracelets, necklaces, and even as a decorative element on shoes and bags. sportmax.com
Collaboration
On tiptoe
Has Donatella Versace ever worn sneakers in her life? She’s better known for her sky-high heels. Still, the collaboration with sneaker pioneer Onitsuka Tiger doesn’t come as a surprise. For one thing, Signora Versace has stepped down from her role as creative director. On the other hand, you simply can’t ignore slim sneakers this spring. The result of this collaboration has everything an “it” shoe needs: a trendy sneaker-ballerina silhouette and a touch of bling in the form of the iconic Versace logo. onitsukatiger.com, versace.com
It-Piece
In abundance
What will Pierpaolo Piccioli do with Balenciaga now that Demna has steered the couture house toward an avant-garde—and above all, controversial—future? This question hung so heavily in the air that you could practically read it on the faces of the front-row guests at Paris Fashion Week. Pierpaolo did one thing above all else: he delved into the archives, going back to Cristóbal Balenciaga’s early days, when haute couture was the focus. And he brought some silhouettes into the future he envisions for Balenciaga. Among them: a mid-length skirt with a balloon silhouette. It was already part of Cristóbal’s collection in the 1950s, and in this 2026 reinterpretation, it remains a statement piece.
Darling
Blooming and Refreshed
In spring, everything is softer, gentler, and more beautiful: the light, nature, and, more often than not, our mood as well. In keeping with this spirit, a new bag from Etro recently blossomed: the Vela Blossom, a new version of the Vela Bag, Marco De Vincenzo’s first bag for the house. The Vela Blossom is—as you might have guessed—softer and more flexible, yet it features the same craftsmanship and is available in nappa leather or suede, in colors ranging from brown to plum to black. Every season needs its “it” bag. The Vela Blossom has a good chance of becoming just that. https://www.etro.com/ch-de/
Movie
Movie Night with Marc
Even a cozy, lazy evening of streaming on the couch can be educational. Take watching “Marc by Sofia,” for example. The documentary already caused a stir at last year’s Venice Film Festival. We’re used to seeing Sofia Coppola make feature films with female protagonists. She says of the film: “I wanted to create a portrait of my thirty-year friendship with the designer Marc Jacobs and depict his creative process by connecting his inspirations and role models with future generations.” To that end, she followed the designer everywhere he went for three months. Her gentle visual style also works well in the documentary genre. a24films.com
Concept
Archive, open up
Fashion needs to become more democratic. That’s what we think—and it’s also the view of fashion influencer Lyas, for example, who makes the major fashion shows accessible to the public through his watch parties. Now, of all places, Maison Margiela—the couture house known for its love of anonymity—is contributing to this democratization. While there is hardly any photographic material, let alone video footage, of founder Martin Margiela, “Maison Margiela.folders” now allows users to browse the archive digitally. Via a Dropbox link—which is constantly being updated—you can explore the four main themes: “Artisanal,” the couture collection; “Anonymity”; “Tabi”—the iconic shoes with the split toe cap; and “Bianchetto.” In China, there was quite a bit from the archives on display. For those who weren’t there, the exhibition content and more can be found in the Dropbox folders: old archival photos, behind-the-scenes videos, project plans, working documents… So much for “Anonymity.” A dream come true for anyone who doesn’t just find fashion pretty to look at, but wants to learn the deeper meaning behind cuts and fabrics. maisonmargiela.com
