The latest men’s catwalks kickstarted the A/W 26/27 season with an intense palette of rich winter darks and jewel-toned brights, played off against the grounding force of black, and a curveball that threw soft winter pastels and cool blues into the mix. The key takeaway is about using these emerging colour directions to confidently put a fashion spin on core wardrobe pieces.

The latest fabric directions on the A/W 26/27 men’s catwalks delivered something for everyone, with a playful mix of traditional tweeds and colourful plaids worked alongside tactile suede, velvet, corduroy and fur. Elsewhere, it’s all about top-to-toe leather, sleek, wet-look finishes and upcycled or distressed effects for a touch of vintage appeal.

A/W 26/27 is emerging as a significant colour- and fabric-led season, rendering options for new print and pattern directions thin on the ground. The key prints we’re seeing have lots of commercial appeal, as well as being the perfect complement to the palette of black-on-black and the rich autumnal darks or jewel brights.

Three distinct Key Looks are the driving force behind menswear next winter, offering commercial opportunities for all product areas. Rugged outerwear and colourful knits will appeal to the outdoorsy man, while customers with a more intellectual bent will happily tap into the season’s geek chic looks. And for the more junior fashionista, romantic military influences are leading the charge.

The latest catwalks delivered a sharply edited checklist of the season’s key items, with a strong emphasis on outerwear and knits. Exciting new trouser shapes are also on the must-have list, along with geek chic items, like the tweed sports jacket. The overall mood is for real clothes, with a sense of pragmatic longevity taking precedence over streetwear. 

Footwear and accessories for the season run the gamut from ultra-pragmatic – think beanies and utility pendants – to refined and elegant in slim footwear silhouettes and romantic neck adornments. However, it’s intellectual geek chic that stands out as the biggest influencer, with wire-framed glasses, preppy ties and soft satchels appearing in many key collections.