Grace Wales Bonner Reinvents Fashion Archetypes at Paris Fashion Week

PARIS, France — Grace Wales Bonner, the renowned British fashion designer and founder of the Wales Bonner brand, showcased her latest Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Paris Fashion Week on June 25, 2025. This season's collection, titled 'Jewel', was presented in an intimate setting adorned with bookshelves, reflecting the brand's deep-rooted inspiration drawn from literary figures such as James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni. The show featured notable models including Gene Gallagher, son of Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher; Wolf Gillespie, son of Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie; and Myles Lewis-Skelly, a rising star in Arsenal's football team.

The collection marked a significant evolution in Wales Bonner's design philosophy, as she sought to reinterpret classic clothing archetypes through a contemporary lens. Standout pieces included a hunting jacket tailored to emphasize the waist, a sleek black suit accented with brown lapels, and knitted jumpers paired with shorts. The designs were characterized by an innovative fusion of casual and formal styles, evident in the sequined chiffon shirts and low-slung jeans worn by Gillespie, contrasting with Lewis-Skelly's minimalist silk ensemble.

Wales Bonner's creative vision for this collection was influenced by her recent work for the Met Gala, particularly the theme of Black style and dandyism, which prompted her to consider how such influences could translate into everyday wear. "I wanted to have some sense of continuity and think about that character," Wales Bonner stated backstage. She emphasized the importance of integrating sports heritage, casual preppy aesthetics, and fine tailoring, aiming to create garments that resonate with both conceptual artistry and everyday desirability.

The designer's achievements over the past decade were also highlighted during the show, coinciding with the brand's tenth anniversary and impressive financial growth. According to reports, Wales Bonner's brand anticipates an 81% revenue increase compared to the previous year, attributing much of this success to her collaboration with Adidas, which began in 2020. This partnership has significantly elevated the brand's profile, with high-profile endorsements from celebrities such as Rihanna and Rishi Sunak.

In a noteworthy development, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection introduced a collaboration with Y-3, the label originally formed between Adidas and designer Yohji Yamamoto. This partnership was visually represented on the runway with a range of athletic-inspired pieces, including a tracktop and sneakers reminiscent of football boots. Wales Bonner described these footwear designs as “quite iconic,” potentially positioning them alongside her popular Samba shoes.

The fashion show occurred concurrently with the opening of an exhibition by Demna at Balenciaga, showcasing innovative designs that challenge traditional notions of luxury. As Demna transitions to Gucci, the fashion industry watches closely for the direction of both brands.

Grace Wales Bonner's ongoing evolution as a designer and her ability to blend cultural narratives with contemporary fashion aesthetics position her as a significant figure in the industry, fostering anticipation for her future collections and collaborations.