AW26: A Season of Expansion, Encounters & Creative Exchange

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From our showrooms in Paris, Munich and Berlin to some special highlights, AW26 was a success!
Published on
February 28, 2026
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As we move into SS27, we want to take the time to reflect on the last one. The AW26 season has given us the opportunity to grow, discover new perspectives, and build creative connections – moments that have meaningfully shaped how we think about brands, spaces, and collaboration.

It was a season defined less by isolated highlights and more by a continuous movement: the steady development of relationships, the opening of new environments, and an ongoing dialogue between brands and people.

Expanding Our Brand Universe

We are very pleased to have welcomed two new brands into our portfolio this season: Airforce Sport and Mackintosh. Both labels expand our brand universe in distinct yet complementary ways.

Airforce Sport brings a modern, functional approach to design – a language that effortlessly bridges performance and everyday wear. One of the key moments this season was our shared ski trip and editorial shoot with the brand, offering a unique opportunity to experience Airforce Sport in its natural winter context. We got the chance to explore first hand how to perform as best as possible on the slopes while also looking ready for a little après-ski.

Mackintosh, on the other hand, represents a deeply rooted British outerwear heritage. Iconic, precise, and timeless – a brand that does not follow trends but instead maintains a consistent visual and functional identity across decades with its signature rubber-bonded raincoat.

Season Highlights

There were to many highlights this season to give list them all, but here are a few selected ones to paint a picture:

We published our 9th issue of the Melagence Paper, exploring serenity in today’s day and age, including interviews with Mackintosh and Airforce Sport, as well as our buyer’s brief and one or the other extra surprise. For the editorial shoot we went high up in the mountains of Bad Gastein, Austria, testing the skiwear from Airforce Sport and finding beautiful backdrops for the collections of our other brands.

In late February we took to the Melaslopes: A week visiting our retailers with the Airforce Sport collection in tow. If you did not make it to the showroom, no worries, we brought it to you. 

As part of our Paris showroom we hosted an intimate dinner with Rabens Saloner, connecting the brand and some retailers, enjoying an evening of stimulating conversations about everything ranging from fashion forecasts to the general issue of Parisian traffic.

Showrooms in Paris, Munich & Berlin

Our showrooms in Paris and Munich were key spaces this season, where collections were not only presented but truly experienced. Within carefully curated environments – featuring furniture by Schönbuch and floral installations by Chikako Fleuriste – the showrooms became immersive settings that extended beyond traditional product presentation.

Guest brands, collaborations, yoga sessions, shared dinners, and countless conversations transformed these spaces into vibrant environments of exchange – open, dynamic, and closely connected to the collections themselves.

Our Berlin showroom also remained an important anchor throughout the season: a consistent space for meetings, spontaneous visits, in-depth conversations, and the ongoing discovery of new collections.

Closing Note

This season has once again shown how deeply fashion is shaped by context – by the people, spaces, and relationships that surround it. We look forward to continuing these developments and opening new chapters in the season ahead.

Related Brand: Barena Venezia

The family-owned brand Barena Venezia has redefined casual elegance in Italy and beyond for over 27 years. Long before “sprezzatura” and “soft tailoring” became fashion buzzwords, Barena blended refined fabrics with workwear influences, creating a distinctive aesthetic. Inspired by the rural dress of Venetian workers, the brand takes its name from the Italian word “baro”, meaning “emerged lands,” a nod to Venice’s unique lagoon landscape. As creative director Massimo Pigozzo states, “Nothing inspires us more than life by the sea and the lagoon,” a philosophy that remains central to Barena’s identity.

Barena’s roots date back to 1961, when founder Sandro Zara began exploring the archives of old Venetian wool mills, discovering historic patterns and textiles that would later shape the brand’s fabric-first philosophy. Officially launched in 1993, Barena set itself apart with a dedication to timeless craftsmanship over fleeting trends. A key turning point came in the late 1980s when Zara partnered with Massimo Pigozzo, leading to the development of a full menswear collection, defined by an effortless fusion of elegance, sportiness, and utility. 

In 2008, Sandro’s daughter Francesca Zara joined the company, expanding the brand into womenswear. Many pieces are inspired by early 20th-century patterns, with designs brought to life in the brand’s in-house laboratory, where artisans carefully construct each garment. This approach ensures that every collection seamlessly blends Venetian heritage with modern sophistication.

By collaborating with artisans and producers in Venice, the brand continues to celebrate its city’s rich cultural legacy. The colors of the lagoon, the textures of the sea, and the silhouettes of venetian workers are reflected in every collection. Season after season, Barena Venezia reinterprets classic workwear with an effortlessly refined and versatile aesthetic, creating a wardrobe that is both timeless and contemporary. 

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Related Brand: Airforce Sport

Airforce Sport is a forward-thinking ski brand positioned at the intersection of contemporary fashion and alpine performance. Designed for a discerning international audience, the brand offers an extensive women’s and men’s collection where visual identity leads, supported by uncompromising quality and technical expertise.

Each collection is developed as a complete wardrobe concept. From precisely tailored ski pants to refined pullies and layering pieces, Airforce Sport enables retailers to present fully coordinated looks that resonate both on the slopes and in lifestyle-driven retail environments. The silhouettes are clean, the materials premium, and the detailing deliberate, resulting in products that feel modern, confident, and distinctly elevated.

With a strong focus on craftsmanship, fit, and durability, Airforce Sport delivers collections that meet the expectations of performance-oriented consumers while appealing to a fashion-conscious clientele. For retailers and buyers seeking a ski brand with a clear design DNA, strong visual appeal, and commercial coherence, Airforce Sport offers a compelling and contemporary proposition.

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Related Brand: Mackintosh

Since 1824, Mackintosh has stood as one of the world’s most influential coat makers –  a name that has become practically synonymous with timeless waterproof outerwear. At the heart of the brand lies a powerful DNA: unparalleled craftsmanship, mastery over rubber-bonded fabric, and a ceaseless commitment to evolving design.

The brand’s story begins with the Scottish chemist and name-giver Charles Macintosh, who in 1823 patented a revolutionary method for waterproofing cloth by sandwiching two layers of textile around a layer of natural rubber. Over the following years he collaborated with Thomas Hancock who developed rubber vulcanisation methods, preventing stiffness, odor and increasing the garment’s overall durability. The company was soon discovered by British institutions ranging from the army and police to the railway system.

Even in today’s day and age, Mackintosh remains deeply rooted in its strong heritage: Every coat is still handcrafted relying on time-honoured techniques. The signature fabric construction of two cotton layers being embraced by a core of rubber is carefully sewn and sealed by hand – a process mastered via multi-year apprenticeships. 

While being famous for the classic outerwear, the brand has kept expanding and innovating its lines resulting in a Mainline collection and contemporary collections with leading fashion luxury houses. This versatility speaks to the brand’s ability to balance timeless heritage with modern creativity.

As a global brand, Mackintosh has also navigated a fascinating journey: after changing hands several times, it was acquired in 2007 by Japanese company Yagi Tsusho. Its production now bridges continents – with the bonded fabric made in Japan before being shipped to factories in the UK for final assembly. Meanwhile, the brand continues to cultivate a refined, understated elegance, offering outerwear that is both functionally superior and aesthetically enduring.

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Related Brand: Casa Nata

Casa Nata is all about effortless style - modern, timeless, and free from passing trends. With a focus on clean lines, premium materials, and refined details, each piece is designed to be a staple with a twist. The collection embodies a purist yet feminine aesthetic, offering strong, versatile essentials that can be mixed, matched, and reinvented time and again. It’s fashion stripped down to its essence - chic, confident, and uncomplicated.

Founded by Carolin Sangha in 2016, Casa Nata is a reflection of her personal style and creative vision. With a background in fashion and interior design, she has spent years shaping brands and collections with a sharp eye for quality and craftsmanship. Inspired by her upbringing in India, extensive travels, and passion for pure shapes and colors, she has created a label that merges minimalism with thoughtful details, making each design subtly unique.

Every Casa Nata piece is made in Germany, produced exclusively in a family-run atelier in Bavaria, where expert craftsmanship meets sustainable production methods. The collection is built around natural fibers, consciously sourced and minimally processed to reduce environmental impact. When leather is used, it is naturally tanned, and only the most responsible dyeing processes are applied. 

Casa Nata believes in quality over quantity - choose well, and invest in pieces that truly last.

Beyond clothing, Casa Nata is a mindset - a way of dressing that feels effortless yet intentional. The brand collaborates with artists and creative women worldwide, developing projects that go beyond fashion and celebrate a shared vision of beauty, simplicity, and sustainability. With a showroom in Munich, Casa Nata welcomes those who appreciate timeless style, impeccable craftsmanship, and the freedom to dress with clarity and confidence.

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Related Brand: Zenggi

At ZENGGI, they make quality and stylish design available to women. Their subtle and quality collections are designed by Marian Wigger, who focuses on combining refined simplicity with a timeless blend of past and present.

Their collections are made to make your everyday life more stylish and fashionable. They’re full of wearable, well-thought-out designs for which every detail is just right. They produce as much as possible in Europe with family businesses, where the seamstresses have as much love for their craft as they do. You can see and feel this attention to every detail in every piece.

They see fashion as a ‘métier’ - a craft in which heritage and tradition are to be respected. Their collections are subtle fusions of past and present, in which innovative fabrics and classic production techniques are effortlessly paired with each other. They always start with the unique qualities of their fabrics. The design naturally follows the possibilities and limitations of each fabric.

They understand that your days are filled with stressful decisions. That is why they don’t present overwhelming collections, but a selection of items that can be combined in an endless amount of ways. This means you will always have a complete and coherent wardrobe. With their label TRVL DRSS, you will also look effortlessly stylish when you're on the go: every item is wrinkle-free and specially developed for a long-lasting, well-groomed look, whatever adventure you find yourself on.

They don't follow trends through timeless designs and sustainable products, slow fashion is woven into their DNA. They produce their collections as sustainably as possible, with respect for the planet and its inhabitants. Marian selects all the fabrics personally and monitors every detail in the production process. Their new collections are never a revolution, rather an evolution. Through this fluid succession, they guarantee refined collections that remain wearable and relevant for years, because style lasts longer.

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Related Brand: Diemme

The high-end footwear brand Diemme offers collections that range from sneakers to mountaineering boots, readapted for city use. Every pair is made in Italy at the Calzaturificio Diemme factory in Onè di Fonte, Veneto - a small town in Northeastern Italy known as a hub for performance footwear production and innovation. Diemme draws on this rich regional heritage to develop modern products rooted in performance-driven craftsmanship, with every production step taking place locally in Veneto.

Founded and managed by brothers Dennis and Maico Signor, Diemme brings over 25 years of expertise in outdoor and performance footwear. Beyond its own collections, the brand has collaborated with some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, including Maison Martin Margiela, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, as well as renowned Japanese labels like Nonnative and Victim. From design to development to production, every aspect is handled with a deep commitment to quality, ensuring that each pair meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and durability.

As a vertically integrated company operating under one roof, Diemme has the unique ability to source and work with the finest leathers and materials available. Each shoe is carefully handcrafted by expert artisans, maintaining the integrity of Italian shoemaking traditions. Diemme creates limited-edition collections with an unmatched level of artistry and attention to detail.

Sustainability and authenticity are central to Diemme’s philosophy. The brand prioritizes premium materials, superior construction, and long-lasting footwear. By investing in high-quality production and ethical labor practices, Diemme ensures that each pair is not only beautifully crafted but also made by artisans who are fairly compensated for their skills.

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Related Brand: Arc'teryx Veilance

Veilance is a premium performance brand founded by Arc’teryx in 2009, combining minimalism, technical innovation, and precision craftsmanship. Designed for urban environments, Veilance reinterprets classic silhouettes using cutting-edge materials and construction techniques. The collection focuses on modular layering systems that provide superior climate control and adaptability to changing conditions. Every piece embodies a balance of functionality, understated aesthetics, and uncompromising quality.

Rooted in the expertise of Arc’teryx, Veilance benefits from decades of experience in crafting performance gear for extreme conditions. The brand operates from the foothills of Canada’s Coast Mountains, allowing for real-world testing and refinement of its designs. At the Veilance Design Center each product undergoes extensive development, ensuring optimal durability, protection, and comfort. This meticulous process results in clothing that seamlessly integrates into both city life and outdoor environments. 

A key element of Veilance’s innovation lies in its partnership with W.L. Gore, utilizing advanced GORE-TEX fabrics for waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance. The brand is committed to sustainability by prioritizing long-lasting materials and responsible sourcing, reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest technical standards. 

Veilance is a system of essential forms designed for movement, adaptability, and modern living. With an aesthetic rooted in clean lines and subtle detailing, the collection offers functional elegance for those who demand both performance and style. By continuously pushing the boundaries of design and material technology, Veilance remains at the forefront of progressive, high-performance fashion. 

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Related Brand: Christian Wijnants

Christian Wijnants stands for modern luxury and innovation. Based in Antwerp, the label presents four collections a year at Paris Fashion Week, including a runway show on the official calendar. Since 2019, the brand has also expanded into menswear. Known for its distinctive aesthetic, Christian Wijnants blends innovative knitwear, vibrant prints, and fluid silhouettes to create a poetic style.

Founded in 2003, the brand draws inspiration from Antwerp’s rich cultural heritage. Christian Wijnants’ designs reflect a sense of ease and freedom, with versatility at the core of each collection. His approach to fashion emphasizes artistic expression through delicate knitwear and striking color combinations, resulting in pieces that are both timeless and contemporary.

Christian Wijnants’ journey into fashion began in Brussels, where he was born, before moving to Antwerp in 1996 to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts. His graduate collection won the Dries Van Noten Award for best collection in 2000, followed by the Grand Prix at the Festival d'Hyères. These early accolades set the stage for the launch of his eponymous brand just a few years later.

With a focus on rich, layered graphics and fresh color palettes, Christian Wijnants has established himself as a leading designer in the industry. His dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity has earned him numerous awards, including the 2013 International Woolmark Prize, the 2006 ANDAM Award, and the 2005 Swiss Textiles Award. Today, his collections continue to captivate a global audience, offering a unique balance of artistry and wearability.

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Related Brand: Upper Hights

Refined seasonal details, each piece is designed to be a staple with a subtle twist. Upper Hights embodies a purist yet expressive aesthetic, offering strong, versatile essentials that can be mixed, matched, and worn day after day.

It’s denim distilled to its essence - familiar yet elevated, confident, and uncomplicated. Founded as part of Guestlist in 2014, Upper Hights builds on a legacy dating back to 2008, when three friends in Daikanyama, Tokyo launched the denim collective with a single goal: to elevate everyday denim through exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful production. That mission remains today. Upper Hights reflects that vision, born of Japanese heritage yet rooted in modern life - each garment imbued with presence, story, and soul.

Made in Japan in collaboration with premium mills like Kaihara Denim, every Upper Hights piece is crafted consciously, with environmental impact in mind. Blending artisanal tradition with mindful sourcing, the brand continuously seeks to reduce its footprint without compromising quality.

Clean, versatile fits flatter all body types, balancing ease, elegance, and a quiet edge. Upper Hights speaks to the woman who values timeless sophistication - pieces that grow with her and feel like second skin.More than denim, Upper Hights is a way of dressing - intuitive yet intentional. Rooted in workmanship, stories, and spirit, it’s a journey through craftsmanship and culture, inviting wearers to embrace clarity, confidence, and a more considered approach to style.

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