The Marques’Almeida Spring 2026 collection made a striking debut at London Fashion Week 2026, signaling a new chapter for the brand. Known for its grunge-inspired denim, leather, and bold prints, the design duo Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida shifted gears toward a vision of softness, fluidity, and optimism. This move marks not only an evolution in their creative direction but also a reflection of the cultural mood — balancing fragility with resilience in uncertain times.

Runway Venue: A Sky-High Stage for Lightness

The collection was showcased on the 59th floor of a London skyscraper, an open space with floor-to-ceiling windows. The venue choice was intentional, amplifying the central theme of airiness and transparency. As sunlight streamed into the room, fabrics glowed and silhouettes floated, creating a surreal atmosphere that mirrored the emotional depth of the collection.

This unique setting underscored Marques’Almeida’s desire to present not just clothing, but a mood — one that carried the audience into a world of elegance, calmness, and lightness.

Fabric Innovations: A Focus on Softness

At the heart of the Spring 2026 collection was a dedication to delicacy and movement.

• Models glided across the runway in transparent silk gowns rendered in earthy, grounding tones.

• The flowing dresses left behind trailing fabrics, extending the sense of fluid motion.

• Thin, diaphanous layers doubled as shawls and scarves, adding versatility while producing a natural windblown effect.

• A singular watercolor floral print appeared sparingly across select garments. This detail was not simply decorative; it carried symbolic meaning. According to the show notes, the image represented “effortless defiance” and the idea of blooming hope in volatile times.

The decision to pare back heavy prints in favor of softer imagery emphasized the designers’ focus on purity and minimalism. It was a stark contrast to earlier collections and gave audiences a glimpse into a more emotionally expressive side of Marques’Almeida.

Denim Revival: Marques’Almeida’s Signature DNA

While softness dominated much of the show, Marques’Almeida did not abandon its roots. About halfway through, the collection transitioned into more structured pieces that reintroduced the brand’s denim heritage.

• Acid-washed denim appeared in corsets, bustiers, and bubble-hem mini dresses.

• The designs featured playful yet edgy silhouettes, showcasing the duo’s continued love for experimentation.

• Marta Marques referred to these denim staples as essential to the “MA DNA”, noting that the softer elements of the collection would not make sense without the grounding effect of grunge-inspired pieces.

This deliberate return to denim highlighted the importance of contrast — airy silks balanced by sturdy denim, ethereal movement anchored by structured form. It reminded audiences that while the brand is evolving, it remains deeply connected to its rebellious spirit.

Finale Looks: A Bright, Optimistic Closing

The show culminated in two breathtaking gowns that brought together the themes of lightness and joy.

• A flowing organza gown in sunny yellow exuded warmth and optimism.

• A second gown in soft baby pink captured delicacy and romanticism.

Both looks were a visual representation of the collection’s balance between fragility and resilience. They also served as a powerful closing statement, leaving the audience with a sense of brightness and renewed hope.

Why Marques’Almeida Spring 2026 Matters

The Spring 2026 collection is more than a fashion showcase — it’s a reflection of the times we live in. In an era marked by uncertainty, the collection highlights the power of adaptability and balance:

• Soft vs. hard: airy fabrics alongside denim structure.

• Minimal vs. expressive: delicate watercolor prints against bold silhouettes.

• Fragility vs. resilience: emotional softness reinforced by grounded design DNA.

By embracing these contrasts, Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida are not abandoning their past but rather evolving their aesthetic to meet the needs of a changing world. The Spring 2026 collection positions Marques’Almeida as a forward-looking brand that values both emotional expression and practical grounding.

For a complete visual gallery of the runway looks, visit Fashionista’s coverage.

See every look from Marques’Almeida Spring 2026 below.