Editorial Rack: Fall Equinox 2026 Theme Report
Happy Fall Equinox! Today marks the first official start of the autumn season which is my favorite season of the calendar year (both for the spirit and for style). Fall is a time where time comes into balance, making life more steady, and where nature transitions us into chill mode, calling for us to go inward. With that said, with life slowing down, I wanted to get back into a groove and share my first trend analysis report for this fall season.
When developing editorial concepts for fashion photography, trend forecasting and analysis is a key component to this creative process. While studying at London College of Fashion for Buying and Merchandising, trend monitoring and research heavily influenced the hands-on experience in the program for it is an integral part of the buying and decision making process for product assortment. The methodical process included assessing WGSN reports, having conversations with customers in store and studying runway shows while paying close attention to the repetition of shapes/silhouettes, textiles, and colors.
Trend forecasting continues to influence my independent career as an independent fashion director and stylist. All of my editorial pitches to my teams intersect sociology, cultural insight and trend analysis. With an analytical educational background resulting in degrees in Accounting and Buying/Merchandising, I have taken delight incorporating this background into something more creative. With that said, I decided to have a little fun and developed editorial themes based on trends spotted while watching runway shows from AW2026/2027. These themes include a variety of designers I honed in on including Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Celine, Carolina Herrera, Khaite, Akris and Laquan Smith. Below you will find seven editorial trend reports, three focusing on textile and design with the other four focusing on style and aesthetic):
Ring my bell
A look that exudes "properly prim", bold voluminous silhouettes will take center stage this season with an emphasis on bell-pepper shaped skirts and dresses along with bell-shaped sleeves and shoulders.
velvet rope
Texture you’d want to eat, velvet takes on new forms for this current season as designers incorporated the textiles into a diverse array of articles including blazers, deep cut dresses and coats.
fairydust
Glimmering eyes are woven into fabric as glitter melange knitwear make an entrance to this current season.
de vil
The intersection of gloom and glam, this theme incorporates accents of crimson red amidst the darkness along with black and white spots.
westworld
Get ready to saddle up for the polished western aesthetic this season with long-lined dusters, textiles like cowhide, wool, tulle and canvas, as well as accessories like thigh high boots and brim hats.
medieval times
Ornate and structured, this fall aesthetic reigns true to the idea of The Medieval era as designers adopt a more modern and daring approach to emulating The Renaissance era.
workaholic
Ain’t no skirts in this boardroom as fall embraces the androgynous suiting in womenswear with double breasted blazers and wide legged trousers.