Christian Wijnants FW26 backstage & on the runway Antwerp Fashion Festival

           

   

It was a true homecoming for Christian Wijnants, who presented his new Fall/Winter '26 collection at Antwerp’s Provinciehuis last weekend during the Antwerp Fashion Festival. The venue, a stunning architectural gem located just 300 meters from the designer’s own home, perfectly complemented the collection. Its modern concrete architecture, sharp lines, and surrounding greenery beautifully mirrored the nature-inspired theme of the clothes. This synergy was especially striking on the rooftop runway, where the brutalist concrete structures served as a gorgeous backdrop.

The collection itself draws inspiration from the peace and stillness of Kyoto's Japanese Zen gardens. Wijnants translated this serene atmosphere into warm, protective silhouettes that feel like a comforting cocoon in a chaotic world. The wavy patterns running through the pieces mimic the meticulously raked sand of Zen gardens, a detail beautifully evident in the sweaters, which feature elegant, endless lines. Enhancing this minimalist aesthetic, many of the coats are collarless, evoking the simple robes worn by Japanese monks.

For the fabrics, Wijnants collaborated with the famous Steiff teddy bear company, using their signature soft, furry materials to create cozy, oversized coats and bags. The color palette remains grounded in nature, relying on quiet tones like moss, sage, and deep forest green. These earthy hues are paired with unique silhouettes, where coats feature exaggeratedly loose shoulders and sleeves while remaining sharply cinched at the waist.

Our absolute standout look was the long, black trailing skirt paired with a sleeveless black glitter top. Another major favorite was the white pleated dress; with its loose fit and wide turtleneck, the piece felt timeless, chic, and deeply aesthetic. Finally, the green mélange suit stole the show, captivating us with its beautiful coloration, femininity, tailoring, and perfectly coordinated finish.