Cecilie Bahnsen Celebrates Alpha Industries Collab With DSM Paris Exhibit

Summary

• Cecilie Bahnsen focused on honoring the iconic craftsmanship of Alpha Industries by keeping traditional details like the signature nylon and interior onion quilting while reimagining the silhouette to be as feminine as possible

• The design process was treated as a creative exercise in elevation, where Bahnsen added her own brand DNA through sculptural “trinkets” and floral motifs to transform the rugged personality of the original bomber jackets

• Bahnsen expressed deep inspiration from the versatility of the final product, noting that the different ways various women style the jackets bring a unique attitude and personality to the collaboration

In a striking collision of military grit and ethereal femininity, Cecilie Bahnsen has teamed up with Alpha Industries to reimagine the world of utilitarian outerwear. To celebrate this debut collaboration, the duo has launched a special exhibit at Dover Street Market Paris, showcasing a three-piece lineup that turns the iconic MA-1 and N-2B bomber jackets into sculptural works of art. By applying Bahnsen’s signature “living collage” technique to Alpha’s heritage silhouettes, the collection offers a fresh, romantic perspective on classic flight gear.

The designer recalled in an exclusive conversation with Hypebeast, “I think for us, it was really special to get to work with the bomber jacket as an icon.” Bahnsen reflected on the collaboration that her goal was to preserve the soul of the original—maintaining the “beautiful nylon,” the industrial craftsmanship, and the signature interior onion quilting—while pushing the silhouette into a space that felt profoundly feminine. She approached the project like a puzzle, asking herself, “What trinket can you do? How can you elevate it? How can you add to it?” The result is a collection that transforms rugged military gear into something sculptural and delicate, yet Bahnsen is most inspired by the life the jackets take on once they leave the atelier. “I feel like it’s also a product that has so much different attitude and personality,” she noted, highlighting the versatility of the reimagined jackets.

The collection’s aesthetic is rooted in the theme of “transformation,” drawing inspiration from the hand-tinted illustrations found in the 1941 gardening book Garden Bulbs in Color. This influence is most visible in the black cropped MA-1, which features layers of laser-cut fabric that bloom across the industrial nylon. The N-2B bombers, available in tonal navy and sage green with soft pink accents, further push the boundaries of the original design. These jackets incorporate intricate floral patchwork and a unique hood-zip feature that, when opened, reveals the signature “onion” quilting underneath—shifting the garment’s shape entirely. For the designer, the true magic lies in the styling: “Just even today, seeing how many different women wear it differently—I really love it, it inspires me so much.” It is this intersection of utilitarian history and individual feminine expression that makes the collaboration a standout moment for both brands.

Cecilie Bahnsen and Alpha Industries have created a wardrobe that feels both protective and delicate. Releasing officially on January 23, 2026, this collaboration proves that even the most functional icons can be softened through a poetic lens, turning heavy-duty gear into something beautifully expressive and sculptural. Check out the collab online.

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