vowels SS26 Sharpens Yuki Yagi’s Creative Vision

Summary

• vowels brought its global approach to Paris to showcase its new Spring/Summer 2026 collection dubbed “what a day”
• The range combines both elevated basics and sophisticated menswear silhouettes in a presentation that puts designer Yuki Yagi’s cross-cultural capabilities on full display

Yuki Yagi‘s worldly perspective has positioned vowels as a true tapestry of streetwear. Entrenched in the designer’s extensive research and hearty archive of references, vowels tactically merges past and present, fusing the New York City fashion scene with the tried-and-true techniques employed by Tokyo’s artisans. With craftsmanship at its core, vowels’ Spring/Summer 2026 range is no exception; dubbed “what a day,” the collection, which was first shown in Paris in a captivating, indoor-outdoor showcase back in June, exemplifies Yagi’s unwavering commitment to continuously elevating his craft.

vowels’ key guiding principle of “Shu Ha Ri” – a press release describes as “mastering the fundamentals of a creative practice before breaking those rules and re-conceiving the form” – is once again at play here in “what a day.” “Inspired by Shu Ha Ri, we honor what we know, then push beyond it, finding newness in the gaps, the rough edges, the unexpected,” the release continues. “Quality still anchors everything. Now, there’s just a little more room to breathe and to smile. What A Day!”

With Shu Ha Ri laying the groundwork for the garments, the new seasonal range from the outfitter offers up a range of both everyday essentials alongside a plethora of more sophisticated tailored pieces, all of which come dipped in an easy-on-the-eyes, softer color palette of hues like Matcha, Mist, Persimmon and Lavender. Open-collared, a lineup of lush silk shirts come freshly twisted and woven on a shuttle loom, while seemingly simple graphics are finished off by way of intensive printing processes.

A recurring motif throughout the diverse delivery is the sunflower, stamped on shirting and suiting both outwardly and in more subtle capacities. Other standout pieces include a suede Trucker Jacket engulfed in a damp green shade, striped lightweight Reversible Shell Jackets as well as new takes on the label’s signature denim Chore Jacket.

Take a closer look at vowels’ Spring/Summer 2026 “what a day” collection in the lookbook above.

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