Now that the British Fashion Council has canceled London Men's Fashion Week this season, Martine Rose is taking matters into her own hands. This past weekend, the British-Jamaican designer presented her S/S26 collection entirely on her own terms.
The show took place in a former office building in Lisson Grove and, just like her previous presentations, was open to the London public — her audience.
An Ode to the City and Its People
Inspired by her childhood memories of Kensington Market, Rose presented a versatile collection centered around vintage sportswear, enriched with an offbeat, tailored flair. Her collections are known for their body-hugging, extravagant, and masculine-inspired designs, blended with street elements.
The S/S26 collection featured football jerseys, track jackets, blazers, leather coats, and graphic tees. Models walked through the draped venue wearing fluffy – almost poodle-like – wigs, cut-off denim shorts, and 1980s-inspired knits, making this another knockout Rose collection.
Her ongoing play with proportions and hybrid designs remains a key theme in her work. Think: socks sewn onto trousers, T-shirts that double as bags, and the Nike Shox MR4 Mule — a cross between sneakers and dress shoes (and my personal all-time favorite), returning this season in several new colorways.
The recurring slogan “Expect Perfection” runs like a recognizable thread through the collection, as does Rose’s love for London. The city serves not only as inspiration for the clothing and accessories, but also for the casting of the show.
The show and collection are a tribute to the local entrepreneurs, creatives, and market vendors who have formed the backbone of London’s cultural life for generations. A headline-making collection with an even louder message.
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