If you are planning to do shopping Milan this season, delve into the whimsical aura of Arthur Arbesser‘s latest collection that feels deeply personal yet visually expansive, drawing from the world of Austrian artist Maria Lassnig to shape a wardrobe defined by ease, color, and expressive form. Spring/Summer 2026 unfolds as an intimate exploration of identity and embodiment, where clothing becomes an extension of the self.
ArthurArbesser SS26, photo: ©Giulia Fassina
The narrative is rooted in Vienna, where Arbesser grew up with Lassnig as a neighbor. Passing encounters and quiet exchanges left an indelible impression, shaped as much by her presence as by her unmistakable way of dressing. Her bold, unconventional wardrobe stood apart, offering a visual language that would later resurface in Arbesser’s own creative universe. That early proximity now informs a collection that feels both reflective and forward-looking.
ArthurArbesser SS26, photo: ©Giulia Fassina
Color leads the story with instinctive clarity. Saturated tones and unexpected combinations create a painterly effect across the collection, echoing Lassnig’s expressive canvases. A key visual thread emerges through an animalier motif inspired by her 1975 work Sleeping with a Tiger. Here, the tiger becomes a symbol of strength and independence, translated into prints and elevated further through a sculptural papier-mâché head accessory that introduces a striking, almost surreal dimension.
ArthurArbesser SS26, photo: ©Giulia Fassina
Graphic elements define the rhythm of the collection. Oversized polka dots and abstract patterns reminiscent of oil paintings animate surfaces of cotton drill, crisp poplin, and stretch tulle. These fabrics enhance the relationship between structure and movement, allowing garments to flow naturally with the body. Silhouettes remain relaxed, airy, and easy to wear, conveying a sense of effortless confidence that feels instinctive rather than constructed.
ArthurArbesser SS26, photo: ©Giulia Fassina
The collection’s visual identity extends into its imagery, where inspiration from Lassnig’s experimental films comes into focus. Models appear as expressive figures, their poses intertwined with the garments to create compositions that feel both intimate and theatrical. Painted faces and deliberate staging add depth, transforming each look into a living portrait.
ArthurArbesser SS26, photo: ©Giulia Fassina
Footwear, created in collaboration with Marsèll, anchors the collection with a sculptural sensibility that complements its artistic direction. Each element contributes to a cohesive vision that merges fashion with a broader cultural dialogue.
ArthurArbesser SS26, photo: ©Giulia Fassina
Arthur Arbesser SS26 presents a refined yet expressive approach to dressing—one that embraces individuality, memory, and emotion. It is a collection that invites a deeper connection to clothing, where each piece resonates as part of a larger, artful narrative.
