For Spring/Summer 2026, Tom Ford presented a collection under the creative direction of Haider Ackermann, centred on themes of seduction, desire and nobility.
The show explored seduction as a visual and physical dialogue, expressed through gazes, gestures and the interplay of concealment and revelation. Desire, described as ingrained in the spirit of the house, served as the guiding principle of the collection, framing the garments as embodiments of attraction and allure.
The silhouettes emphasised verticality, with tailoring that drew attention to the body while leaving space for subtle disruptions. Skin appeared through lace panels or slits, suggesting fragility beneath surface strength. Accessories furthered this narrative, such as the flash of a metal ring on sandals or the unexpected reveal of a leather bra beneath structured layers.
Colour played a key role in creating contrasts. The palette ranged from noble whites, deep browns and blacks to sudden bursts of yellow, orange and pastel blue. This interplay of light and shadow, brightness and depth, reinforced the collection’s dialogue between attraction and restraint. Fabrics were chosen for their tactile qualities, with silk, leather and cashmere offering a sensual dimension to the pieces.
The models’ styling supported the narrative of seduction and dignity. Graphic fringes framed the face, while lips glistened in striking shades, adding to the collection’s focus on controlled intensity. The tailoring combined precision with fluidity, incorporating elements of flou while also revealing sport-inspired details. This mixture of structure and ease underlined the duality at the heart of the presentation.
Nobility emerged as a central theme, not positioned as a matter of heritage or symbols, but as an attitude. It was framed as a way of carrying oneself, rooted in the belief that beauty can act as a form of resistance. In this sense, the collection looked beyond surface allure to propose elegance as a stance against conformity.
The closing note, “If just for one day, we can be heroes,” encapsulated the spirit of the show. Ford’s SS26 presentation was not only about garments, but about an exploration of character, confidence and the transformative power of beauty.
