The four trends according to Christine Boland

From political discussions to sustainable issues; the world is worried. These topics are translated in different ways in the art and fashion world. How do these industries deal with charged topics like these? According to trend forecaster Christine Boland, the art and fashion world will now be all about healing and recovery. “It’s about drawing wisdom from traditions, having fun, humor and playfulness. We need that so much these days,” she says during her trend webinar Design Language Summer 2026.

Boland shares a trend analysis full of tenderness, cheerfulness and rough edges for the summer of 2026. And, just like in her FW25 prediction, imagination is once again extremely important. These are Boland’s predictions based on four themes.

Christine Boland predicts SS26 in flowing shapes and visual comfort

In a prediction about healing and recovery, we dive into a world full of flowing shapes with the first trend movement. This trend is designed by human emotions and fulfilled by artificial intelligence. Round shapes provide visual comfort. In the fashion world, this trend is about simple clothing items that do not seem new at first. But the gift here lies in the craftsmanship, the recognizable fabrics and the flowing shapes. Pleated and oversized garments are often used, but transparency – where high-quality fabrics are extremely important – is also discussed here. “This trend is about investing in quite luxury. It is a feast for the eyes, but does not provide an abundance of stimuli,” Boland summarizes.

On the catwalk, Max Mara, FIT and Anteprima already showed ‘Healing Aesthetics’. The color palette consists of pearl and shadow colors with a bright color here and there. The color white plays a central role.

Simple shapes and ingenious ensembles in SS26, according to Christine Boland

Whether experiencing political unrest or fear over global warming, humans crave serenity. How can we achieve that? By holding on to what works. In the creative industry, for example, young designers are taking traditional techniques and giving them their own innovative twist. Pure art is created, without too many frills. Those who are not familiar with the design world may think this looks primitive, but it is not. According to Boland, this is a theme full of simple shapes with ingenious ensembles.

When this theme is translated into fashion, we see many garments with a wrap, high slits and layering. ‘Crafted Minimalism’ has an elegant appearance, where a statement is occasionally made. The theme embraces the old craft and gives it a new look. For example, Hermès pays attention to age-old braiding techniques by making prints to innovate. Roberto Cavalli and Victoria Beckham are also aware of this trend. Mainly dark colors are used, where deep red, dark brown and black play a leading role, but off-white and matte gold colors, which sometimes tend towards green, are also important here.

Christine Boland predicts SS26: Rebellious fairytale princesses and Bohemian Bandits

Unfortunately, femicide is still a topic that regularly circulates in global media. Boland therefore sees the current circumstances as a man’s world. But that doesn’t mean women are hiding – on the contrary, they’re going to stir things up. In the theme ‘Reconsidered Romanticism’ we are dealing with rebellious princesses, pirate queens in bohemian bandits. Womanhood should be celebrated and that is not done through frumpy outfits and Barbie-like looks. Women choose cool, exuberant styles where the fairytale princess will still be present.

This theme draws inspiration from the time of captains, treasure chests and uniforms. It’s about having fun, living your life and attracting attention. In the summer of 2026 we will see many sculptural forms. In addition, we work with velvet, emblems and brocade, but also with buttons, collars and ruffles. “It also seems as if they have taken something from a treasure chest,” says the trend forecaster.

There is deconstruction and reconstruction. The result: outfits inspired by historical uniforms, made from ordinary fabrics in romantic pastels. Chanel, Burberry and Loewe, among others, already showed this trend on the catwalk.

Looking for uniqueness with AI in mind: This is SS26 according to Christine Boland

If there is one thing where time does not stand still, it is artificial intelligence (AI). Today there are few people and companies that do not use this. The technology has also taken deep root in the fashion world. Although it can take a lot of work off your hands, not everyone has surrendered to the technology. In the design world, says Boland, there is a creative counter-reaction. The maker profession is being put to the test as AI makes it easier to create things. Artists and designers are therefore looking for uniqueness. It doesn’t mean that AI is being banished – in fact, inspiration is being drawn from the technology. In this way, iconic art flows return and are thrown together. “It looks like it’s made by AI, but it’s not,” Boland explains. The theme ‘Artistic Intelligence’ has a surreal touch.

In this trend it is important that the hand of the maker is visible. An example that describes this trend well is the work of Dries van Noten, who zoomed in as far as possible on a flower and made a print of it, which created an animal effect. Anrealage and CFCL have also already committed themselves to this trend by applying AI imagination to shapes and colors.

It should be clear: Boland’s analysis makes the sun shine in a cloudy world. Those who use their imagination to the maximum will see that there are many possibilities to relax, be lifted up or be inspired in a tense environment. From flowing shapes and ingenious ensembles to bohemian bandits and beastly effects; it’s all about ‘creactivism’ – which was not without reason the title of Boland’s presentation. How do you shape the four trends?