Yuima Nakazato Fall 2026 Couture
For Fall 2026 Couture, Yuima Nakazato explored the relationship between fashion and performance, presenting a collection inspired by Japanese theatre and the idea of transformation through costume.
Staged at the Maison des Métallos, the presentation drew on the theatrical tradition of costume changes as a way of revealing shifts in character and time. With only five models on stage, assisted by dressers and the designer himself, the collection unfolded as a sequence of evolving silhouettes.
Titled “Inferno,” the collection centred on the contrast between two opposing forces: water and fire. Images from Nakazato’s photography trip to Tenerife appeared across recycled fabric panels used both within the set and throughout the garments, creating references to waves, movement and natural elements.
The designer continued to develop his modular approach to clothing, inspired by the rectangular construction of the kimono and the different forms it can create depending on how it is worn. Layered pieces shifted and transformed throughout the presentation, revealing new shapes beneath each garment.
Water-inspired opening looks featured elongated silhouettes, with Nakazato’s signature “fragile armor” of ceramic chainmail appearing underneath. The designer continued his experimentation with clay, using digital tools for the first time to help create hundreds of small ceramic tiles that could adapt more precisely to the body.
These ceramic elements formed sculptural bustier-like designs that changed in colour and appearance, moving from blue to red, silver and gold. Dramatic masks, horn-like headpieces and flowing silk panels added to the collection’s theatrical atmosphere.
The final looks embraced the fire theme more directly, with translucent printed fabrics arranged into flame-like forms and garments covered in tiny bells that created movement and sound as the models walked.
Following the addition of three of Nakazato’s archival looks to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute collection, Fall 2026 Couture reinforced the designer’s belief that couture exists somewhere between fashion, craft and contemporary art.
