The warrior imagined by Paolina Russo opens a new chapter in her suburban pilgrimage. For SS26, the London-based designer—together with Lucile Guilmard—leaves the asphalt behind to climb the mountains. Pastel tones mix with rainbows in a collage that looks like it was painted with crayons and chalk markers: the palette of a childhood notebook.
Between hand-painted prints and nods to mountain sportswear, the scene has something of a Laura Ashley remix about it, a rural innocence that clashes with tomboy energy. Her iconic team sports capsule is reinterpreted in floral chiffon dresses with scribbled logos—designed in collaboration with photographer Petros—and patchwork cotton sweaters reminiscent of vintage 90s teams. A henley top with a gathered picnic skirt becomes the uniform of a heroine who climbs to the summit with cheeks flushed by the wind.
Warrior knits evolve into striped tank tops; zippered cardigans and peplum skirts in linen and cotton are like a light interpretation of winter designs. The star piece of the collection: a handmade hoodie knitted in Peru by the artisans of Maison Arnaychay, embroidered with rainbow heart doodles.
Core Illusion knits feature spray-painted gradients on numbered polo shirts and patchwork babydoll tees, while picnic-print tracksuits bring bucolic charm straight to streetwear.
Photographed by Meen Kyung Kim, the campaign exudes the collage style of the early days of the internet, with the spirit of MS Paint from the 2000s. Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard once again bridge the gap between DIY and textile technology, creating the ultimate girlhood uniform. As if shouting “girls are warriors” in a 2026 version, Paolina Russo has created a collection that celebrates the strength of the female community and the imagination of a child.
Sigue toda la información de HIGHXTAR desde Facebook, Twitter o Instagram
You may also like...
