Bold statement: Fashion thrives on playful contrasts, and Bernadette Fall 2026 proves that daring mix of ladylike polish with contemporary edge. But here's where it gets controversial: can a collection rooted in nostalgia still feel fresh enough to surprise? The answer is yes. Bernadette and Charlotte de Geyter, an Antwerp-based mother-daughter duo, delivered a lively third Paris season that leans into personality as much as pattern.
To accompany the collection, they enlisted Belgian filmmaker Studio Alfons Meyer to produce a short film titled “The Hostess.” Set in a stately home, the narrative follows a troupe of women as they prepare for a party, using the mise-en-scène to reveal the distinct characters behind each look. Charlotte notes the cast’s diversity as a key strength, pointing to two white shirts with tone-on-tone embroidery: one oversized poplin piece and a second, more fitted and feminine silhouette, illustrating the range within their lineup.
In terms of design, de Geyter the younger handles the prints. Delphinium motifs bloom across caftans and satin evening gowns, while a winter garden motif emerges in a chiné hydrangea print. The collection also features roses and cherry blossoms, plus playful touches like juicy berry embroideries on gowns and tiny velvet evening pouches. New footwear includes higher heels and silk pumps that are hand-embroidered for an artisanal finish.
Floral details extend to cozy knits: a comfortable intarsia-knit sweater worn over a fuchsia silk evening gown, and a ribbed khaki cardigan with appliqué embroideries designed to pair with a taffeta mid-length skirt punctuated by bows at the dropped waist.
Ribbon motifs appear as a bright pink check on pajama sets and as accents at the waist and shoulders on crushed velvet dresses. Gingham silhouettes get a contemporary twist—an asymmetric shoulder here, a knitted reinterpretation there—casting a nostalgic nod to old-world glamour while staying firmly modern.
