The Haute Couture Revolution: Robert Wun’s Daring Spring/Summer 2026 Show
A Tradition Steeped in Opulence
At the heart of Paris, where elegance and luxury converge, the Place Vendôme has long been synonymous with jewellery excellence. Its presentations, woven from centuries-old archives, draw heavily from the rich tapestry of haute couture ateliers and horology. Yet, at the recent spring/summer 2026 haute couture show by Hong Kong-born, London-based designer Robert Wun, this tradition faced an exhilarating challenge.
Robert Wun: The Rule Breaker
Wun, known for his avant-garde aesthetic, consistently redefines conventional expectations in couture. At his latest show, attendees were treated to a sensory treat — garments that embraced intentional deterioration. Fabrics bore burn marks and stains reminiscent of red wine, setting the stage for a bold exploration of what couture can entail. The designer’s work pushes the boundaries of beauty, straying far from the pristine images traditionally expected on the runway.
Playful Fruity Elements
A highlight of Wun’s collection was its collaboration with Anabela Chan, a London-based jeweller famed for her innovative use of lab-grown materials. The collection showcased “Fruit Gems,” which are crafted using ingredients like beetroot and blueberries and symbolically tapped into the connection between fashion and sustainability. Chan’s work aims to challenge traditional notions of value by incorporating these vivid, nature-inspired gemstones.
A Melange of Design Concepts
Wun’s collection was thoughtfully segmented into three distinct chapters: “Library,” “Luxury,” and “Valour.” Chan’s luxurious designs played a pivotal role in the second chapter, creating jewellery that complemented Wun’s vision. Models walked the runway in what appeared to be living display cases, clad in plush, flocked velvet that mimicked jewelry vitrines. This eye-catching presentation enveloped the audience in a compelling narrative of desire and luxury.
Material Matters: A Nod to Sustainability
Chan’s background as an architect melded seamlessly with her role as a jeweller; her pieces reflected a deep understanding of materiality and form. The use of sustainable materials, such as lab-grown gemstones and recycled aluminum, marked a striking departure from the traditional reliance on precious gems. As prices for gold soared, Chan demonstrated that high-fashion jewellery could indeed arise from humble beginnings, fundamentally altering the conversation surrounding luxury.
An Explosion of Colour and Forms
On the catwalk, Chan’s intricate pieces paired strikingly with traditional jewels. Views of beetroot gemstones juxtaposed against pigeon-blood rubies and purple sapphires created an eye-popping visual feast. The bold combinations fostered a conversation about aesthetics and values, tying back to the historical inspirations from Maharaja jewels and French court fineries that Chan sought to invoke.
The Red Carpet Ready Designs
With A-listers like Rihanna and Taylor Swift donning her lab-grown creations, Chan’s work resonates far beyond the runway. In the high-stakes world of couture, her unique approach made waves, reshaping the standards of red carpet jewellery. Whether it was spinach against emeralds or sweet potato contrasting with purple sapphires, each piece told a story, merging the worlds of fashion and food in a whimsical exploration of materials.
Through this innovative blend of tradition and modernity, Robert Wun’s spring/summer 2026 show not only celebrated couture’s rich history but also embraced a future anchored in sustainability and playful creativity. As he continues to pave a new path in haute couture, Wun’s daring vision captures the imaginations of fashion lovers around the world, heralding a transformation in the industry that is both necessary and thrilling.