G-STAR FW26: SPOTLIGHT RETURNS AND A NEW ERA INCOMING

editor ELIANA CASA
words DOMINIKA GLOWACZ

On a snowy Amsterdam evening at the RAWFACTORY, we kicked off the year right here, at G-STAR’s headquarters, for its FW26 collection Spotlight Returns. Back where it all began, Amsterdam, the collection emerged like a new era brought to life by newly appointed designers Lisi and Rushemy Botter, and that energy radiated throughout the entire show.

all images courtesy of G-STAR

The collection marked a clear step forward while remaining deeply rooted in G-STAR’s legacy. References to some of the brand’s most iconic runway moments were woven throughout, reinforcing denim as the main core of its identity. With FW26, G-STAR didn’t just revisit its codes; it confidently reclaimed its place as a true authority in denim.

Menswear and womenswear shared the runway in a unified presentation, offering a cohesive vision despite the collection unfolding across four distinct phases. The first chapter, Raw Research, accompanied by the show opening by artist FRENNA, explored innovation through construction, proportions, and exaggerated volumes: a statement of experimentation and technical ambition.

This gave way to Archetypes, a tribute to G-STAR’s heritage and the strength of its archives. Heavy denim, precise washes, and refined craftsmanship underscored the enduring impact of the brand’s most recognizable silhouettes. Then came The Return of the Arc, reviving the spirit of G-STAR’s iconic 2007 era. This phase reintroduced familiar shapes and attitudes through a contemporary lens, striking a balance between nostalgia and modernity.

The show closed with Women at the Core, a chapter that brought a powerful feminine language to the runway. Strong yet fluid silhouettes redefined denim through a new perspective, emphasising confidence, presence, and evolution - a clear signal of where G-STAR is headed next.