DESIGN and ART MAGAZINE: Feeling, Form and Function: Christian Wijnants’ Sensory Approach to Designing his Autumn/Winter 2025-26 Collection

One of the graceful designs by Christian Wijnants at his AW25/26 show in Paris, Photograph by Elli Ioannou

In an era of uncertainty, fashion can be both a shield and a sanctuary. Christian Wijnants understands this duality well. With his Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection, the Belgian designer suggests a quiet resilience: one where structure and softness coexist, and where his garments offer comfort and ease, writes Antonio Visconti. Photography by Elli Ioannou and Andrea Heinsohn.

Rich colours like deep burgundy

and comfortable knitwear were

key to the new collection.

Photograph: Elli Ioannou

AT the heart of Christian Wijnants new collection, called Sanctuary, is a play on contrasts: tailoring remains precise, yet not rigid, sharp-shouldered blazers and sculpted pencil skirts anchor the designs.

In Paris, the runway unfolded as an invitation to embrace the warmth of fabric as a form of protection. The designs are not simply to be worn, they are designed to enfold, reassure, and become an extension of the self,

There were coats which cocooned the body, long scarves that transformed into capes, and bags that resembled plush pillows: a literal manifestation of Wijnants’ desire to create fashion that envelops the body.

Puffer slippers accompany matching down coats in muted shades of rose, offering a sense of warmth amid the season’s chill. Here, comfort is not an afterthought; it is the foundation.

The designer’s signature love for textiles with texture play a defining role. From felted pinstripes that add depth to movement, to organza that filters light with an ethereal quality, every fabric has a particular purpose.

The evocative silks and linen-wool blends highlight the artistry behind each piece, reinforcing the idea that Wijnants’ designs are meant to be both seen and felt. Knitwear, always a standout in his collections, is elevated this season with strong shoulders and elongated silhouettes that exude elegance. A mohair overcoat in soft gray and a fringed dusty rose dress embody the tactility that Wijnants so often champions.

The designer's aesthetic softens with coats cocooning the body, long scarves transforming into capes, and bags resembling plush pillows

The column dress with the striking

Milky Way design was a highlight.

Photograph: Andrea Heinsohn

The colour palette, while subdued, is far from sombre. Wijnants leans into warm, earthy hues such as chocolate, cream and ochre, interspersed with tones of pale sage and deep burgundy.

The effect is one of grounded serenity, a reminder that fashion’s power lies not only in spectacle but in the emotions it evokes. This collection whispers rather than shouts, proving that minimalism, when executed with nuance, can be engaging and easy to wear.

Prints make an appearance but in a subtler, more abstract way. This season, Wijnants experimented with bleach sprays to create organic, almost painterly patterns, delicate yet impactful.

A column dress with a Milky Way-inspired motif (see at right) adds a celestial touch, while a water-blot print offers an intriguing interplay between fluidity and form. It’s a testament to Wijnants’ virtuoso ability to work with variable patterns so successfully.

Functionality remains a key consideration, but never at the expense of artistry. Many of the garments are designed to be wrapped, layered, or styled in multiple ways, reinforcing the idea of fluidity and adaptability.

Knitwear, always a standout in Wijnants collections, is elevated with strong shoulders and elongated silhouettes that exude elegance

Fluidity and ease of wearing

were central to the designs.

Photograph: Elli Ioannou

A striking olive-green woolen bib is worn beneath a scarf-cape and loose-fitting trousers, demonstrating the designer's ability to merge practicality with poeticism. Even his more tailored pieces, blazers with power shoulders, body-skimming midis, feel like they belong in a wardrobe built for both empowerment and repose.

Christian Wijnants’ journey in fashion has long been rooted in innovation. Since launching his brand in 2003, the Antwerp-based designer has been celebrated for his mastery of knitwear, his bold approach to using colour, and his ability to create clothing that feels personal.

Having won accolades such as the International Woolmark Prize and the ANDAM Award, Wijnants continues to push his aesthetic forward while staying true to his core values.

As the Paris show concluded, it was clear that the collection was not just about design but a philosophy for living.

In a world that often demands a robust response, Christian Wijnants offers a gentler kind of strength, one found in the flexibility and ease of his clothes that make the wearer feel both protected and comfortable. An ethos that ameliorates the chaos reigning outside.

Scroll down to see more highlights from Christian Wijnants collection in Paris