Jacquemus: A Fresh Ode to Family, Provence, and Sophisticated Simplicity

For Simon Porte Jacquemus, spring 2026 wasn’t just about presenting another collection—it was a heartfelt tribute to his roots, his family, and the landscape that shaped his vision. In a moment of sheer emotional weight, the designer set the tone for the season’s offering by bringing a barefoot boy dressed in white to run through the Orangerie at Versailles. His task? To open a heavy oak door, symbolically allowing Jacquemus’ tribute to his peasant family to flood the space.

“This is a big thank you to my family,” Jacquemus shared before the show, his voice catching with emotion. “They believed in me and empowered me. They gave me that.” His words were grounded in an undeniable sense of gratitude, and it’s this deep personal connection to his heritage that has become the beating heart of Jacquemus’ brand since its inception at the age of 19.

A Family Affair: The Roots of the Spring 2026 Collection

If you’ve ever wondered where the magic of Jacquemus comes from, the answer is rooted in the sun-kissed fields of Provence. Drawing from vintage family photos, Jacquemus revisited images of his relatives harvesting carrots, lettuce, and green beans, their hands stained by the earth they tilled. This connection to the land became the foundation for his latest work: humble yet transformative, and as sophisticated as it is serene.

The entire collection evokes the simplicity of rural life, but with an unmistakable air of high fashion. At first glance, it feels like the kind of wardrobe you might see on a summer’s day in Provence, with its cotton and linen fabrics, aprons, embroidered tablecloths, and soft, billowy headscarves. Yet, there’s nothing humble about it. Jacquemus’ interpretation takes those everyday garments and elevates them into something that feels, well, haute—there's an undeniable sophistication in the way he uses materials like broderie anglaise, which swirls across voluminous skirts and tiered dresses, transforming them into modern-day couture.

A More Subtle, Sexy Jacquemus

Although Jacquemus is known for his flirtation with the erotic—especially after last season’s sheer, barely-there looks at Versailles—Spring 2026 saw the designer shift gears. This collection felt more grounded, with the sexiness turned down in favor of subtle, understated elegance. Instead of flashing skin in all its glory, the designer leaned into refined sensuality: dresses with swathed shawl collars in leather, gently curving backs that hinted at a hint of derriere, and delicate glimpses of shoulders or a bare spine. It’s the kind of understated seduction that whispers rather than shouts.

While sensuality is still woven into the collection, it was far more about creating a sophisticated balance between softness and structure. Jacquemus captured this beautifully in his pieces for both women and men. Menswear, in particular, stood out with its sharp tailoring—large, sloped shoulders nipping into the waist, evoking a sense of proud, formal Sunday bests that felt fresh for the modern man.

The Charming (and Literal) Vegetable Story

Then, there were the vegetables. Yes, vegetables. Jacquemus brought the farm to fashion with an almost playful injection of farm life into his accessories. Imagine bags shaped like leek, garlic, and rosemary—crafted in buttery soft leather—pairing perfectly with sleek, structured designs. This farm-to-fashion aesthetic was more than just a quirky addition to the collection; it was a charming nod to Jacquemus’ upbringing and his love for the simple, natural beauty of his Provence roots. It was as if he were saying, “This is where I come from, and this is what I make.”

One of the most delightful moments of the show saw models walking with trays of cherries, tomatoes, and strawberries—crafted from leather in such a way that they looked like they could have been plucked straight from the garden. Not to be missed, the farm box carried by one of the models, holding a brace of the classic Jacquemus clutch bags, was the perfect nod to the duality of Jacquemus’ career: equally rooted in the earth and fashion-forward in design.

Where Jacquemus is Heading: The Sunshine of Fashion

At just 35, Jacquemus’ growth is nothing short of impressive, yet he remains as hungry and ambitious as ever. “This show is about where I’m from, and where I’m going,” he said with a quiet confidence. His passion for fashion is matched only by his unwavering optimism, and it’s that sense of lightness and joy that gives Jacquemus collections their unmistakable glow.

“I want to be the sunshine of fashion,” he shared—a statement that, after seeing Spring 2026, feels like more than just a vision. It’s a promise.

As we watched the models glide across the runway in Jacquemus’ elegant homage to Provence, it became clear: this collection is more than just clothes. It’s a love letter to family, a nod to the past, and a step toward an even brighter future. Jacquemus isn’t just redefining the fashion industry; he’s making it feel alive.