Japanese Designer Junya Watanabe Takes Everyday Objects to New Heights at Paris Fashion Week SS26
When it comes to pushing boundaries, Japanese designer Junya Watanabe is always up for the challenge. And for his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, he did not disappoint. Watanabe transformed ordinary tools into extraordinary works of art, leaving audiences in awe with his ability to create jaw-dropping shows.
Watanabe wasted no time, kicking off the sixth day of Paris Fashion Week bright and early with a collection that blurred the lines between the ordinary and the exceptional. In a statement, he explained, “Extraordinary art born from the everyday. By treating readymade items – objects originally intended for specific purposes – as one of the materials, I recontextualized them and explored forms that could never be achieved through conventional methods.”
The first look set the tone for the show, featuring a slim black gown paired with striking red pumps. The second look followed with a tan trench coat suspended from wooden hangers, while the third look showcased a lace dress with a wide-brimmed hat covering the upper half. But it was the unexpected pieces that truly stole the show, such as a white summer dress transformed into a sculpture of open umbrellas and metallic pieces with sleeves made from spoons.
From forks and glasses to boxing gloves and a collaboration with Stüssy, Watanabe turned Paris Fashion Week into an art class. Don’t just take our word for it, take a closer look at the Junya Watanabe SS26 collection in the gallery above. Prepare to be amazed.
