Bernadette Fall 2026: A Celebration of Style and Storytelling
The fashion world was abuzz with excitement as Bernadette and Charlotte de Geyter unveiled their latest collection, a playful and elegant take on ladylike dressing. For their third season in Paris, the Antwerp-based mother-daughter design duo collaborated with Belgian filmmaker Studio Alfons Meyer to create a captivating short film, setting the stage for a unique exploration of their designs.
Titled "The Hostess," the film showcases a group of women preparing to host an elegant party in a stately home, providing a rich backdrop for the designers' imaginative storytelling. "Our collection is all about embracing diversity," Charlotte de Geyter explained, highlighting the range of personalities reflected in the garments. She pointed to a pair of white shirts as an example, one with ample proportions in crisp poplin and the other more fitted, fluid, and girly, demonstrating the variety within their design vision.
Charlotte, the younger of the de Geyter sisters, took the lead on designing the prints, infusing the collection with a vibrant palette. Allover delphinium spurs adorned a caftan, while a satin evening gown featured a winter garden-inspired chiné hydrangea print. Roses and cherry blossoms added a touch of romance, and juicy berries were embroidered onto gowns for a playful twist. The shoe collection introduced new shapes, including higher-heeled styles and hand-embroidered silk pumps.
The cozy knitwear collection received a floral makeover, featuring an intarsia sweater worn over a fuchsia silk evening gown, reminiscent of Bernadette's signature style. A ribbed khaki cardigan with appliqué embroideries was designed to be paired with a taffeta mid-length skirt, adorned with bows at the dropped waist. The signature ribbon details added a touch of elegance, whether on bright pink pajamas or crushed velvet dresses, emphasizing the waist and shoulders.
One of the collection's standout features was its contemporary twist on classic gingham silhouettes. Asymmetric shoulders and knitted reinterpretations added a modern edge to the nostalgia-infused wardrobe, paying homage to old-world glamour with a fresh and innovative approach.
