This season, the inspiration for what we wear is coming from two vastly different worlds. On one hand, it’s found in the raw, unfiltered creativity of the streets. On the other, it’s being forged in the high-tech labs of the future. From an unexpected icon in Ukraine to a visionary designer in Seoul, this is the story of fashion’s dual identity.
The Accidental Muse: How a Man on the Street Redefined Style
Distressed knitwear, oversized coats, and artfully layered silhouettes. You might think these looks were pulled directly from a high-fashion runway, but their origin lies with Slavik, a man who wandered the streets of Ukraine. Photographer Yurko Dyachyshyn began capturing images of Slavik, chronicling his spontaneous and ever-changing outfits. This simple act of documentation turned Slavik into an unwitting style icon, with his approach to layering becoming a genuine source of inspiration for the fashion world.
His influence reached the very top of the industry, most notably inspiring designers like Demna Gvasalia during his tenure at Balenciaga. The creative parallels are striking: the season-defying layering of worn-out knits and the carelessly draped scarves that defined many of Demna’s collections bear a remarkable resemblance to Slavik’s signature style. In a strange twist of fate, a man on the street became one of modern fashion’s most unexpected muses.
Get the Look: Channelling the Effortless Vibe
As we head into autumn, we can all take a page from Slavik’s book. The key is to embrace an aesthetic of effortless layering and creative freedom. This season, the humble vest is your best mate for layering. Forget a single piece; try stacking vests of different materials, colours, and lengths to create a much richer silhouette than a simple jumper ever could. Another trick is the waist-tie accent—tying a cardigan or shirt around your waist instantly breaks up a simple outfit and adds a pop of interest. Finally, it’s all about the colour palette. Embrace soft earth tones like olive, khaki, and mustard, but follow Slavik’s lead by throwing in an unexpected pop of pastel, like a butter-yellow knit, to add a burst of life to an otherwise muted look.
The Technological Frontier: Seoul Pushes Fashion into the Future
While Slavik’s inspiration comes from raw reality, the other side of fashion is looking towards a very different frontier: technology. In Seoul, designer Hannah Shin is set to unveil her brand HANNAH SHIN’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, ‘La Nueva Perla’ (The New Pearl). Billed as the world’s first “Tech Couture Art Show,” the event promises a groundbreaking fusion of K-Robotics, K-Fashion, and K-Culture.
The collection itself draws inspiration from the formation of a pearl, exploring beauty created through accumulated layers of time. This concept is brought to life by integrating AI robotics, 3D printing, and advanced materials like titanium, made possible through collaborations with wearable robotics firm Angel Robotics and 3D printing specialist Cetatech. In a significant move, the show will feature commercially available products like industrial assistive suits and gait rehabilitation robots, reinterpreting real-world technology for the runway and moving beyond mere futuristic fantasy.
A Global Vision Forged in Seoul
With this show, HANNAH SHIN is cementing its position as a next-generation global brand. The label has already expanded its reach to Paris, Milan, and New York, gaining significant traction by dressing K-pop superstars like BLACKPINK and aespa. The upcoming show is expected to draw a star-studded crowd, with ‘Squid Game’ actor Song Ji-woo and entertainer Dex confirmed to attend, proving that while inspiration can be found anywhere, the future of fashion is being actively built.
