Ann Demeulemeester SS26: Stefano Gallici Blends Literature, Music, and Sports
Stefano Gallici, the designer behind the Ann Demeulemeester Spring/Summer 2026 collection, has drawn inspiration from an unexpected mix of sources. The collection, shown recently to an eager audience, including Netflix stars Jenna Ortega and Jamie Campbell Bower, blends narratives from literature, music, and anime. Gallici's growing confidence in infusing youthful vibes into the brand may, however, risk alienating some core Demeulemeester devotees.
Gallici's literary influences are evident in his work. He found similarities between Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' and Danny Sugerman's 'Wonderland Avenue', which inspired his latest collection. The designer, known for his daily reading habit of at least 30 minutes before bed, has seamlessly intertwined these narratives with those from music and anime.
The collection opened with a reinterpretation of Victorian era tailoring, softened with a contemporary filter and contrasted with leather pieces. It closed with a segment that evoked the dark romanticism of the Ann Demeulemeester house. Among the pieces shown were corsetry, regimental jackets, and silk basketball jerseys, reflecting Gallici's diverse influences. His interest in anime was reignited by a book about Pete Maravich.
Stefano Gallici's Spring/Summer 2026 collection for Ann Demeulemeester is a testament to his wide-ranging influences and his confidence in pushing the brand's boundaries. While it may stir debate among long-time fans, the collection's blend of literature, music, and anime, along with its youthful vibes, signals the brand's effort to attract a new audience, as seen in the attendance of Netflix stars Jenna Ortega and Jamie Campbell Bower.
