SS26_MAGIC LV Brand Editorial 2

Jeramiah Irwin, @jerairwin The Jersey City–based designer attended Afropunk for the first time last year, and the festival’s accepting ethos made him come back again this year. “I love festivals in general, but this one to me is so different. Everyone is so friendly. There’s no judgment,” he says. “It’s really true what they say—the no sexism, no homophobia here.” And given the opportunity to fully express himself, Jeremiah chose a denim corset and ripped jeans that were inspired by the pop-country music he’s been listening to. Says Irwin, “I was going to wear a cowboy hat, but I’m saving that for later.”

LEARN MORE

LOGO HERE

Shop more women's young contemporary brands atMAGIC Las Vegas from August 18-20, 2025.

Images by america & beyond

Prints with Personality

It’s time to rebel against the beige of it all, says Renata M. Kfuri, head designer for Parisian label FRNCH. “There’s this beautiful return to fun in fashion,” she notes, “where it’s less about ‘Is this in?’ and more about ‘Does this spark something in me?’ That intention offers an invitation to play with prints. Central to the “Vibrant Escape” trend are classic nautical and lush graphics — from “citrus motifs to tropical birds to oversized florals,” says Boorlagadda. “Or anything that instantly transports you.” Kfuri adds: “Slightly offbeat graphics, like vintage postcards, that make clothing feel like it’s been thrifted (in the best way)” are also a playful way to tackle the look. Though one major component of the trend is the clashing of unexpected prints that somehow work, it’s also about thinking beyond the basics and offering them in the right silhouettes. “Seasonal offerings shouldn’t just cover the essentials; they should inspire,” Kfuri says. “It’s not just about having a surf short; it’s about having the surf short in a print that looks like it was made from someone’s sun-soaked travel journal.”

Deliver the Drama

“Unlike typical summer wear, which is often breezy, minimal, and built around function for the heat, the “Vibrant Escape” trend brings emotional depth and storytelling,” says Pedro Marco of Spanish clothing and accessories brand Q2. “You’ll see structured knitwear, maxi silhouettes, and mood-rich palettes that carry the same vibrancy as summer, but with a sense of grounding and sophistication.” That means elevated essentials in the form of vibrant slip dresses — even for daytime — lightweight woven pieces, flowy co-ords and kaftans, and elongated shorts that bridge the gap between casual and put-together — all in rich jewel tones and vivid hues. “Color pops in unexpected places, like a bold button or contrast stitch,” are fun details to look for, adds Marco, as are “handcrafted embellishments that tell a story,” Boorlagadda says, such as “fringe, beading, mirror work, and embroidery.”

The vibes of “Vibrant Escape” are simple, Marco says: The clothes and accessories should be “nostalgic, theatrical, and Instagram-ready.” He points to recent runway shows as proof: “Dolce & Gabbana mixed nostalgic ’50s kick and ’80s volume into modern feminine forms,” he shares. “Burberry channeled countryside memory with bold accents amid somber palettes.” Drawing on the past are trend pieces like Bermuda shorts and vintage-inspired tees with a twist (“There’s a time for the perfect white tee,” Kfuri says. “This isn’t it. Look for one with a hand-drawn graphic on it instead.”) For accessories, pom-pom sandals, souvenir-inspired jewelry, and tropical top handle bags bring the novelty of vacation to any occasion. “The key to embracing this trend without overwhelming is to experiment and introduce statement pieces and elements,” says Paulino. “Series like The White Lotus have romanticized the art of destination dressing — effortlessly elegant, sun-soaked, and deeply personal,” Boorlagadda explains. It’s that feeling customers are looking to bring to everyday life. Buyers can achieve that by delivering iterations of already popular styles, offering of-the-moment pieces alongside a standard assortment, and having fun along the way.

Vacation wear is infiltrating the everyday as consumers look for more crossover styles. Here’s how young contemporary brands are connecting with those who want to dress more freely.

Embrace the Kitsch

Consumers are longing for a retreat. “There’s a desire to infuse everyday life with moments of joy and beauty,” says Pranathi Boorlagadda, marketing assistant at women’s clothing brand America & Beyond. “People aren’t just packing for vacations; they’re dressing like life itself is a getaway. And in an age of digital overstimulation, clothes that ground you in color, craftsmanship, and texture offer something real and tactile.” As a result, “Vibrant Escape” has, according to our SS26 Women's Young Contemporary Buyer’s Guide, emerged as one of Spring 2026’s most prominent trends. Destination dressing is nothing new, but the crossover of vacation wear into the everyday has become particularly relevant right now. Retailers are curating related edits, says MAGIC and OFFPRICE vice president Jordan Rudow, and buyers are investing in these crossover styles. “Travel capsules and resort collections are no longer niche,” she adds. “They are core categories.” As consumers buy fewer pieces (a result of a cautious economic climate), they’re looking for items that they connect with emotionally. She says: “Bright colors have become a form of self-care,” as have kitschy tropical prints, nostalgic souvenir graphics, and summery shapes, like baggy surf shorts and knit maxis. Desiree Paulino, brand director of En Saison, agrees: “People have become more emotionally connected to what they wear. They’re investing in pieces that resonate with them, that tell a story, and that make a statement.” They also see the “Vibrant Escape” trend as a result of a “cultural shift toward celebrating individuality;” that consumers are no longer afraid to embrace colors, patterns, or shapes that are outrageous, experiment with new styling combinations, or dress more freely. Here, we asked brands participating in MAGIC Las Vegas this August 18-20 to share their POV on what customers are looking for when it comes to the Spring 2026 trend — and how buyers and retailers can curate an assortment that matches.

Published July 2025

“There's a beautiful return to fun in fashion.”— Renata M. kfuri, head designer, FRNCH

“Travel capsules and resort collections are no longer niche.”— Jordan Rudow, vice president, MAGIC & OFFPRICE