For Autumn / Winter 2026 Bora Aksu presented the most whimsical collection rooted in history and site-specific folklore. Inspired by an 18th century english tale of innocence, betrayal and lingering spirit, this collection channels the enduring story of Suki, a young barmaid whose tragic fate in the caves near West Wycombe continues to echo through local legend.
Bora Aksu is known for collections which portray fairytales, calling on the stories of women who have been a force for change throughout history but whose stories may have been either forgotten, or even not yet known. Autumn / winter 2026 is no different and Aksu fully immersed himself in Suki’s history by staying at the George & Dragon as part of the preparatory research which would inform this collection. Known to be the place that Suki had once lived and worked, Aksu continued to trace her final journey through the atmospheric Hellfire Caves allowing the physical history and the local legend to shape the emotional narrative of the collection.
Autumn / Winter 2026 unfolds as a dialogue between life and afterlife. Structured 18th century working dress elements such as tailored bodices and utilitarian aprons are juxtaposed with ethereal silhouettes that seem suspended in time.Tactile embellishments such as crochet blossoms, layered tulle and fine voiles blur the line between beauty and unease and the palette of chalk, ivory, milk and worn porcelain connects the collection to Suki’s ghost.
The tension between romance and tragedy is palpable, particularly given the setting of The Actor’s Church for the presentation of the collection, a particularly atmospheric location, filled with the ghosts of poets. Set to a haunting soundtrack which at times veered from gentle and romantic to cutting and uncomfortable in order to force the message of vulnerability and longing, love and betrayal. Bora Aksu continues to be one of our favourites each season simply because of the beautiful storytelling woven into each collection and Autumn / Winter is no different. The styling by Leith Clark and Katie Selby-Green was impeccable as always, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to crochet a bonnet for next season….
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