Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2022, Charlie Constantinou has been operating in a universe of his own – amalgamating futuristic, organic design codes with gorpcore influences and London streetwear. His work consistently explores the higher potential of what functional clothing could look like in the future, and his latest collection is no exception.
Showing as part of the NEWgen showcase at London Fashion Week, Constantinou’s SS26 collection (Season 5) continues his commitment to creating fashion that is as technologically innovative as it is aesthetically bold. This season also marked a clear evolution for the brand, with new silhouettes, darker tones, and a stronger focus on womenswear.
Pieces like a darted jersey dress, multi-pocketed linen bomber, and nylon trousers layered with a detachable brushed silver skirt introduced a more delicate, refined feel to the collection.
The colour palette also shifted. While colour has always played a key role in Constantinou’s work, SS26 moved away from fluorescent tones and leaned into deeper, more muted shades – “graphite greys”, “washed reds”, “earthy browns”, with bursts of “green”, “purple”, and “spring blue”. To close the show, models walked in colour-coordinated groups, highlighting the structural role colour continues to play in the brand’s visual identity.
Despite this new direction, Constantinou stayed true to the tech-driven innovation that sets him apart. His signature expandable quilting textile technique – which allows garments to contract or expand according to the wearer’s preference – appeared across a range of accessories. Other modular elements, such as detachable skirts and trousers, reinforced the brand’s focus on adaptability.
A collaboration with Demon Footwear added a final functional layer, turning shoes into protective, modular pieces built for movement and shifting weather conditions.
Scroll up to see Charlie Constantinou’s full SS26 runway looks.
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