Gestuz is harkening back to a golden age in motor sport for SS26 – but don't mistake this for mere nostalgia. Beneath the surface, the Danish brand uses the theme to reflect on the relentless pace of modern life
While some brands choose cryptic show titles that raise more questions than they answer, Gestuz takes a clear and direct approach for spring/summer '26. Titled 'The Human Race', the collection leans into its theme with full driving force, drawing inspiration from the golden age of Formula One. Think vintage engines, worn-in leather, and heavyweight denim – all capturing the raw elegance of classic motor racing.
Yet beneath the high-octane aesthetic lies a layered and deliberate commentary. Gestuz isn't merely romanticising speed and sport; it's probing at the very nature of them. Within the adrenaline-fuelled universe of car racing exist potent dualities – masculine versus feminine, motion versus stillness, power versus control. Through these contrasts, 'The Human Race' becomes more than a nostalgic nod; it's a mirror held up to both modern society and the relentless tempo of the fashion industry itself.
Drawing subtly from the rich visual language of vintage racing culture, the collection is imbued with the practicality and rugged charm of utility wear. Supple leather jackets (crafted from byproducts from the food industry), tailored matching suits, and cropped bombers evoke the classic silhouettes of mechanic uniforms, whilst sleek co-ords with sharp, aerodynamic lines –rendered in a vivid palette of reds, deep blues, and oil-slick blacks – pay homage to Formula One at its vintage peak. Further leaning into the literal, models strode through the unfinished architecture of number 71 on Copenhagen's Paper Island, around an installation of (meticulously hand-sprayed) white, illuminated tires. This, whilst referencing classic motorsport and speed, evoked a sense of how beauty can be discovered by slowing down and looking at things through a different lens.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, an air of cinematic romance enters the frame. Draped dresses adorned with long, flowing scarves – á la Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief – introduce a welcome softness. In gentle pastel hues of blue, yellow, and pink, these pieces infused the collection with a heightened sense of femininity. This shift from the darker, more grounded tones to light, ethereal palettes elevates the collection into a space that feels both summery and emotionally resonant - at once breezy and profoundly styled.
Accessorising the collection, belts were embellished with jewellery elements that echoed the fluid, organic curves of a racetrack – a distinctive new addition from the brand. Additional jewellery came through a creative collaboration between Gestuz and renowned Danish label Jane Kønig, infusing the looks with a layered, Scandinavian edge.
However, the most noteworthy element of the accessories may have been the footwear. After a hiatus from shoe design, Gestuz is making a confident return to the category with the debut of two new boot styles. Crafted in two-toned leather, the boots feature heels suited for cycling – a thoughtful, functional detail tailored to Copenhagen life.
For SS26, Gestuz reimagines a world where movement is not defined by speed, but by purpose. Momentum is deliberate, each step is measured, and each gesture is intentional. The collection explores a dynamic interplay between feminine sensuality and masculine strength, fluidly shifting from one to another like gears in motion.
As the pace of modern life accelerates, Gestuz invites us to pause, to question not just how quickly we are moving, but where we are going and why. No longer is it about racing ahead; it's about reclaiming direction and embracing duality.
See all the looks from Gestuz's SS26 collection below.
