Flip-Flops and Florals: OpéraSPORT SS26

 

OpéraSPORT Spring/Summer 2026 collection made a memorable debut at Copenhagen Fashion Week.  A fashion show at a swimming pool. The founders, Stephanie Gundelach and Awa Malina Stelter, found their inspiration during a recent trip to Seoul. They were moved by the city’s mix of tradition, poetry, and energy. I was particularly drawn to the energy in this collection. The pieces feel elevated and minimal, yet playful. Slowly but surely, OpéraSPORT is experimenting with mixing fabrics, colors, and prints in exciting new ways.

The collection reflects this inspiration through its use of soft pastel colours such as sage green and butter yellow, echoing the tones seen across Seoul’s cityscape. A new hibiscus flower print pays tribute to Korea’s national flower. The lineup features swimwear, sheer lace designs, bodysuits, and classic midi dresses made with recycled and organic fabrics.

One of the highlights of the season is a collaboration with Havaiana’s, the popular Brazilian flip-flop brand. OpéraSPORT introduced the first-ever 3D-printed flip-flops, developed together with footwear technology company Zellerfeld. Adding a fresh and innovative touch to the iconic flip-flop brand.

The pieces subtly reference traditional Korean clothing styles without copying them directly. Sharp tailored suits, cargo trousers, and vegan leather items offer contrast to the softer, romantic elements like flouncy lace and delicate floral embroidery.

The designers describe this collection as romantic and hopeful. They aim to spread good energy and positive summer vibes through their work. The collection invites wearers to enjoy a sense of peace and harmony, something the world needs more of.

OpéraSPORT SS26 offers a stylish, thoughtful, and modern take on cultural inspiration, perfect for those looking to celebrate tradition in a contemporary way. OpéraSPORT feels like a brand to keep an eye on. Given their talent and vision, they have the potential to grow into something really significant soon.

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Nejilka Arias

Fashion Editor

Nejilka Arias is a New York born, Dominican/American fashion editor, model and digital creator based in Sydney, Australia. As Fashion Editor at StyleCartel, she covers designer collections, emerging talent and the latest movements in fashion, with a perspective shaped by her instinct for personal style and culture. Her relationship with fashion began in 2008, when she started sharing outfits on Chictopia, later launching her own blog, ModelsWhoBlog. Since then, she has built a career at the intersection of fashion, imagery and digital media, collaborating with brands and developing a distinct aesthetic rooted in modern minimalism and understated glamour. Beyond fashion, Nejilka’s work extends into beauty, travel and lifestyle. A certified Pilates instructor, she also brings an interest in movement and wellbeing to her creative pursuits. In 2020, she was named one of Sorbet Magazine’s *Creatives to Watch*.