Paris Fashion Week just witnessed a chillingly seductive rebirth. Haider Ackermann officially unveiled his Fall/Winter 2026 vision for Tom Ford. This show matters because it bridges the gap between 90s Gucci-era provocateur and modern “Corpcore”. It channels the polished, sinister world of American Psycho. We are seeing the death of “clean-girl” makeup and the return of high-octane drama. This is the “Finance Bro and his model BAE” at their most lethal.

Tom Ford Autumn Winter 2026 Haider Ackermann

The Vision: Purity, Tension, and Hidden Debauchery

H5: The Atmosphere: A Minimalist Music Video

Models wandered through a minimalist, all-white space instead of a traditional runway. They mingled like extras in a stylish music video, creating a magnified sense of daily life. The atmosphere crackled with the tension between absolute purity and hidden debauchery. It felt like a magnetic, dangerous invitation into the shadows.

The “First and Last” Looks: Serving the Tom Ford Tea

The casting featured models largely six feet and taller, bringing back the iconic Vogue walk. While the opening looks established a rigid, Wall Street silhouette, the closing look was a total slay. The final model served pure Tom Ford tea, giving the audience absolute life. These bookends anchored a collection that successfully delivered a profound sense of seduction.

Deep Technical Detail: The Perversion of Texture

Ackermann explored the dialogue of seduction through contrasting forces and tactile subversion.

Key Trends, Pieces, and Silhouettes

Goth-Glam Palette: Hues of jade, scarlet, and eggplant enlivened a base of black, white, and grey.

The Perfect Suit, Twisted: Tailoring stood remarkably straight and rigid, yet suggested a wild night already lived.

Tactile Subversion: Ackermann embraced the “perversion” of mixing soft cashmere with hard, high-gloss leather.

Transparent Architecture: The collection featured clear jackets, sheer button-downs, and even clear rain hats.

Low-Cut Heritage: Seriously low-cut trousers, accentuated by slim leather straps, paid homage to the house founder.

Pinstriped Power: Sparkling power suits on all genders pushed the cornerstone of modern androgyny.

Why Tom Ford is the Brand Everyone Wants

Who is Haider Ackermann?

Haider Ackermann is a Colombian-born French designer known for his mastery of draping and colour. He is a favourite of the fashion elite for his ability to blend masculinity with poetic femininity. His appointment at Tom Ford marks a new era of sophisticated, dark romance for the house.

How has Haider Ackermann stuck to the Tom Ford DNA?

Ackermann puts his touch on the brand by heightening the emotional and “sinister” aspects of tailoring. He maintains the Tom Ford DNA through hyper-sexualised silhouettes and jet-set glamour. He balances the house’s sleek minimalism with a “sinister punk” vibe. His use of bold purple and red lips provides a punchy counterpoint to the sharp suits.

What celebrities do we see wearing Tom Ford?

The front row was studded with icons like Kate Moss, proving the brand’s enduring allure. Models like Kristen McMenamy returned to the runway, bridging the gap between the 90s and 2026. Tom Ford remains the primary choice for stars who want to project power and “American Psycho” elegance on the red carpet.

A Masterclass in Modern Seduction

Tom Ford AW26 is a magnetic invitation to step into the shadows. Haider Ackermann successfully stripped corporate sterility and injected an intoxicating dose of romance. The collection proves that true seduction lies in the tension between absolute purity and abandon. It is a masterclass in opposites attracting, where the sharp meets the cocooning. The game has officially changed; the alpha is back.

Follow Style Cartel on Instagram and TikTok for more PFW exclusives and leave a comment below: Are you ready for the return of the Vogue walk?

The post Tom Ford AW26 Review: Haider Ackermann’s American Psycho Slay appeared first on Style Cartel.

Welcome back fashion divas! Today we’ll be looking at how Black Culture in many ways started and molded the streetwear we know today. From its more urban feel to its modern interpretations in hypebeast, athleisure, and hip-hop — this was truly the start of a movement. Ensure you follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more fashion news and topics and enjoy the rest of this article!

Source: @DollarBeKnowing

Where did it all begin?

Streetwear had its early begins across New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo in the late 70s and early 80s. Emerging in New York as a unified revolt to fashion’s exclusivity to the wealthy and privileged, it became a key demographic movement for those oppressed by an exclusionary system, and in this time period, those were black people. There was a longing within the industry to create something unique, authentic, and community focused — the complete opposite of what high fashion was. Logos wouldn’t’ be treated as symbols of status, but badges of identity. In New York, the operating aesthetic was all about being comfortable and oversized clothing. Many black stylists and public figures can be attributed to making streetwear huge, including Dapper Dan, Karl Kani, Will Smith, Run-DMC, and Misa Hylton — who was a stylist and fashion designer. She famously styled Mary J Blige and Lil Kim. She also went on to make ‘streetwear glam/hip-hop glamorous’ and to many doesn’t get the credits she deserves. She blended sexy and revealing pieces with loose streetwear silhouettes and frequently collaborated with Dapper Dan.

Source: @NStyleAtlanta

She blended her Japanese culture with her African American side to create this unique blend of fashion. She has even created an Academy to help other black creatives to break into the fashion industry.

Black fashion once was seen as ghetto, ratchet, and tacky until white celebs adopted the look, from the likes of Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Miley Cyrus in 2013. Black culture has stereotypically been seen as rebellious and loud until its adoption by western society. This caused the cards to be reversed with acceptance in the urban space being dependent on how ‘street’ you were. Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Miley Cyrus (and many others) have been labelled as ‘culture vultures’ by members of the Black community due to their utilisation of cornrows and ‘blackcent’/AAVE (talking differently to how their normally would to sound more Afrocentric) and this is still very common in 2026. To many in the Black community, they, and others, used streetwear and black culture to shed their ‘good girl/bad girl’ image whenever it no longer served them and decided to appeal to black mainstream media for opportunistic goals.

In the book White Negros When Cornrows were in Vogue and other thoughts on Cultural Appropriation Jackson points on how blackness is fun for these celebs a custom if you will but discard it when it is no longer beneficial to them, she writes “They can experiment, get dirty, shock the public, seize their womanhood and then after, after the fun is over, walk away like it never happened.”

Based in Harlem was Dapper Dan. Famously remodelling Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi monograms into famous leather jackets, tracksuits, and coats. This work was seen as ‘illegal’ to the rest of the fashion world, but Dan didn’t care, this would be the beginning of something new. He has been hailed as the ‘father of logomania’, and as he progressed he developed his own screen-printing process to apply these luxury monograms onto complicated fabrics such as fur, leather and silk/satins. Some of his most publicised work can be seen for Eric B. and Rakim’s Paid in Full album cover and on stars like Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, and Mike Tyson. Dan is an example of an industry warrior, with his legal shutdown in 1992, with Fendi suing him over his use of their logos, he was forced to close his boutique that he spent two decades building. But this wouldn’t be the end of the designer, in 2018, he would collaborate with Gucci (under creative direction of Alessandro Michele) to launch a collaborative collection and open a new by-appointment atelier in Harlem. Since then, he has received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers in America) in 2021 and was named under Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.

Source: The Guardian and NUVO Magazine respectively

Why did it become popular?

Streetwear in New York wasn’t accidental, but instead rose from systemic exclusion, scarcity, and marginalism, experienced by Black communities. Throughout the 70s and 80s, luxury fashion houses were explicitly unwelcoming Black consumers, including those with financial means, due to surveillance, discrimination, and sometimes outright refusal of service. So, a decision to redefine it was needed. Wearing the logos of brands that excluded them was a way to reclaim power and take up space in somewhere the industry told them wasn’t meant for them. Brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi carried symbolic power and oversized silhouettes (blended with street-ready forms e.g., tracksuits, leather jackets etc.) were more convenient for New Yorkers geographically and more practical. Clothes weren’t just for special occasions, but an everyday expression of self.

Source: @OldSchoolCool

Black streetwear in New York was also an important engine in hip-hop. Rappers and DJs became cultural broadcasters of the changes within the industry. In many ways, what you would see your favourite artist wearing would be the style for the season and the first thing to fly off the shelves. Their visible publicity in music videos, album artwork, and performances turned small changes to instrumental movements. More significantly, the artists who popularised streetwear lived the realities of exclusion and inequality. It was different when they wore the garments, they were making a statement and giving hope that success can be attained by everyone, on their own terms, reducing what achievement looked like for Black youth in New York.

Source: University of Fashion

Bands such as NWA and other rappers such as Snoop Dog, The Notorious B.I.G, Missy Elliot, and Queen Latifah were all about the streetwear and hip-hop scene. Singers like Aaliyah and TLC wore streetwear that became synonymous with their identity. Streetwear still is one of the most popular trends amongst all cultures since the mid to late 2010s, with it becoming mainstream with celebs like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, as well as on influencers; it is no longer seen as ghetto and ratchet but stylish. It can be easy to style as it doesn’t require much styling, yet it always gives a put together feel.

Source: OkayPlayer

Staple pieces from the 70s-80s

Adidas Superstars & Shell-Toe Sneakers

Source: BuyBestKLM

These shoes were inseparable from early New York hip-hop culture. These were often worn with laces removed or loosely tied. A popularised style by Run-DMC, these shoes would represent accessibility, unity, and authenticity — an evidence of something new and extraordinary.

Tracksuits (Adidas, Puma, Custom Sets)

Source: Huck Mag

Matching tracksuits were central to the early beginnings of streetwear. They enabled personality to be shown, not quietly, but loudly. With access to customisation e.g., designers like Dan etc., for relatively affordable prices, people could easily customise their fits around their tastes. They enabled ease of movement especially in the heights of breakdancing and hip-hop culture emerging at this time. These sets could often be found layered with heavy gold jewellery and fresh sneakers.

Gold Jewellery

Source: VICE

Although not clothing, gold rings, chains, and watches were essential to a good fit. The luxe vibe of gold was a direct response to the untold stereotypes ushered by white, conservative luxury fashion. Thick rope chains became identifiers and medallions transforming the body into a site of display.

Timberland Boots

Source: SnobHop

Timberland boots, originally purposed for labour and construction workers, were quickly adopted by Black New Yorker in the 80s, particularly in Harlem and Brooklyn. They became everyday footwear due to their durability, weight, and ruggedness which aligned perfectly to the city’s urban feel. ‘Timbs’, as abbreviated, projected toughness, masculinity, and resilience.

Kangol Hats

Source: Vogue

Kangol bucket hats and caps became a staple in Black New York style functioning as an aesthetic choice and cultural signal — aligned with hip-hop, jazz, and Black-British Caribbean influences.

Brands carrying the Legacy

Telfar

Founded in 2005 by Telfar Clemens in NYC, Telfar is bet understood not only as a streetwear brand, but as a structural intervention in fashion. As a Liberian-America queer designer, Clemens wanted to create a brand that operated on inclusivity regardless of sexual orientation, gender, size, race and age. His iconic slogan, ‘Not for you, for everyone’ directly confronts the issues of exclusivity propagated by the luxury fashion industry. An example of this is their shopping bag (a.k.a their ‘Bushwick Birkin’) became a massive cultural phenomenon because it went against the standards issued by luxury fashion — it was affordable (around $300-600 dependent on bag size), embraced Black and queer communities and was consistently restocked by their ‘Bag Security’ programs.

Source: PopSugar

Corteiz (CRTZ)

Founded in 2017 by Clint419 in London, Corteiz represents streetwear in its rawest and most insurgent form. While UK-based, they draw heavily from their Black diasporic street culture across the world and especially New York. They reject traditional retail completely with a site controlled through password, location-based drops, and public stunts. The brand’s Alcatraz logo directly symbolises rebellion, confinement, and escape.

Source: HypeBeast

Fear of God

Founded in 2013 by Jerry Lorenzo in Los Angeles, Fear of God represents the elevation of streetwear into quiet luxury. Lorenzo was heavily inspired by 90s hip-hop, NBA tunnel fits, gospel culture (seen in the colour schemes), and West Coast minimalism that replicates elements of luxury and wealth. The brand are more focussed on neutrality, layering and silhouettes, as opposed to the typical bright colours and rough vibe associated with more classic streetwear aeasthetic. Its silhouettes include elongated tees, oversized hoodies amd relaxed tailoring — these echo the presence of Black streetwear while still translating style into luxury context. To many, they bridge the gap between streetwear and luxury without erasing Black cultural origins. They show that streetwear is versatile and can also hold up as a luxury and premium entity.

Source: Interview Magazine

Thanks for reading! We hope you have enjoyed this piece and stay tuned for more stories. In the meantime, ensure you follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more fashion news and topics and enjoy the rest of this article!

The post BEYOND THE TREND: How Black Culture Created Streetwear appeared first on Style Cartel.

Trend Spotted: Saint Laurent FW25 just closed Paris Fashion Week with a bang, delivering a vibrant tribute to 90s couture that left us speechless. Anthony Vaccarello’s bold and confident collection was a masterclass in colour and silhouette, proving that sometimes, love needs no words. Did Paris just get a ’90s revival? Let’s dive into the details.

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With straightforward pieces free of superfluous details, Anthony Vaccarello’s Winter 2025 women’s collection for the House affirms this founding ethos. Instead of speaking through ornament or padding, fabrics and precise construction shape the garments. Pure forms and volumes are derived from construction and cutting.

90s Couture Reimagined: Saint Laurent’s FW 25 Bold Vision

Anthony Vaccarello’s FW25 collection was a love letter to Saint Laurent’s 90s haute couture, a period he finds particularly inspiring. Think: strong-shouldered silhouettes, vibrant hues, and a sense of unapologetic confidence. “I wanted something clean, with no ornamentation, no decoration, no… nothing,” Vaccarello explained, focusing on pushing the silhouette with saturated colours and innovative fabrics.

Saint Laurent: The Epitome of Parisian Chic

Saint Laurent, under Anthony Vaccarello’s creative direction, continues to embody Parisian chic with a modern edge. Known for its strong silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and ability to capture the zeitgeist, Saint Laurent remains a powerhouse in the fashion industry.

Celebrity Sightings & Saint Laurent’s A-List Following

The Saint Laurent front row was a star-studded affair, with Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, Kid Cudi, and Charli XCX gracing the event. Expect to see these bold and confident looks on celebrities who embrace timeless elegance and a touch of rebellion.

Key Trends & Runway Gossip:

• Bold Colors: Fuschia, coral, amethyst, ochre, emerald, citrine, terracotta, and olive, creating a vibrant palette.
• Strong Shoulders & Tapered Hems: Creating an inverted triangle silhouette, reminiscent of 90s power dressing.
• Lace Dresses & Leather Blousons: Blending delicate femininity with a rebellious attitude.

• High-Collared Coats & Sack Dresses: Clean, unadorned silhouettes showcasing the beauty of cut and fabric.
• Voluminous Ball Skirts & Silk Camisoles: Mixing evening glamour with a touch of insouciant attitude.
• Epic Leather Gauntlets & Dark Shades: Statement accessories adding a touch of drama.

• Circular Hip Inserts: Manipulating the female form and adding a modern twist to lace dresses.
• Key Accessories: Leather gauntlets, dark shades, slingbacks, gold sculpted earrings.
• Beauty Trends: Natural, understated beauty to let the clothes shine.
• Runway Rumors: Whispers of a potential couture revival? And did you see those leather blousons?

“Love, Unspoken Words”: Vaccarello’s Emotional Connection

“It’s love,” Amalia Vairelli said of Saint Laurent. “Love, unspoken words.” This emotional connection resonated throughout Vaccarello’s FW25 collection, proving that fashion can be a powerful expression of feeling.

Saint Laurent just delivered a masterclass in the 90s couture revival, with bold colours, strong silhouettes, and a touch of emotional resonance. Did Paris just get a ’90s revival? Absolutely. XOXO, Style Cartel.

Photos: Saint Laurent

The post Saint Laurent FW25: 90s Couture & Bold Colors in Paris appeared first on Style Cartel.

BELLA HADID X ABOUT YOU

The result: pieces that represent a perfect balance between classic and avant-garde. Bella Hadid x ABOUT YOU is exclusively available at BOUT YOU online stores.  This young lady has her own point of view that is long with her style.  Bella Hadid. The American model is known for her unique and sophisticated style.But it wasn’t just her one-of-a-kind, recognisable style that prompted ABOUT YOU to create a collection with the model.

“When we first met Bella, she was very enthusiastic about discussing her ideas and bringing them to life with us. During the design process, we talked for hours, and Bella even brought pieces from his indeed dressing room as a source of inspiration.  She took the lead throughout the creative process and was truly an integral part of our team. The whole team loved working with Bella”, explains Sofia Hagemeier, Team Lead of Exclusive Cooperations at ABOUT YOU.

style of the 90s and 2000s,

The collection is made up of leisure wear sets in straight and masculine cuts, but also short and flowing skirts, as well as feminine and more fun tops. The colour palette seduces with its mix of tawny and neutral tones and bright colours, resembling Bella in a particular, unique campaign that like red, lime green and pink

The 64 pieces will be available from October 10, 2022, in the 26 European ABOUT YOU online stores, in sizes XS to XXL. Prices range from €24.90 to €199. 

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Photo credit ABOUT YOU

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