A Mythic Stage for Modern Alchemy
Ethereal, perpetually drenched, and unmistakably Di Petsa: for Fall/Winter 2026, the visionary London label unveiled a collection steeped in mythos and cinematic grandeur. The venue alone set the tone—Bacchanalia, Damien Hirst’s lavish dining temple, transformed for the occasion. Models glided through Apollo’s Muse Room, where marble deities hovered and ceiling frescoes evoked the celestial bravura of the Sistine Chapel. The tableau was one of unapologetic opulence, inviting guests into a world where fantasy and fashion entwined in intoxicating excess.
Medusa: From Monster to Muse
Entitled “Medusa’s Lover,” the collection recontextualized the iconic Gorgon—no longer a figure of fear, but a potent muse of autonomy and allure. Serpentine iconography wound through every facet: snake tattoos traced along limbs, scale-embossed fabrics caught the light, and a palette of obsidian blacks and cool metallics lent the collection a darker, more formidable edge. Every detail, from gleaming hardware to spike-studded heels, contributed to an aura of dangerous sophistication. Creative director Dimitra Petsa distilled her vision: “I want to dress the kind of woman who feels untouchable, commanding, and dangerous.”
Transformation as Seduction
At its heart, the collection became an ode to metamorphosis and seduction. Di Petsa’s signature wet-look drapery—clinging as though freshly emerged from the sea—was elevated with prints that shifted from serpentine scales to trompe-l’œil nude illusions. The effect: a woman caught between forms, in the midst of shedding her skin and claiming her power. Both tactile and symbolic, the garments referenced the ancient myth while suggesting a new narrative—one of rebirth, eroticism, and unapologetic strength.
Provocation with a Playful Edge
The show’s daring spirit was amplified by an unexpected partnership with Ples’Jour, the intimate lubricant brand. Sculptural bottles appeared not only in gift bags but also as accessories on the runway, a tongue-in-cheek nod to excess and pleasure that underscored Di Petsa’s commitment to challenging conventions. This irreverent detail seamlessly wove together provocation and playfulness, enhancing the show’s immersive sensibility.
A Defiant, Transformative Finale
The collection’s crescendo was embodied by Leomie Anderson, who commanded the runway in a leather, wet-look gown—an embodiment of transformation and authority. In this moment, Di Petsa’s FW26 vision crystallized: not a mere suggestion of change, but a powerful declaration. Medusa, reimagined for the modern age—irresistible, unbound, and masterful.
Explore selected looks above. For further highlights from Fashion Week, discover standout moments from LFW FW26. The full gallery is available at Hypebae.
