_J.L-A.L_ Reimagines the Chair as Architecture in “Mille Chaises” SS26 Collection

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Summary

  • _J.L-A.L_’s SS26 collection reimagines clothing as spatial frameworks, elevating traditional brand codes into a quieter, more calibrated aesthetic
  • A PUMA collaboration and NICEWORKSHOP chairs extend the concept, challenging traditional runway dynamics

For J.L-A.L’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled “Mille Chaises” (One Thousand Chairs), the chair is not merely a stationary item but serves as a philosophical foundation – “as a principle, a support system, boundary, and arrangement of presence.” The pieces are designed amidst the captivating landscape of the Riviera’s limestone cliffs and dusty archives, resulting in intricate spatial interpretations. The silhouettes are meticulously crafted to fit the notion of containment, while textures transform into architectural structures themselves.

Drawing inspiration from the book “1000 Chairs”, this season focuses on intricate design and a finely tuned style, going beyond just form to create an ambiance where classic brand elements are elevated into a more subtle, refined aesthetic. The outlines are pulled inward, volume rearranged, and seams strategically positioned. Key items convey this ethos through modular construction and architectural detailing. Fastening systems with buttons enable garments to adjust and adapt, while eyelets and asymmetrical folds evoke the precision of industrial molding. Seam placement serves as a compositional device, mirroring the linearity of Windsor chairs and the structural logic of veneer. Laser etchings and angular cuts introduce mechanical precision, harmonizing ornamentation with restraint.

In this collection, the art of fabrication is given its own unique architectural significance. High-quality materials like Italian and Japanese natural cottons, linens, and wools are chosen for their elegance and texture, while technical blends and double-finish leathers ensure structural soundness. Each piece isn’t just designed as a shape but rather as a spatial concept – a balance of tension, breathability, and precise form. The end product is an architecturally restrained yet sculptural wardrobe that exudes a profound sense of structure and presence.

The collaborative aspects enhance the storytelling aspect of the space within the collection. A shoe design made in partnership with PUMA transforms the concept of enclosure into footwear, featuring a two-colored leather that ages beautifully over time, mirroring the worn and softened appearance of aged armchairs. Sculptural chairs from the South Korean studio NICEWORKSHOP were highlighted during the Paris exhibition, serving not just as stage props but as essential elements shaping the collection’s structure.

In an unusual twist for runway shows, the audience stood while models sat, highlighting their stillness, gravity, and the body as a canvas. This collection, unique to artisanal Italian craftsmen, extends J.L-A.L’s investigation into how clothing interacts with – and is influenced by – its surroundings.

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2025-06-26 07:26