Fumito Ganryu's vision for his Spring 2026 collection was born from a desire for outdoor exploration, evoking childhood memories of summer escapades. Presenting his designs in a sun-drenched Tokyo showroom, the former Comme des Garçons associate, hailing from Fukuoka, elaborated on his inspiration: a wardrobe tailored for adventurers, reminiscent of the iconic Indiana Jones. He emphasized a longing to venture into the world as the weather warms, even suggesting Nasu in Tochigi as an ideal hiking destination.
The collection highlighted functional yet stylish pieces designed for practicality and comfort. Noteworthy items included jackets with belts, shirts adorned with pockets, and military-style jackets featuring mesh backs, all paired with minimalist graphic t-shirts, hooded tops with double zippers, and quick-drying shorts. A particularly innovative creation was a terry cloth cape, dubbed a “changing poncho” by the designer, crafted to facilitate discreet outdoor costume changes, making it an indispensable item for enthusiasts of surfing, camping, and music festivals. This inventive piece was complemented by a trench coat made of toweling fabric, offering the comfort of a bathrobe while maintaining a sophisticated appearance through its peak lapels and side tie, allowing it to transition seamlessly from casual to public settings.
Further enhancing the collection's robust appeal was a collaboration with Full Count, one of the esteemed Osaka 5 denim brands, which introduced premium selvedge jeans and jackets. Ganryu infused these denim staples with his signature artistic touch, incorporating intentionally skewed asymmetric patterns on the jeans and gathering the back seams of the jackets to add a unique lightness to the otherwise dense fabric. This blend of classic ruggedness with contemporary design elements underscored the collection's innovative spirit.
While outdoor-inspired apparel has become a pervasive trend in men's fashion recently, Ganryu’s collection distinguishes itself through its fresh, enjoyable, and truly functional approach. Although unfamiliar with the contemporary internet phrase “touch grass,” the collection inherently embodies this sentiment, encouraging wearers to embrace the outdoors. Each garment beckons one to don it and embark on a personal adventure, perhaps with a mosquito net poncho at the ready, fostering a renewed appreciation for nature and exploration.