Ottolinger's latest Spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection is a vibrant celebration of their ten-year journey in fashion. Designers Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient showcased a collection that they affectionately termed 'trippy chic,' emphasizing the deconstruction and harmonious reassembly of diverse elements. This approach yielded designs that, while rooted in their distinctive aesthetic, offered a fresh perspective on sensuality and practicality. The collection also highlighted notable collaborations with Tinder and Mammut, adding a modern, playful touch to their anniversary showcase.
Ottolinger's Decade-Defining Spring 2026 Collection Unveiled
In January, Ottolinger, the avant-garde fashion house, marked its tenth anniversary with the unveiling of its Spring 2026 collection. The show, a tribute to a decade of distinctive world-building by designers Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient, opened with a heartfelt note from Bösch, expressing gratitude to Gadient, her friend, partner, and creative other half. Prior to the presentation, the Swiss design duo articulated their vision for the collection as 'trippy chic,' a concept revolving around the playful deconstruction and reinterpretation of seemingly contradictory elements, ultimately fusing them into a cohesive expression of their personal styles. Gadient elaborated on their creative process, stating, 'We were talking about how we create things and decode them and find freedom in play, so this is about how we dress ourselves,' with Bösch adding a touch of reality, 'It's not like you can be in a bikini all day.' This philosophy translated onto the runway, where their signature body-hugging moto pants were re-envisioned in non-stretch fabrics, such as white silk, ingeniously incorporating a stretchier black fabric at the crotch. This design detail, a bold 'X-marks-the-spot,' not only facilitated greater movement but also imbued the trousers with the adaptable quality typically found in leather or denim. The collection generally featured more coverage than previous Ottolinger offerings, occasionally punctuated by structured boxy suits and a more subdued color palette. Despite this, several ensembles maintained a strong sense of allure and practicality, including a gathered, corseted black halter top and a selection of biker jackets. The 'trippy' aspect was predominantly conveyed through printed dresses and blouses in earthy tones, many adorned with neoprene harnesses, a detail expected to resonate deeply with the brand's loyal followers. In a groundbreaking move, the designers also repurposed vintage bridal gowns, transforming them into edgy, unconventional pieces better suited for an underground scene than a traditional wedding aisle. In a nod to contemporary culture and functionality, Ottolinger also announced a capsule collaboration with Tinder, producing 'I'm With Otto' T-shirts, and teased an upcoming partnership with Swiss outdoor brand Mammut, featuring innovative modular coat-sleeve-backpack designs.
This collection by Ottolinger prompts us to reflect on the dynamic interplay between artistic vision and practical application in fashion. The designers' ability to deconstruct established norms and reconstruct them into something novel yet wearable is truly inspiring. Their 'trippy chic' aesthetic, while bold, highlights a deeper message about finding freedom and personal expression through playful experimentation with clothing. Moreover, the integration of collaborations with unexpected partners like Tinder and Mammut demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion partnerships and opening new avenues for brand engagement. It underscores the idea that fashion is not merely about aesthetics but also about identity, function, and creative evolution.