Baum und Pferdgarten's Pre-Fall 2026 collection marks a significant shift towards a more fluid and understated aesthetic, a departure from the angular silhouettes prevalent in their recent offerings. Inspired by a striking image of a horse within a subway carriage, creative directors Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave explored the dichotomy between urban environments and pastoral tranquility. This collection delves into the idea of clothing as a means of personal escape, drawing parallels from historical photographs that capture individuals finding solace and expression in their attire during daily commutes. The designs thoughtfully blend robust fabrics like denim with delicate patterns and motifs, illustrating a contemporary approach to comfort and style in response to the current global climate.
Building upon the equestrian themes introduced in their Spring 2026 collection, the Pre-Fall 2026 line by Baum und Pferdgarten showcases a nuanced exploration of contrasts. The creative impetus originated from an unusual image of a horse in a subway car, which resonated with the designers as a representation of the unexpected intersections between city living and the countryside. Rikke Baumgarten highlighted the image's "strange but beautiful and poetic" quality, explaining how it prompted reflection on these contrasting elements. Furthermore, the work of photographer Bruce Davidson, depicting women adorned in the subway during the 1970s and 1980s, influenced the duo's consideration of how garments facilitate a sense of refuge and transition for individuals moving between different spaces.
The brand's identity has consistently revolved around the integration of opposing forces, such as the masculine and feminine, or athletic wear and professional attire. This season's collection continues this tradition with innovative pairings. For instance, a durable denim chore jacket is juxtaposed with playful polka dots, creating an intriguing visual tension. Similarly, a structured, boxy suede jacket is harmoniously balanced by softer, romantic floral designs. Everyday wardrobe essentials also receive a fresh interpretation; notable pieces include a cropped, checked blazer featuring a decorative bow fastening and a pinstriped denim skirt that buttons along one side, offering versatility and modern appeal.
A discernible softness pervades the Pre-Fall 2026 collection, moving away from the more rigid forms that characterized Baum und Pferdgarten's immediate predecessors. This stylistic evolution is, according to Baumgarten, a direct response to the array of global challenges currently faced. She articulated a collective yearning for designs that evoke freshness and lightness, sentiments that are clearly reflected in the collection's relaxed silhouettes and flowing fabrics. This deliberate choice underscores a broader cultural desire for comfort and ease, translating into garments that feel both contemporary and comforting in an unpredictable world.
This collection elegantly encapsulates the essence of modern escapism through fashion, offering pieces that allow individuals to navigate their multifaceted lives with grace and a touch of poetic whimsy. The thoughtful combination of strength and softness, tradition and innovation, defines a collection that is both timely and timeless, inviting wearers to embrace a sense of ease and beauty.
