Julian Louie, the creative force behind Aubero, has infused his latest Fall 2026 Menswear collection with profound personal significance and a distinctive aesthetic. The showroom itself served as a testament to his inspirations, displaying cherished objects such as ceramic bowls crafted by his grandfather and sea glass gathered by his mother. A collection of shell-fossil-embedded rocks, found during his youth on Santa Cruz beaches, underscored his fascination with the enduring passage of time, a sentiment he eloquently described as "holding time in your hands."
From its inception, Aubero has been characterized by a thoughtful originality rooted in the enduring nature of materials. After four years of creating remarkable, singular designs, Louie's twin passions for collecting and craftsmanship now manifest across an expanded array of garments. This collection captures what he terms the "stylistic stance of California," yet he reinterprets familiar pieces with unexpected luxury. For instance, a classic checked flannel shirt reappears in silk taffeta, and Dickies-inspired trousers feature a dropped waistline and articulated buttons, meticulously crafted from satin duchesse. Furthermore, Louie has introduced a selection of knitwear, specifically sweaters made in Bolivia, as an initial foray into this category, strategically aligning with current menswear trends and presenting a commercially astute move.
Among the most labor-intensive pieces is a meticulously tailored black coat, artfully constructed from fragments of natural fabrics sourced from every past season, including his pre-Aubero work with materials from Desert Vintage, the renowned Arizona boutique that recently established a presence in Paris. This garment, a dimensional collage, was hand-stitched by his mother, a writer by profession. Louie also revisited his signature "caging" technique, where five distinct layers create ethereal traces within the sleeves of an otherwise sleek jacket, adding a subtle yet intricate dimension to the design.
The collection further showcases exquisite attention to detail with small, irregularly shaped sea glass pebbles adorning a black zip-front jacket and a white button-down shirt. These elements lend an organic, handcrafted charm, illustrating how a sense of baroque splendor can be revitalized within a modern context. This intuitive approach also led him to adorn a sheer black tabard with tonal embroidery and to construct a coat collar from a sophisticated arrangement of vintage ties. Even Aubero's jersey pieces, with their carefully rolled edges, reflect this pursuit of unique details. Louie clarified that this was not about creating a distressed look, but rather about capturing "a strange detail that happens only through wear." The display also featured two bags crafted from deadstock raw silk, softly ribbed with a spectrum of colors—a compact drawstring style and a spacious cross-body version—which are set to reappear next season in different textiles. These diverse offerings create multiple avenues for engagement with Aubero, and Louie's unwavering resourcefulness across all his endeavors provides a compelling reason for customers to invest in his vision.
Ultimately, Julian Louie's Aubero collection transcends mere fashion; it is a narrative woven through fabric, a celebration of heritage, and a testament to the beauty found in meticulous craftsmanship and personal expression. Each piece invites a deeper connection, revealing layers of story and skill, encouraging us to appreciate the artistry behind what we wear and the enduring value of creativity inspired by life's journey.
