Kent & Curwen Celebrates 100 Years

Kent & Curwen’s Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection marks a significant milestone for the heritage British label: its centenary year. Chief Creative Director Daniel Kearns is exploring how to honor the brand’s established aesthetic while simultaneously broadening its creative scope.

Inspiration from a Secret Society

The Fall 2026 show was held within the historic walls of Westminster School, enhanced by a central, flickering Victorian lamppost. Kearns drew inspiration from the Night Climbers of Cambridge – a clandestine student group documented as early as the 1930s, known for scaling the university’s buildings under the cover of darkness.

The Spirit of Rebellion

“It’s a secret society based on endeavor—not for intellect or financial gain, but for courage,” Kearns explained. “Unknown, unnoticed, misfits who resisted the rules and adopted their own codes. The reverence and irreverence that rubs up against each other feels very British, and very within the brand.”

Deconstructing British Style

Kearns presented references including a book on the Night Climbers by Noël Howard Symington (under the pseudonym ‘Whipplesnaith’), showcasing students scaling buildings. He also shared images of students in academic robes and evening wear amidst cluttered bedrooms. This imagery reflects Kearns’s approach to British dress – examining established systems from unexpected angles.

Key Design Elements

The collection features reworked traditional silhouettes with playful volumes and abstract decorative details. A signature ruching technique appears on graduate-style capes and skirts, evoking a sense of British dishevelment. Funnel necks are reinforced with leather, and the classic trench coat is reimagined in baby blue patent leather with loafer-inspired tassels.

A Blend of Rebellion and Innocence

Waists are slung low on silky gilets and knit dresses, while stretch crepe suits are cut slim. Multifunctional zips and jeweled corsages encourage individuality. These rebellious touches are balanced with a sense of innocence, exemplified by a tailored pink coat with a corduroy collar inspired by Kearns’s daughter’s school jacket.