Swaim Huston has taken the creative reins at Rag & Bone, infusing his distinct preppy sensibility into the brand's Fall 2026 menswear offering. Known for his polished yet rebellious aesthetic, Huston aims to honor Rag & Bone's foundational principles of workwear and denim, while introducing a sophisticated tailoring dimension. His vision for the collection, presented at Pitti Uomo, combines classic American style with a fresh, energetic outlook, promising a line that will appeal to both loyal followers and new admirers.
Huston's arrival marks a new chapter for Rag & Bone, a label built by British founders Marcus Wainwright and David Neville from humble beginnings with a single pair of jeans. Huston, a contemporary of Wainwright and Neville, shares a similar journey through the dynamic landscape of American fashion, having navigated both prosperous and challenging periods with his own prior ventures, Obedient Sons & Daughters and The Academy New York. Now, with a confident yet understated approach, he is guiding Rag & Bone's creative direction, ensuring the brand's evolution remains true to its roots.
The Fall 2026 collection is a testament to Huston's carefully curated design philosophy. During a showroom preview, he articulated his desire to integrate sophisticated tailoring into Rag & Bone's established DNA of workwear and denim. His inspiration board for the season featured an eclectic mix: a vintage photograph of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in his 1980s prime alongside a Mercedes sedan captured on a Brooklyn Heights street, vibrant swatches of cherry red and Carolina blue, and impeccably faded, robust denim. These references, familiar yet perpetually appealing, underscored the collection's theme of refined nostalgia.
The garments themselves echoed this blend of classic and contemporary. The collection spans a wide range, from durable oil-wash canvas work pants paired with matching zip-front jackets to elegant navy chalk-stripe tailoring separates. In between these extremes, a selection of preppy mainstays—such as striped rugby shirts, intricate Fair Isle sweaters, and a cozy black watch plaid flannel—completes the offering. Huston expressed his personal connection to the designs, stating, "I'm energized. It's something I believe in and can wear." This sentiment suggests a collection designed not just for aesthetics, but for genuine wearability and resonance with the customer.
The collection represents a thoughtful fusion of heritage and innovation, showcasing Huston's ability to evolve the brand while preserving its core identity. His confident leadership and clear artistic direction are set to reinforce Rag & Bone's position as a purveyor of distinctive American style, appealing to those who appreciate both enduring classics and subtle contemporary updates.