Son Jung Wan SS26: “The Beauty of Being”
September 13, 2025 (New York, NY) — At the IAC Building in Chelsea, Son Jung Wan unveiled her Spring/Summer 2026 collection, The Beauty of Being, during New York Fashion Week. The presentation affirmed the designer’s ongoing narrative of independence and originality, a story told season after season through bold craftsmanship, emotional resonance, and fearless experimentation.
The Collection: A New Chapter in an Ongoing Story
Instead of bowing to external expectations, Son Jung Wan continues to follow her own rhythm, intuition, and allure. Each season is a new chapter in a larger creative journey, one rooted in the simple joy of design. For Spring 2026, her collection reflects themes of authenticity and diversity, weaving emotion, harmony, tension, and sustainability into a cohesive vision that feels both natural and modern.
Designer Insights: Q&A with Son Jung Wan
Following the show, I caught up with Son Jung Wan backstage to discuss her vision and process for The Beauty of Being.
Zoey: What inspired the theme of your Spring/Summer 2026 collection?
Son Jung Wan: I wanted to explore the idea of authenticity — of creating without fear of judgment. The title, “The Beauty of Being,” is about the joy of designing for its own sake. I wanted to capture emotions, harmony, and even tension, but in a way that still feels natural and modern.
Zoey: Son Jung Wan is known for dramatic yet feminine designs — how did you evolve that aesthetic this season?
Son Jung Wan : Drama and femininity are always at the heart of my work, but this season I experimented with balance. I introduced playful textures, futuristic sequins, and light fabrics like chiffon and organza. It was about staying true to my style while pushing boundaries to show new sides of femininity.
Zoey: What were the adversities you faced in bringing this collection to life?
Son Jung Wan : For me, the challenge was balance — showing every aspect of women in ways I had never reflected before. This collection embraces both softness and strength, capturing the dualities that define women. It was about honoring complexity while still creating harmony on the runway.
A Palette of Emotion
The color story of The Beauty of Being was central to the collection’s power. Luminous Blue symbolized clarity and vitality, while Blue Aura wrapped looks in subtle mystique. Transformative Teal conveyed healing and growth, and Jelly Mint offered nostalgic comfort through gentle vibrancy. Pop Pink, inspired by pop art, stood for bold self-expression and contemporary creativity, while Neutral Ground grounded the palette with earthy stability and refinement. Together, these colors told a layered story of individuality, depth, and the joyful energy that drives design.
Textures and Silhouettes
Son Jung Wan’s hallmark innovation shone through in her use of textures and fabrics. Neon Tweed expressed confident individuality, while sequins delivered a playful futurism and an almost therapeutic brightness. Lace and hand-stitched embroidery highlighted her dedication to craftsmanship, creating tactile storytelling within each garment. Organza and chiffon flowed across the runway in weightless silhouettes, enhancing the collection’s sense of sophistication and fearless originality. The result was a lineup that merged modern experimentation with emotional depth, capturing the essence of “the beauty of being.”
Behind the Scenes
The runway came to life through a team of seasoned collaborators. Freesmeier Projects managed production, with styling by Deborah Watson of Walter Schupfer Management and direction by Lynne O’Neill at Hula Inc. Casting was overseen by Chad Thompson of Communa-k Inc., while Laurent Vacher handled music direction at Labtonic. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ Jet Yang led makeup, Matthew Curtis for Goldwell designed hair, and nails were by Pattie Yankee and Team PYP. Scenic design came courtesy of ReadySet, with lighting by Dave Overcamp of OPL Productions and video direction by Tom Ford Films. Backstage was captured by Kevin Tachman, while runway photography was led by Rodin Banica.
About Son Jung Wan
As South Korea’s leading female-owned luxury fashion house, Son Jung Wan continues to expand globally. With 54 stores across Asia and 110 points of sale worldwide, the brand includes SON JUNG WAN Women’s, SJ Wani Juniors, WANINI Men’s, and the SJW GOLF athleisure collections. Beloved for her ability to blend sophistication with playful experimentation, Son Jung Wan remains one of the most vital voices in international fashion.
Website: www.sonjungwan.com
Instagram: @sonjungwan