Paris — Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck has presented his Autumn/Winter 2026–27 collection titled “SCARE the CROW / SCARECROW,” a powerful and emotional exploration of youth, outsider identity, and creative freedom.
Known for his fearless approach to fashion, Van Beirendonck describes himself as an outsider in the industry — a position that allows him to see and create differently. This season, he returns to his long-standing fascination with Art Brut and Outsider Art, drawing strong inspiration from French artist André Robillard, who creates handmade objects from scrap materials while living outside traditional art systems.
The collection reflects a strong tension between aggression and tenderness. Plastic guns are mixed with flowers, and 3D elements such as birds, blooms, and weapons can be removed and rearranged, allowing wearers to create their own combinations. This modular approach reflects youth’s raw energy and unfiltered creativity.
Van Beirendonck also looks at childhood imagination, where emotions turn naturally into drawings, words, and objects — before self-consciousness takes over. Youth, for him, represents hope, honesty, and truth.
Materials play a key role in the story. British wools are combined with nylon and plastic, while tailoring meets technical fabrics. Inspired by war carpets, protective covers, and utilitarian garments, the collection transforms covers into clothing, with bodies moving underneath hidden structures. EASTPAK backpacks appear as part of smock-like silhouettes.
The colour palette is more restrained than in previous seasons, using ton-sur-ton shades with less clash and more intention. However, versatility remains central: sleeves are removable, belts change volume, and styling options are endless.
T-shirts form the backbone of the collection, including graphic messages such as “HI THERE, ARE YOU FR?” — questioning identity and presence. A fan-favourite symbol, Puk Puk, returns as a message of continuity and resilience.
Van Beirendonck describes the scarecrow as a figure standing alone, made from whatever is available, trying to look human. For him, the Scarecrows of 2026 represent today’s youth — unnamed, misunderstood, yet deeply real.
The collection was presented with collaborations including EASTPAK, Stephen Jones (hats), KOMONO (sunglasses), Anti-Static (3D prints), and Charlie Le Mindu (hair), with music by Hantrax.
“SCARE the CROW / SCARECROW” is not just a fashion collection — it is a statement about youth, freedom, and the importance of protecting creative truth before it disappears.