Simkhai Spring/Summer 2026 at New York Fashion Week

Simkhai Spring/Summer 2026 / SS26 at New York Fashion Week

SIMKHAI SS26 / Spring/Summer 2026 turns to the rhythms of surf culture and the coastal sensibility of Southern California. Beach days that end up in Venice, walking the boardwalk, passing street vendors and local artists and watching both the skaters and surfers in and out of the water is impactful. Immersed in this atmosphere, SIMKHAI was reminded of Lords of Dogtown, the seminal film depicting the rise of Venice’s skateboarding scene in the 1970s—a story of friendship, subculture, and reinvention.

SIMKHAI SS26 / Spring/Summer 2026 is merging a distinctive modern city heritage with a coastal sensibility, a duality that comes into sharp focus. Based on images seen in the film, this collection draws inspiration from sun-bleaching, natural textures, hues, and forms of the ocean. Sunlight reflecting off the surface of water, the softened edges of driftwood, and the shifting scales of fish all come into play with a collection that attempts to capture a balance of serenity and modernity. Craftsmanship is a cornerstone of this collection, combined with innovative techniques to create fabrics such as sunbleached denim, distressed leather and caviar lace. These luxurious and tactile fabrics are constructed by the SIMKHAI atelier into new silhouettes that have their genesis in coastal living, but offer a modern take on craft and sensuality.

SIMKHAI SS26 / Spring/Summer 2026 collection is not only about reflections you see on the surface of an ocean, but of personal ones. Looking back to the designer’s third collection, where SIMKHAI also drew inspiration from surf and skate culture, and the movie, Lords of Dogtown. Celebrating an unplanned coincidence and a chance to be beholden to the past, SIMKHAI was able to look back at a collection designed 10 years ago and reflect. Do some things differently, but also acknowledge himself as a designer at that time. A second go at a similar inspiration allowed a chance to acknowledge growth and evolution; a reminder that there are no missteps in life, just lessons for the future. Realizations and reflections that could have gone overlooked without a nearness to the beach and the sea.

The day after the show (September 12), people will be able to virtually try-on select looks from the runway collection using Google’s try-on tool, which can show people how that piece would look on them. Simply search for “Simkhai” on Google, choose an item, and tap “try on”. Select SS26 runway pieces will also be available to pre-order on Simkhai’s site.

SIMKHAI SS26 / Spring/Summer 2026 Attendees included: Taraji P. Henson, Selma Blair, Tiffany Haddish, Olivia Holt, Meg Donnelly, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordan Chiles, Fai Khadra, Mia Moretti, Karen Gillan, Micala Jae Rodriguez, Ben Ahlers, Aweng Chuol, Bene, Jacob Rott, Julien Brown, Luis Freitag and Tim Schaecker of The Elevator Boys, Olivia Palermo, Leonie Hanne, Mary Leest, Marcos Fecchino, Young Emperors, Reese and Molly Blutstein, Natalie and Dylana Suzrez and more.

ABOUT SIMKHAI, designs for the elevated everyday with innovative techniques and timeless craftsmanship. Founded in 2010 by designer JONATHAN SIMKHAI, the studio takes inspiration from architects and sculptors alike, blending progressive construction techniques with intimate hand-detailing to create truly special garments and lifestyle design. A 2015 winner of the prestigious CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund, the studio has earned recognition for its original silhouettes, quality constructions, and timeless elegance. SIMKHAI continues to nurture an inspired creative community around the brand’s home in Los Angeles, sharing their designs and stories with women around the world who live artful, unapologetic lives.

Jonathan Simkhai honed his technical skills at Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology before launching his first womenswear line in New York City. An early inductee to the CFDA Incubator program, he quickly developed an eye for craft and quality. Today he leads the brand’s creative studio, drawing inspiration from his travels and the cities he and his husband call home. Simkhai.com