AW26 Design Notes

5 Questions With Our Designer

JOURNAL / JAN 16 2026

An intimate conversation with our lead designer, Mandy Villars, on the inspiration and intention of the up and coming Autumn Winter 2026 collections.

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan

Our Designers - Kelly and Mandy

QUESTION ONE

What was the starting point for AW26? Where did the story begin?

AW26 began with a single idea: Wabi-sabi.

While travelling through Japan, I found myself moved by this philosophy: the beauty of the ordinary, the acceptance of impermanence, the appreciation of the imperfect. There’s something incredibly human about it.

Standing in old temples, touching weathered timber, observing handmade textiles… I felt a softness and honesty that I wanted to bring into the collection.

Later, revisiting Caroline’s archive of Japanese designers - Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons - it all connected. Their discipline, innovation, and purity of approach seamlessly aligned with where we wanted AW26 to go.

QUESTION TWO

How does Wabi-sabi show up in the collections?

For us, Wabi-sabi is expressed through refinement.

It’s the raw look of denim, the abstract nature of a print, the fluid movement of pleats, or the ease of a considered colour palette.

Nothing is overworked. Everything is intentional.

AW26 has a quiet confidence - the kind that comes from thoughtful design and authenticity.

QUESTION THREE

What defines the Caroline Sills AW26 collection?

A return to the roots of Caroline Sills, but (even more) elevated.

Caroline Sills began with premium knitwear, so we re-centred the collection around that legacy.

This season, we introduced new knit fibres that are luxurious and responsibly sourced. We cannot wait to share them!

QUESTION FOUR

Sills is usually more casual and relaxed. How did AW26 evolve for the diffusion line?

Our customer is dressing for a world where seasons are blending.
We’re layering more. We’re looking for pieces that work harder and last longer.

So, the collection evolved to become more adaptable: finer knitwear, innovative outwear, and styles that transition easily across temperature changes.

Every piece has a purpose within the wardrobe ecosystem.

QUESTION FIVE

If you had to describe AW26 in one sentence…?

AW26 is a quiet rebellion - a movement away from the expendable, and toward what is honest, enduring, and deeply considered.
(A long sentence!)