The fashion landscape is shifting away from traditional trench coats towad dramatic, robe-like dusters for the Winter 2026 season. This "demi couture" trend, characterized by opulent fabrics and vintage textures, is being spearheaded by designers like Conner Ives.
A decade-long evolution from Mary-Kate Olsen’s yellow Balmain robe
The current obsession with robe-style outerwear echoes a major fashion moment from over ten years ago.. At the Met Gala, Mary-Kate Olsen famously wore a silky, yellow Balmain coat that featured intricate floral embroidery and a robe-like silhouette.
As the report highlights, the fashion cycle has moved from the structured shoulders and statement lapels seen in 2023 to the shearling and fur-collared styles favored by celebrities like Bella Hadid in 2024. now, the trend has evolved into a more fluid, "boudoir-inspired" aesthetic that prioritizes a blend of high-fashion drama and loungewear comfort.
Conner Ives’s 49% growth and the sold-out silk robe
Conner Ives is currently leading the charge in this "robe-looking" coat movement with his highly successful Demi Couture Reconstituted Vintage Fur and Silk Robe. This specific design,crafted from crepe silk satin and vintage fur, has become a major status symbol in the industry.
The commercial success of the London-based designer is evident in recent business metrics. According to the fashion analysis, the label reported a 49% quarter-on-quarter growth for Q3, driven in part by high-profile celebrity endorsements. For instance, Hailey Bieber recently wore a cherry blossom-embroidered version of the robe that sold out quickly after its appearance.
Other celebrities have also embraced the Ives aesthetic, including Sienna Miller, who was spotted wearing a neon green version of the silk robe during the Spring 2026 show.. This momentum suggests that the duster is moving from a niche runway piece to a high-demand luxury item.
The Fall 2026 Couture influence of Balenciaga and Zuhair Murad
Major couture houses are reinforcing the duster trend through their upcoming Fall 2026 collections. Designers such as Balenciaga , Zuhair Murad, and Stéphane Rolland are all leaning into opulent, sidewalk-sweeping styles that feature dramatic outer shells.
These collections emphasize a sense of "demi couture" that blends vintage sensibilities with modern luxury. The trend is not limited to a single material; while silk and satin are prominent, the industry is also seeing a significant uptick in designs featuring heavy velvet and chunky fur collars to provide warmth without the bulk of a traditional winter coat.
Can the 'boudoir-inspired' look move from Jennifer Lawrence to the street?
While the trend has been successfully tested on red carpets by stars like Jennifer Lawrence, its longevity in everyday wardrobes remains an open question .. Lawrence recently experimented with a velvety version of the duster by Colleen Allen, signaling that the trend is expanding into different textures and price points.
However, it is still unclear how the average consumer will adopt such high-maintenance pieces. While the duster offers a way to "romanticize" daily errands, the transition from a celebrity-endorsed silk robe to a practical, daily-wear garment is a gap the industry has yet to fully bridge.
Comments 0