By Julia Radovich
This wasn’t a runway. It was a placement.
Études Studio presented their SS26 collection in the raw interior of Palais de Tokyo – concrete, light, silence. The title, Surroundings, wasn’t a theme. It was a way of asking:
What if fashion didn’t demand attention, but responded to its context?
What if the artist no longer stayed in the studio – but moved into the landscape?
“We’re telling the story of art in the landscape,” – said Aurélien Arbet.
“The idea is that an artist’s practice doesn’t belong only to museums or studios.
The outside — nature, terrain — can be a whole territory to explore.“
The clothes reflected that shift – a hybrid of tailoring and outdoor gear, refined but ready. Neutral tones, elongated lines, protective textures.
What looks like minimalism is, in fact, a carefully constructed proposition: freedom of movement, protection without bulk, elegance without noise.
“We grew up near the Alps,” added Jérémie Égry.
“So we like to add that mountain-tech feeling. The connection between softness, workwear and outdoor functionality — that’s what we were aiming for.”
Some looks carried graphic weight.
A standout moment: three full silhouettes printed with artwork by Maia Ruth Lee – immersive, not decorative. Cartographic in nature, at scale 1:1.
“It’s almost like wearing a map,” said Jérémie.
“She paints on sculptural forms that remind us of travel. We didn’t reduce or crop her work. We wanted to preserve the full immersion.“
Sound became part of the terrain, too.
Live music by Amélie Gould, played on handmade instruments by François Dufeil, echoed through the space like ritual.
“It was a conversation between sound and form,” said the designers.
“Not a soundtrack — but a structure.“
When asked what message they wanted to deliver through the clothes, they answered without hesitation:
“Depending on the day, you may want to feel active. Or elegant. Or both.” — said Aurélien.
“The point is not to limit people – but to offer a versatile wardrobe. That’s our vision of fashion.”
And then, without announcement, the designers appeared in the space.
Jérémie wore a washed-black T-shirt with white serif lettering:
“Alternatives are Possible.“
It wasn’t a slogan. It was a reminder.
“Fashion — art in general — is here to suggest new directions,” said Aurélien.
“To remind people: you can think otherwise. You don’t have to follow the path that’s already set. That’s what creative work is for.“
Surroundings isn’t a statement about the future.
It’s about now – and how clothes can connect you with your context, rather than distract from it.
What does your clothing respond to – you or your surroundings?
