In an industry often obsessed with loud exaggeration, Julie Kegels SS27 delivers a masterclass in quiet subversion. Exploring gravity, spontaneous morning haste, and the beauty of the unfinished, Apple of the Day proves that within imperfection lies the most profound sensibility and elegance.
An apple falls from a tree and forever changes how we perceive the world. Yet in an orchard of uniform, tired proposals, or collections designed merely to shock through excess, Julie Kegels stands out as that distinct apple choosing to detach from the branch at her own rhythm. She proves that true impact does not require loud exaggeration: Kegels manages to amaze through the pure power of minimalism. She falls with a vulnerable, deeply sensitive grace, reminding us once again that within imperfection lies the most profound sensibility and elegance.
From this simple, almost fairy-tale intuition comes Apple of the Day, the Spring/Summer 2027 collection from the Belgian designer, presented at the Cité de la Musique within the Philharmonie de Paris. Named after the designer’s quiet ritual of eating an apple every evening, the collection playfully references Newton, recasting physics and gravity into a bold manifesto for revolutionary fashion.
The Weight of Expectations (and Gravity)
Winning the 2026 LVMH Prize thrust Julie Kegels directly into the spotlight, bringing with it a substantial dose of pressure. But rather than letting expectations crush her, the designer turned them into creative fuel, transforming the fear of failing, or “falling”, into garments.
If gravity did not pull us down, what would be the point of striving to climb?
Gravity thus becomes the true protagonist. For Julie, it is not an obstacle, but what anchors things in reality: if gravity did not pull us down, what would be the point of striving to climb?
From this concept emerge garments that reflect real life and its daily imperfections. Her inspiration stems from observing spontaneous, uncalculated gestures, like dressing in a rush in the morning: within an out of place detail, a hastily thrown on piece, or a strap slipping off the shoulder lies an authentic, vulnerable beauty. It is precisely from this fascination with haste that off the shoulder knits, low slung tights, and weighted hems take shape, creating a deliberately off balance elegance. The result is a remarkably fresh, delicate, and refined collection anchored in the minimalism and subtraction that have become her signature style.
Subverted Details: Garment Fragments and Bespoke Imperfections
Conceptual details crafted with sartorial precision define the runway narrative. Tights drop well below the crotch, revealing an arched space between the legs, offered in sheer white, nude second skin hues, and mauve brown mesh to evoke a sense of spontaneous, unfinished dressing. Sequins are not merely applied; they remain trapped within layers of transparent organza, settling along the hems of lilac blouses and clutches like sand in an hourglass. The layered details resemble residual fragments of garments that slid away and remained caught on the body: raw trimmed edges, deconstructed tank tops, and pleated skirts riding low on the hips rest over essential basics like neutral tees or second skin bodysuits.
Gravity on Hair: The Charm of the Floating Ponytail
The hair styling proved equally captivating, turning the hair into a visual illusion through the floating ponytail: alongside a sleek, low ponytail at the nape, a second tail appears suspended further down the back, held by a barely visible strand that makes it seem to float in mid-air or penetrate the fabric. This jarring detail plays on the theme of the double, elevating hair from a simple hairstyle into a sculptural accessory responding to gravity
Julie Kegels SS27 — hair by Louis Ghewy pic.twitter.com/UgkJY23HEG
— elena (@givemethecoins) September 28, 2026
Palette, Functionality, and Accessories
The color palette builds on a grounded neutral base of nude tones, caramel, and chocolate brown, illuminated by soft pastel accents: lilac, powder blue, butter yellow, and a fresh pistachio green. Beside the high concept vision lies a sharp pragmatic edge: many garments are modular and transformable through bands and buttons that allow blazers, button downs, and skirts to attach to one another, reconfiguring a single piece into multiple outfits. Marking the brand’s official accessory line debut is the new Gravity bag, offered in half moon, barrel, and pouch silhouettes.
The scenography played its part seamlessly: a soft, bouncy runway platform welcomed the models, transforming their steps into an elastic, fluid stride synced to an electronic soundtrack set to the notes of the French band Air.
The shoes at Julie Kegels ss27 pic.twitter.com/zc3AWaeYh4
— Steph (@ship_gq) September 28, 2026
With this collection, Julie Kegels proves that we do not always need perfect poise or conformity to shine. Sometimes, falling with style is simply the first step toward finding our place in the world.
Giulia Calbi