Belgian designer Christian Wijnants conjured up the serenity of zen gardens while creating his fall 2026 collection. During today’s difficult times, he remembered visits to such places in Kyoto and elsewhere in Japan. “It’s really peaceful, where you can come to relax and empty your mind,” he said. This became a season of self-reflection

The fine, circular traces in sand in the garden, or karesansui, were segued into Wijnants’ knitwear, which was particularly strong and sculptural this season. “I enjoy experimenting with knitwear,” he said.

Wijnants’ “infinity knit” sweater, for instance, featured swirling lines. Nodding to the gardens, too, were fall forest colors, such as greens. The designer used moss-hued plush natural alpaca and mohair fabric from Steiff, the iconic stuffed animal-maker, to create a long, cuddly coat and matching bag.

Prints — done in collaboration with French photographer Quentin Chamard-Bois, whose abstract landscapes were of earth and sky colors — appeared on woolen jackets and jersey T-shirts.

There was more tailoring in this elegant collection, including jackets long in front and short in back, to trompe-l’oeil effect. Wijnants also played with layering, like cotton bibs peeping out from under sweaters.

Garment silhouettes were curved, with a plethora of cocoon and waist-hugging shapes. Such volumes were beautifully constructed.