Every year there’s a fierce debate over what is the defining song of the summer. And while it’s only early May, a strong contender is anything by Zara Larsson. The Swedish singer has been on a tear promoting “Midnight Sun,” including a performance at Billboard’s Women in Music event. Praised for her vocals, Larsson also stood out for her aquatic-inspired look that featured pink and purple starfishes and seahorses. Styled by Caterina Ospina, the Rohit Mane ensemble was sparkly, playful, and felt like warm weather fun personified. It also makes a strong argument for something that’s been bubbling on the surface since Chanel’s resort 2027 in Biarritz, which featured Matthieu Blazy’s take on the sea siren: summer 2026 is the season of the mermaid.

“I wanted to create something very water-esque, fully crystallized and reflective, almost like she’s this dripping mermaid with starfish caught on her body as she emerges from the ocean,” said Mane of the design. Made with the intention of being escapist and sensual, the two-piece look was exactly what Ospina was looking for, as she crafted Larsson’s persona for the latest album. “I’d been following Rohit’s work for months because his designs feel like you could see a modern, cool mermaid wearing them. He plays with texture and material in a way that’s fluid yet current. I knew this was the perfect moment to merge his aesthetic with Zara’s vision: fresh, confident and pure summer magic,” she explained.

That sense of confidence and magic coincided nicely with Chanel’s resort 2027 show in Biarritz, France which was held the day before Larsson’s performance. For his first cruise collection Blazy referenced the brand’s history but a series of shimmering, paillette-encrusted gowns toward the end referenced luxurious mermaids, what a modern-day Ariel would wear if she had the choice. Or in the case of Jennie from Blackpink, the ideal Met Gala red carpet look. Whimsical and eye-catching, it’s inevitable that even the most casual fashion fan would find themselves drawn to this aesthetic. “Mermaid style is captivating right now because it’s all about freedom, fantasy and a little sparkle. It lets people embody confidence and mystery. When I saw that connection [with Chanel], I knew we were riding the same wave, because honestly, who wouldn’t want to shine like that?” said Ospina.

As for how this translates to real life, because Chanel’s collection is still months away from hitting stores and not everyone can have a custom Mane creation, Ospina offered the following advice: “Think about subtle elements like a touch of iridescent fabric or maybe a sheer layer. Colors matter: sea greens, soft blues, or pearly whites for example. Honestly, a bit of shell jewelry can do wonders. Keep it easy, fluid, and let it feel fresh without overdoing it.” Sounds like a fitting motto for summer 2026.