At Milan Fashion Week Men’s SS26, Setchu by Satoshi Kuwata delivered a collection that felt like an elegant conversation between worlds—between tradition and modernity, utility and beauty, Japan and Africa. It was not merely a fashion presentation; it was a gentle, thoughtful meditation on craftsmanship, inclusivity, and playful function.

Drawing inspiration from his recent journey to Zimbabwe, Kuwata wove the artisanal techniques of the Batoka people into the very fabric of his designs—literally. Collaborating with LVMH Métiers d’Art and the Jafuta Foundation, he introduced delicate palm-weaving details onto sculptural skirts, relaxed trousers, and softly architectural garments. Each piece told a story of cross-cultural respect and shared artistry, blending African handwork with Japanese precision.

The designer’s enduring passion for fishing added yet another layer of whimsy and ingenuity. Fish motifs—most delightfully embodied by a leather koi hidden in a transformable sleeping bag-tunic—played alongside more subtle nods to movement and fluidity, capturing the serene unpredictability of water life. A special nod to the tiger fish—the fierce hunter of Zimbabwean rivers—symbolized energy, surprise, and humor in the collection.

Kuwata also challenged the rigidity of sizing by championing “no-size” garments—pieces designed to drape comfortably and flatter any shape. It’s a quiet but radical shift toward inclusivity, aligning art with real-world ease.

His tailoring shone brightest in the piccolo origami jackets—structured, genderless blazers with soft creases and shrunken proportions, paired with wide, low-slung trousers. This pairing struck a masterful balance between Savile Row rigor and relaxed Japanese draping, offering a look that was polished yet delightfully unforced.

Color played an emotive role too. The palette moved gently from earthy golds of African sunrise to the soft shimmer of a rainbow over Victoria Falls, culminating in a breathtaking silk chiffon dress hand-painted to evoke the fleeting glow of light and mist. These hues whispered of travel, memory, and fleeting beauty.

Functionality remained at the heart of the collection. A hoodie unzipped into a scarf; a safari parka folded into a tote bag—clever, subtle transformations that embodied Kuwata’s vision of playful practicality. Nothing felt forced or performative; every design served both form and thoughtful function.

Setchu’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection was more than a fusion of cultures or styles—it was an ode to curiosity, humility, and connection. Kuwata reminded us that fashion can be a vessel for stories that reach across oceans, telling quiet tales of craft, adventure, and human ingenuity. A true masterpiece of wearable art.