Area Spring/Summer 2026 Collection: A New York State of Mind

Area officially launched its Spring/Summer 2026 collection on September 12, 2025, during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). This season marked thehighly anticipated debutof the brands newCreative Director, Nicholas Aburn, who previously worked with renowned houses like Tom Ford and Balenciaga.

Inspiration & Creative Vision

Nicholas Aburn drew inspiration from the eclectic energy ofNew York and London city streets. He found fascination in the style of everyone from fashion icons likeBella Hadid(noted for her Carhartt-style jacket and white mini bike shorts) to everyday pedestrians who mix sportswear with unexpected elegant touches, like a crystal-adorned belt over Adidas track pants. Aburn aimed to capture this "tough optimism of New York" and the idea that "anything is possible". While acknowledging Areas heritage as a "nighttime, fantasy brand," he expressed his intention to "layer in daytime and reality," suggesting a new focus on wearable coolness.Nicholas Aburns debut for Area SS26 was seen as a successful evolution for the brand. He demonstrated respect for the houses codes—fantasy, glamour, and dramatic embellishment—while skillfully injecting his own perspective focused on daywear, reality, and a relaxed downtown sensibility. The collection successfully balanced cool, sexy, and sensual elements with pieces built for retail, signaling Areas move into a new chapter under fresh creative leadership.