Hades' Runway: Rick Owens Spring/Summer '26 Show
- Justinian Mason
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
Paris Fashion Week is in full swing, and most designers haven’t pulled any punches. Side-eyes Pharrell. There has been a trove of thoughtful designs and tastefully executed show concepts. Crowing a winner in show concept might be premature, but the Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2026 show titled "Mens Temple" undoubtably hails the crown for the moment. Showcasing a runway that resembles The River Styx.
I've never been a fan of Rick Owens' clothes, so I felt it was important to check out this collection. This show was simply spectacular. After watching numerous times I had to force myself to focus on the collection, I was too distracted by the theatrics behind the presentation. Even after I watching with the garments in mind, it felt like the clothes damn near weren't the point. In this show there weren't any stellar shots showing off the collection. Shots to show fabric detailing is something you'll find in post when the photos are available. This show was about creating an environment to perturb an audience. Claiming it to be a spectacle for virality or shock value would be a slap in the face to the artistry on display.
Held at The Palais de Tokyo in Paris, the SS '26 collection was riddled with an undying pulse of distortion. Rick had models walking through a fountain while opera vocals played in reverse. As the models descended the scaffolding in their goat-like heels and stepped into the fountain, they resembled lost souls wandering through The River Styx. They occasionally dove underwater and resurfaced drenched with a look of desolation. Smoke filled the air as models crept around, making it feel less like a fashion show and more like a simulation of Hades’ underworld. As the show continued, some began to climb the tower using harness on their clothes. As they reached the top and made their "Men Temple" the rest at the bottom assembled in the fountain. Finishing off with uniformity was equally as surprising as the obscure and discombobulating start to the show.
Rick's position as an established tastemaker has allowed him to execute any vision. That level of creative freedom isn't one most designers can execute. He's afforded the privilege by creating an established aura around his clothes. Even in this show, the clothes were present, but they served merely as a visual aid to the environment he created. Again, affirming my thoughts on the power of the runway. The art you put around you collection is an extention of your clothes and your brand identity. Not a huge fan of his clothes, but I am a fan of Rick Owens.
Favorite looks from the show:
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