Thom Browne transformed the runway into an ethereal dreamscape, where 2,000 origami birds hovered above a collection that redefined the boundaries of structure, symbolism, and sartorial artistry for Fall/Winter 2025-2026. What began in restrained monochromatic gray soon unfolded into one of Browne’s most visually striking collections in recent memory—an ode to heritage craftsmanship, avian elegance, and the ever-evolving dialogue between precision and artistic freedom.

Browne’s fascination with bird imagery took on new life this season, interpreted through sculptural silhouettes that mirrored the rounded contours of a bird’s breast and the gentle arch of its wings. Classic tailoring was reimagined with custom heritage tweeds, enriched by intarsia knits and embroidery reminiscent of John James Audubon’s intricate ornithological studies. Oversized coats bore meticulously layered embellishments, evoking the delicate iridescence of feathers, while bias-cut satin panels created a mesmerizing, color-blocked interplay of movement and light.

As the collection progressed, the avian theme took on a bolder, more abstract expression—paint applied thickly in sweeping gestures across garments, suggesting both the raw spontaneity of an artist’s brushstroke and the organic layering of plumage. This seamless interplay of structure and fluidity underscored Browne’s mastery of balancing tradition with subversion, control with chaos.

Beyond the spectacle, the collection carried an underlying message of resilience, autonomy, and the boundless spirit of creativity—a narrative that resonated as deeply as the garments themselves. In blending heritage tailoring with audacious artistry, Thom Browne delivered a collection that soared, not just in concept but in craftsmanship, reaffirming his place at the vanguard of American fashion.