Embracing Imperfections and Rawness on the Runway

This season’s Men’s Fashion Week Spring 2026 showcased a significant shift towards natural beauty, with hairstylists and makeup artists opting for a more raw and realistic look. Gone are the days of heavily retouched models, as the industry seems to be embracing a more effortless and authentic aesthetic.

On the runways, models sported a range of hairstyles that looked like they had been styled with minimal effort. At Qasimi, in Milan, models wore uncombed, unevenly distributed dos with bits and bobs that added to their natural look. In Paris, at Officine Générale, bandeaus wrapped around the heads of some models gave the impression of a rushed exit, as if they had just stepped out of the shower without paying much mind to their hair.

The trend of natural beauty was also reflected in the makeup looks. Many makeup artists opted to go for a more subtle, natural look, using tools such as blush, foundation, and eyeliner to create so-called imperfections. At Simon Cracker, freckles and beauty marks were left as is, and in some instances, embellished to dramatic effect. At Louis Vuitton, models had flushed cheeks courtesy of Pat McGrath, creative director of the newly minted Louis Vuitton makeup line, which added a touch of realism to their look.

One of the most striking trends of the season was the use of pops of color on the faces and bodies of models. At Setchu, models wore green lipstick and liberally applied eyeshadow, while at Feng Chen Wang, delicate leaves were painted onto faces and bodies. Dark lipstick added a serious touch in otherwise upbeat collections at Kenzo and Doublet.

Long hair was also a major trend this season, with models sporting veritable manes that likely took years to grow. At Bluemarble, a number of models sported long hair, while at Yohji Yamamoto, models wore long ‘fros, cornrows that dangled almost to a model’s collarbone, and locks and other styles that fell well below the shoulder. The winged dos at Sean Suen were another example, offering a high-fashion take on the humble mullet. Big wigs have been a mainstay at Rei Kawakubo’s Comme des Garçons Homme Plus, and the Spring 2026 show was no exception, with Rapunzel-esque braids swaying below models’ waists as they walked.

The “bedhead” look was also popular this season, with models sporting voluminous, mussy dos that added to their laid-back, effortless vibe. At Yohji Yamamoto, models wore loose, pyjama-like clothes that matched their messy hair, creating a cohesive and relaxed look. The hair was also often left to its own devices, with models sporting untamed, unbrushed locks that added to their natural beauty.

The eyes also took center stage this season, with makeup artists and accessory designers drawing attention to them with colorful eyeshadow and rimmed with stripes. At Walter Van Beirendonck’s show, models sported light-up glasses that covered the iris with a starburst flare, bringing a surreal touch to the procession.

Overall, this season’s Men’s Fashion Week Spring 2026 was all about embracing imperfections and rawness on the runway. With a focus on natural beauty and effortless style, the industry seems to be moving away from heavily retouched models and towards a more authentic aesthetic.