Brandon Maxwell: Balancing Theater and Wearability Celebrates 10 Years

By Patricia Burén

Brandon Maxwell marked a significant highlight in the brands history with his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, presented on September 11, 2025, at Sotheby's in New York City. Ten years in, Maxwell has quietly but confidently cemented his place in American fashion - not by chasing every trend, but by mastering the art of balance: glamour that feels attainable, drama that does not alienate. There is a maturity in this collection that only a decade in the business can bring. Maxwell's runway was a meditation on contrasts: soft versus structured, playful versus commanding, femininity infused with a quiet strength.

Brandon Maxwell SS26: Looks 3, 4, 9 (Images courtesy of Brandon Maxwell)

The difference from his September 2024 collection was palpable. Last season, Maxwell favored understatement: fluid silhouettes, clean tailoring, and elegant minimalism. This season, he embraced the bold. Plaids and cowhide prints hinted at Americana; fringe and oversized belts added an element of Western grit. Capes, feathered collars, and sharply tailored outerwear replaced the soft drapery of 2024, yet Maxwell managed to keep the collection grounded. The result is a wardrobe that is both theatrical enough for the runway and perfectly wearable on the street. Several trends leapt off the runway and we hope to see them on the sidewalks soon. Western-inspired tailoring, from plaid skirts to fringe-detailed jackets, felt simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. Hardware, particularly chunky belts and statement buckles, punctuated the collection with modernity. And Maxwell's signature textural contrasts - buttery leather against soft, flowing fabrics - gave depth to each look. Outerwear, as always, stole the show: a cape-like blazer or structured coat could easily become a city staple.

Despite the drama, Maxwell remembered the everyday girlie. Plaid mini and midi skirts, strapless tops that mimic modern button-downs, slouchy trousers, and flowing dresses with subtle fringe all felt approachable. Even the bold blazers, some belted, some cape-like, have the power to elevate a jeans-and-tee moment. This is what makes Maxwell enduring: glamour without intimidation. In a time of financial prudence, statement accessories matter more than ever. Maxwell's oversized sunglasses, bold belts, and compact handbags offered maximum impact for minimal fuss. While the runway versions are undeniably luxe, similar interpretations exist at more attainable price points, letting women capture the essence of the look without overspending.

Maxwell's genius lies in walking the tightrope between spectacle and practicality. Runway theatrics attract attention, but grounded, wearable pieces sustain a brand. SS26 achieves both. Ten years on, Maxwell proves he has not lost his sense of purpose: creating pieces that are aspirational yet wearable, glamorous yet utilitarian. Watching Maxwell today, it is clear he has reached a sweet spot: American luxury with a nod to reality, drama tempered by wearability. In a world of fleeting trends, that kind of measured confidence is rare - and entirely enviable.