Camperlab FW26: Achilles Ion Gabriel nears final bow in Paris
Following the news of Achilles Ion Gabriel_s impending departure_ anticipation reached a fever pitch as Camperlab unveiled its autumn/winter 2026/2027 collection on Thursday_ January 22. This marks the penultimate collection for the Finnish designer_ who is set to step down after a transformative six-and-a-half-year tenure as global creative director of the Camper Group. While officially listed as a "presentation" on the Paris Fashion Week Men_s calendar_ the brand opted for a full runway format—a strategic move consistent with its high-profile Paris debut in June 2025.
The collection was staged at the historic Art Deco theater_ Maison de la Mutualité in Paris_ serving as a backdrop for the brand_s fully realized identity as a contemporary fashion house. Gabriel_s signature genderless aesthetic was delivered through what the brand described as a "complete sensory and immersive experience." The atmosphere was defined by the electronic rhythms of DJ Pandora_s Jukebox and a soulful live finale by American singer Annahstasia Enuke. Complementing the urban nature of the FW26 pieces_ a street-cast lineup provided a "dose of reality and authenticity" to the presentation_ grounding the avant-garde designs in a relatable_ metropolitan context.
Since taking the creative helm_ Gabriel has been credited with successfully pivoting Camperlab from a footwear-focused label into a comprehensive lifestyle brand. This collection serves as a refined bookend to a period defined by bold silhouettes and a radical brand overhaul. As Gabriel prepares to exit his responsibilities within the group_ the FW26 show underscores the significant creative legacy he leaves behind and the high bar set for his successor.
The collection is revealed to be deeply personal_ structured around a central theme. The Finnish designer_ Achilles Ion Gabriel_ drew inspiration from the cold winters of his childhood in Lapland_ Finland's northernmost region. He has revisited and shared these experiences through the collection's pieces and designs_ as well as through the presentation itself during Paris Fashion Week. This distinctly alternative event aimed to immerse the audience in the midst of a cold winter blizzard.
“Framed by a relentless blizzard_ the show immerses the audience in an experience of essential solitude_ harsh by nature_ but punctuated by moments of sudden serenity and clarity_” states Camperlab. Based on this sensory atmosphere and figurative setting_ “the presentation revolves around twenty wind-swept characters_ played by a modest cast of models_ talents and street-cast profiles_” who appear on stage as if “enveloped in sub-zero temperatures.” In the face of this adverse weather_ “some are dressed elementally_ as if gathering firewood to heat a cabin_ while others” are “prepared to withstand the prolonged polar nights.”
Worn finishes and 'boreal' pinks and greens
Bringing this inspiring set of intentions and inspirations to life_ the collection's colour palette is based on a chromatic symphony dominated by cool mud-browns_ blues_ whites_ greys and blacks. These tones are drawn from the natural landscape of Finnish Lapland. Supernatural and mystical pinks and emerald greens_ inspired by the Northern Lights_ are added like a magical apparition.
The collection translates a moody palette into a versatile range of apparel_ anchored by deconstructed outerwear_ voluminous bombers_ and coordinated separates. These pieces bridge the gap between high fashion and utility_ defined by urban silhouettes and distressed_ "worn-effect" finishes. While denim remains a cornerstone of the Camperlab aesthetic_ the FW26 material play is notably elevated_ featuring waxed cottons_ long-haired wools_ and brushed_ aged-white leathers embossed with an ostrich-skin texture.
Expanding its reach as a lifestyle brand_ the collection introduces a suite of leather accessories. Highlights include scaled-down iterations of the signature _Laukku_ and _Lunssi_ bags_ alongside a new belt featuring a "maxi" industrial metal buckle. The core footwear offering remains a focal point_ led by the _Terroso_ boots_ _Escandalo_ loafers and heeled boots_ and the _Canicula_ leather trainers.
Beyond the main line_ the runway served as a teaser for an upcoming collaboration with Real Club Deportivo Mallorca. This partnership_ first announced in December 2024_ merges Camperlab_s avant-garde sensibilities with the heritage of the Spanish football club_ signaling a strategic push into the intersection of fashion and professional sport.
As his final projects_ and in line with the company's announcement just over a week ago_ Gabriel is developing their new collections for the spring/summer 2027 season. These collections will be presented in early December of this year.
