Spotted on the catwalk: SS26 trends according to Heuritech

Parisian AI fashion forecasting company Heuritech analyses millions of social media images to predict which styles_ colours and fabrics will dominate the coming seasons. For spring/summer 2026_ the agency identified ten notable trends. FashionUnited highlights a few of them with the help of catwalk looks.

Purple as trend colour and Creamy Yellow as new neutral

In Heuritech_s SS26 trend analysis_ purple is declared the trend colour of the season. From lilac to aubergine_ the colour symbolises individuality_ spirituality and emotional expression_ according to the agency. The trend colour is gaining ground not only in womenswear but also in menswear. This observation is confirmed by Pantone_s SS26 London Fashion Week (LFW) and New York Fashion Week (NYFW) colour cards_ where purple is also prominent.

Additionally_ light yellow – also described as “Creamy Yellow” or “Popcorn Yellow” – is emerging as the new neutral.

Moccasins

Dutch trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort has already said that the trainer will make way for the moccasin. Similarly_ Heuritech also sees that moccasins and similar footwear such as loafers and boat shoes are gaining popularity_ particularly among women_ among which popularity grew 40 percent. This is partly thanks to the influence of beautiful catwalk examples from Miu Miu_ Chloé (under the direction of Chemena Kamali) and Isabel Marant.

Zebra and dalmatian print

After leopard_ zebra and dalmatian prints are the strongest risers when it comes to animal prints for SS26. In the US_ popularity for zebra print is projected to rise 17 percent in 2026_ especially among shoppers in the 26 to 35 age group. Snakeskin_ crocodile and cow prints are also trending_ the latter dubbed the 'IT' print for SS26_ with a forecasted growth among women in the US of 87 percent.

Romantic fabrics

Lace_ satin and sheer fabrics are among the key materials for spring/summer 2026_ states Heuritech. Items like the lace skirt are front runners for this trend. The product is expected to see a growth in popularity of 13 percent in the US and 20 percent in the EU_ reflecting rising consumer interest in romantic and feminine silhouettes.

Check patterns & the polka dot

For patterns and prints? Choose checks or polka dots. Gingham_ in particular_ is forecast to grow in prominence significantly among men and women. In Europe_ the pattern's popularity is expected to rise 17 and 31 percent_ respectively_ while in the US_ it should increase 22 percent for women and 4 percent for men.

Dots_ meanwhile_ are set to experience a sharper incline. In Europe_ big dots are forecast to grow 55 percent in visibility in SS26 and 33 percent in the US.

The ten other major trends for SS26 according to Heuritech include raw denim; ruffles and pleated hems; and The New Raw trend. The New Raw trend combines practical and city-chic in functional_ stylish yet comfortable designs.