Marco Capaldo is feeling contemplative.
The designer is sitting out another London Fashion Week season after building momentum with the 16Arlington brand.
“It felt like the right moment to step back and really define what 16Arlington looks like going forward and rather than rushing into another show, I wanted to really take the time to explore different ways of storytelling,” said Capaldo.
He’s presenting his spring 2026 collection in a look book format shot by Charlotte Stouvenot.
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Capaldo has cut and spliced together different eras: a ‘90s pencil skirt with a ‘70s shirt and outerwear or ‘40s sleepwear to evoke tension and build a wardrobe of individuality.
“Contradiction, cohesion, instinct and elegance” were words he used to describe his creative process. He also threw Rachel Green from “Friends” and Elvis Presley into the mix — two pop-culture figures with distinct personal styles.
Capaldo borrowed Green’s slipdresses and minimal style, then remixed it with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s rhinestones and high shine.
The rhinestones continued onto scarves, shirt cuffs and even onto a denim jumpsuit.
What Capaldo loved most about Presley’s character was his confidence. “He didn’t ask for approval and just owned the room. There was no pretension in it,” he said.
The collection felt like a new direction for the 16Arlington brand as most of the collection was daywear, a change of tune from Capaldo’s shiny cocktail dresses and gowns.
He elaborated that he wanted the collection to have a “punk meets polished” look, with nods to city style sliced in.
