Fashion’s next fixation has arrived, and it's a shade of vivid, high-voltage blue. If the Spring Summer 2026 season taught us anything, cobalt blue is about to dominate our wardrobes. The rich, saturated hue flashed across runways from New York to Paris this September, making a persuasive case for colour’s comeback — a welcome addition to the sartorial conversation after seasons of understatement.
At Valentino, Alessandro Michele rendered fluid tailoring and draped, 80s-esque gowns in cobalt blur, proving there's no limit to the kinds of pieces this shade can embrace.
At Loewe, newly minted creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez proved themselves more than up for the task of designing for the storied Spanish house, taking the shade into classic sculptural territory.
Akris' Spring Summer 26 collection was inspired by the work American artist Leon Polk Smith – not least in its vivid bursts of colour, which included sunshine yellows, rich reds, vibrant oranges and, of course, cobalt blue.
At both Hermès and Celine, the approach was quieter but no less commanding; the hue appeared through sleek leather, silk shirting and tailored separates, lending an undercurrent of confidence rather than spectacle.
Even Lacoste found its moment — reworking archival sportswear in charged tones that made movement itself look modern.
It's not the first time this colour has fallen into fashionable favour, or dominated the cultural landscape more broadly. In the 50s and 60s, French artist Yves Klein was famous for working with a similar hue – though he dubbed his particular shade 'International Klein Blue'. Since then, cobalt has reappeared in fashion’s rotation every few decades, from the electric eyeshadow of the 80s, to The Row's most recent collection in 2025.
The beauty of cobalt lies in its duality: futuristic yet timeless, wearable yet assertive. Dip your toes into the trend by adding a pop of cobalt to your look, or really lean in and channel Greta Lee in a monochromatic Luar pantsuit for something truly attention-grabbing. The choice is yours.
Shop the trend
DUNST Blue Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
HUNZA G Sandy seersucker halterneck swimsuit
EMILIA WICKSTEAD Regan strapless floral-print faille bustier top
LIDO Striped cotton-voile pareo
SIR Sol strapless gown
Polo Ralph Lauren classic sports cap
WALES BONNER Calm striped wool-blend polo shirt
ADIDAS ORIGINALS Japan suede-trimmed leather sneakers
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