Fashion is accustomed to dipping into the archives, but the latest trend takes that concept just a little bit further. Medieval times – yes, around 500 years ago – have proven fertile ground for fashionable inspiration in recent months.

It was Phoebe Bridgers who first alerted us to the zeitgeist's renewed interest in the Middle Ages. Her long-awaited return to music was marked by a music video to the song Lost Boys, in which Bridgers rides a motorcycle with an amour-clad knight, her silver hair flowing in the wind to reveal elfin ears. Troye Sivan followed suit a few weeks later with the music video for Party, which is filled with knights battling it out on horses, and dancing in a manor that resembles what I can only imagine the Saltburn house looked like when it was first built.

Of course, pop stars aren't the only ones on a Medieval deep dive – the spring summer 2027 shows have been brimming with references. Perhaps the most literal interpretation came courtesy of Elena Velez, where models took to the runway in chainmail headwear loosely referencing kinds of medieval protection.

Then in London, Chopova Lowena drew on the middle ages with puff-sleeve blouses, dramatically-ruffled waists, faux fur throws and belt buckle accents that almost looked capable of wielding a sword.

In fact, medieval influences have proven popular in fashion for several seasons now. Ralph Lauren's autumn winter 2026 show was rife with chainmail blouses, leather corsets and strong, silver jewellery accents.

A season prior, and Connor Ives sent a model down the runway in what looked to resemble an actual knight's helmet, while another donned an entirely chainmail tunic, complete with a hood.

Many have theorised why, exactly, the Middle Ages continues to occupy fashion's imaginations. Some posture that, in today's ultra digital, AI-saturated landscape, it's enticing to fantasise about a time that came before. To others, it's a response to the political landscape more broadly – in the face of wars, unrest, and uncertainty, it's logical that we would protect ourselves, even if only symbolically, via the clothes we wear. Whatever the reason, it seems the medieval trend is likely to stick around.

RABANNE Chainmail beads-embellished headpiece

SIMONE ROCHA Sculpted Corset merino wool cardigan

WIEDERHOEFT Venus Corset

MAY MASHIAH Alice Top 

ST AGNI Utility Skirt Belt

AEYDE Tate suede ankle boots

LIBEROWE Cotton-velvet peplum jacket

ANNA SUI Velvet Maxi Skirt