SPRING SUMMER 2026: BEHIND THE COLLECTION
WITH DESIGN DIRECTOR, ALISON PARVAIS
For Spring Summer 2026, our designers present a collection that celebrates nature, craft, and timeless design. Bamford’s Design Director, Alison Parvais, explores the inspiration, fabrics and design process behind the season. From the earthy tones in the colour palette to refined silhouettes, she shares how each piece is designed for layering and longevity.
Can you tell us a bit about your typical process when starting a collection? Do you start with colour, theme, place, or a reference that shapes the direction?
I usually start with a conversation with founder, Carole Bamford, about the upcoming season. From there, we share imagery, fabrics, colours, and silhouettes, which helps shape the initial narrative. A lot of fabric and image research follows, exploring textures and combinations until a story begins to emerge. At Bamford, there’s always a link back to nature, simplicity, and ease. It’s the guiding thread for every collection.
Is there a mood or story that you had in the back of your mind for this collection?
For SS26, we were inspired by English gardens, rich with flowers, vegetables, and herbs. They informed the palette and brought a natural, earthy quality to the colour story, reflecting the calm of the countryside.
How does this collection echo and differ from previous collections?
Bamford collections are intentionally small, so every piece has to work hard. Rather than focusing on individual pieces, I think it is important to work in full looks, ensuring pieces can be layered, pared back, or worn in multiple ways. Between SS26 and AW26, I’ve revisited and re-examined fit and proportion, working to refine the collection. The theme of renewal applies in the sense of updating and finessing what already works.
You’ve chosen an earthy, neutral-led colour palette. Why these shades for this 2026 collection?
Sustainability is central to our fabric choices, so we focus on natural materials; linen, cotton, cashmere, silks; wherever possible. Rather than following trends, I select colours and textures based on research, personal intuition, and how they feel together. The shapes and silhouettes we create are meant to be modern yet timeless, with longevity in mind, rather than fast fashion.
Is there one fabric or texture that is most prominent in this collection? Why?
Knitwear remains central to Bamford, offering texture and comfort. For SS26, we’ve worked with a refined selection of yarns; flax-linen and cotton blends, cashmere-silk blends, pure cashmere in varying weights, and merino wool; perfect for versatile layering.
Pieces like the Phlox and Fen cashmere styles use heavier weight yarns for warmth and softness, which we then replicatein flax-linen and cotton for lighter, breathable options during warmer months.
You mention strengthening outerwear. Why was that a priority for this season?
Outerwear anchors the collection, and I’ve been focusing on creating pieces that bring cohesion to a wardrobe. Every outfit is considered in terms of versatility, how it can be layered, combined, and styled with other pieces.
The “double-face coats” are important pieces. Can you explain what makes them special in terms of construction and feel?
Double-face wool and wool-cashmere blends are a Bamford signature, used for simple, modern coats and jackets. A double faced finish is created by weaving two layers of cashmere together, resulting in a material that is exceptionally soft, warm, and lightweight, without requiring a lining.
We work closely with a trusted Italian supplier, which allows us to maintain quality and craft coats that are both luxurious and effortlessly wearable.
