Podcast Summary: The Who What Wear Podcast

Episode: Holt Renfrew Fashion Director Joseph Tang on Which S/S 26 Runway Trends Will Make It to Market and His 2026 Wardrobe Staples
Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Lauren Eggertson (Editorial Director, Who What Wear)
Guest: Joseph Tang (Fashion Director, Holt Renfrew)

Overview

In this episode, Lauren Eggertson sits down with Joseph Tang, Fashion Director at Holt Renfrew, to discuss the evolution of key shopping trends from 2025 and the runway looks from Spring/Summer 2026 most likely to shape what we'll see in stores—and in closets—come spring. They dive deep into what it's like to forecast, buy, and translate runway to retail, highlight must-have wardrobe updates, and offer candid, actionable advice for investing in fashion’s future, both in brands and in a personal wardrobe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Joseph Tang’s Fashion Journey & Role at Holt Renfrew

• Background & Early Passion:

  • Inspired by pop culture and movies like Spice World ("Posh Spice in those gold stilettos!" [03:22]).
  • Studied media communications, tailored electives toward fashion.
  • Broke into the industry through Fashion Television, eventually winning Holt Renfrew’s “muse” contest by showcasing personal style—a role that led him up through the ranks.
  • "I had to dance for this interview... and I got the job." ([06:49])

• What a Fashion Director Does:

  • Synthesizes trends from global fashion weeks for Canadian market.
  • Acts as both creative and strategic lead: distills high fashion for consumer appeal and translates into buyable trends ([08:54-09:27]).
  • "My role is really to look at all the collections and distill them down to key trends or messages, and highlight must have pieces that we want to bring back to our customers." ([07:15])

How Trends Are Chosen for the Store

• Timing & Process:

  • Planning starts 8–12 months ahead.
  • Blends data, sales insights, and instinct to direct merchandise ([09:45]).
  • “We won’t go from something so radical one season to the next... There’s an important method to make sure you’re still creating a synergy.” ([10:27])

• Customer Education:

  • Importance of introducing customers to new ideas in approachable ways.
  • "The education is so big to me and to what me and my team do..." ([11:28])
  • Multiple options for classic items (e.g., the white T-shirt) to keep things fresh.

What Sold in 2025: Surprising Hits and Lessons

• Best-Sellers:

  • Boho trend ("Stevie Nicks prairie girl" [11:55]); brands like Chloé and Doen excelled.
  • Pop colors: butter yellow, red sweaters.
  • Boat shoes—especially Miu Miu’s version—were "waitlisted" hits.
  • Bag charms: “I’m kind of on the fence about this trend... it’s continuing to be a huge trend for us here.” ([12:53])

• Bold Colors:

  • Quirky hues ("not pastels, not primary... lime green, butter yellow, turquoise") outperformed expectations ([13:19]).

Behind-the-Scenes of Trend Forecasting

• How Joseph Narrows Down Trends:

  • Relies on showroom visits and photographic memory, not written notes: "My camera roll is a little bit of just like how I remember things." ([14:51])
  • Synthesizes trends into city-specific reports and coordinates with buyers to avoid duplication and achieve balance.

• Three-Way Rule:

  • Joseph’s personal buying tip: "I need to be able to wear an item three different ways before I buy something." ([17:16])

The “Ugly Shoe Trend”

• Joseph’s Take:
  • Diplomatically acknowledges its place but isn’t a fan of certain extreme versions.
  • "When I see platform Crocs on a runway with a balloon gown... I don't know if I can stand behind that. But, listen, Crocs have a time and place.” ([18:05])

Joseph’s Go-To Styling Hacks

• Repeated Methods:
  • The double shirt: layering a suede shirt over a silk button-up for styled professionalism ([19:41]).
  • Flip flops with “puddling” trousers—high-fashion, not casual ([20:32]).
  • Monochromatic dressing for ease and impact.
  • Funnel neck trend for elevated silhouettes ("invest in jackets that have a double zip" [21:01-22:00]).
  • Focus on "deceptive details... beautifully crafted, but a little more discreet.” ([21:57])

Spring/Summer 2026 Runway Trends Predicted to Go Mainstream

[22:34]

• Color and Optimism:

  • "Bright optimism and color. Color blocking, bold prints, geometric prints."
  • Bottega Veneta using recycled plastic fur in canary yellow and teal.
  • Minimalism is back but updated—crisp silhouettes in bright shades (Jil Sander) ([22:34-23:20]).

• Romantic Rebellion:

  • "Romantic, rebellious spirit" with medieval and 80s references—think Edwardian lace, balloon pants, floral dresses with rugged boots, and sharp contrasts between 'hard and soft' ([24:04]).

Notable Designer Moves and Brand Highlights

[24:37]

• Big Moves:
  • Chanel: Appointment of Matthew Blasey expected to bring new energy.
  • JW Anderson at Dior: “Loved all his interpretations of the bar jacket... feminine but quirky footwear motifs.” ([24:48])
  • Gucci: Demna’s new direction anticipated to excite clients. "When the product hits stores, our clients are really going to start to get excited about it." ([25:42])

IT-Items and Updated Classics for 2026

[26:42]

• Outerwear: Double-breasted, structured wool coats in mid-calf length ([30:16]).

• Jeans: High-waisted, relaxed-fit raw denim with rolled-up cuffs ([30:58]).

• Going-Out Tops: The return of the soft peplum ([31:26]).

• Work Pants: High-waisted wool trousers with a slight flare; cropped kick-flares for day-to-night ([31:54]).

• Sneakers: Slim, low-profile styles in fabrics like satin, mesh, lace, or tweed for an elevated twist ([32:35]).

• Boots: Knee-high, equestrian-style or pointed-toe boots ([33:00]).

• Everyday Bags: Large messenger, book, or tote bags in unexpected fabrics—think flannel, canvas, satin ([33:22]).

• Accessory Highlights:

  • Silk scarves in large proportions—for waists or layered over maxi skirts ([28:45]).
  • The brooch, as a way to update bags or jackets ([28:50]).
  • Continued peak of bright reds, plus new pushes for turquoise, lime green, chartreuse ([27:00]).

Must-Watch Designers & Emerging Talent

[36:15]

• Names to Know:

  • Colleen Allen, Ashlyn Park, Grace Lang, Hazankov, Diotima.
  • Canadian talent: Wanze Song, Body of Work, Literary Sport.
  • Emerging brands highlighted in Holt Renfrew's Age Project section.

• How to Discover them:

  • Follow awards like CFDA, LVMH Prize.
  • Check store sections dedicated to emerging designers.
  • Track content creators and stylists who spotlight under-the-radar brands ([37:25]).

Joseph Tang’s Fashion Resolutions for 2026

• Focus on enjoying fashion without overthinking.
• Buy for longevity, not just Fashion Week: "I need pants that can withstand me biking uphill to my office every day." ([39:13])
• Avoid buying for single wears; invest in versatile, everyday pieces.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On fashion’s purpose:
  “The one thing that I think is tried and true about anyone who loves fashion is they just want to be comfortable and be able to go through their days and knowing that the clothes aren't wearing them.” ([16:45])

• On trend risks:
  “There was some apprehension about the commercial viability of a lime green lace short. And [it] sold out.” ([13:30])

• On client trust:
  “They trust you if they see something that might feel a little surprising to them... oh, that must be the thing.” ([14:08])

• On where to learn about new designers:
  “The best way to get all this information is just being curious, being able to check out different social media pages.” ([38:37])

Timestamps for Key Sections

• [03:16] – Joseph’s background and journey into fashion
• [07:15] – What a fashion director really does
• [11:55] – Bestselling trends at Holt Renfrew in 2025
• [14:51] – How Joseph distills theme from fashion weeks
• [17:16] – The “Three Ways” rule for personal shopping
• [18:05] – The ugly shoe trend debate
• [19:41] – Joseph’s personal styling go-tos for 2025
• [22:34] – Spring/Summer 2026 runway trends destined for stores
• [24:48] – Designer shakeups and what to expect from new creative directors
• [26:42] – Prediction of “IT” items and wardrobe staple updates for 2026
• [36:15] – Emerging designers on Joseph’s radar
• [39:13] – Joseph’s fashion resolutions and advice for mindful shopping

Conclusion

Joseph Tang’s insider perspective offers both an inspiring and actionable look at the world of trend forecasting and luxury retail. His insights into what goes from runway to real life, what shoppers are investing in, and how to approach personal style with both intention and creativity make this episode invaluable for anyone looking to understand or update their wardrobe for 2026.