Holt Renfrew Fashion Director Joseph Tang on Which S/S 26 Runway Trends Will Make It to Market and His 2026 Wardrobe Staples

Summary

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.

---

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the who what Wear? Podcast, your direct line to the designers, stylists, beauty experts, editors, and tastemakers who are shaping the ever evolving world of fashion. I'm who what Where? Editor in Chief Kat Collings, and today I'm passing the mic to editorial director Lauren Eggertson as she's joined by one of our editors in residence, Jennifer Joseph. Tank Joseph is the fashion director for Holt Renfrew, Canada's premier luxury retailer. Joseph has worked with Holt for more than a decade, deciding what brands, products, and trends the store should lean into with every fashion cycle. He joins us to recap the biggest shopping trends he noticed in 2025 and to give us his expert predictions on how the Runway trends we saw at the spring summer 2026 shows will make it into market this spring. It's all coming up on who what Where.

[B]

Hi, Lauren.

[C]

How are you doing today?

[B]

I'm good. How are you?

[C]

I'm good. I'm so excited to have you on this podcast. I love you so much. We've been friends for a minute, and I just am so, so glad we've been able to work together like this.

[B]

Likewise. The feeling is mutual.

[C]

Okay, so for those of you who don't know, you are the fashion director at Holt Renfrew, can you share? I mean, everyone should know what Holt Renfrew is, but please give us the lowdown in case people aren't aware.

[B]

Yes. So Holt Renfrew is a luxury retailer here in Canada. It is the epicenter of fashion. It has everything you want and more. If you love beauty, if you love lifestyle, we've got stores in Vancouver, Calgary, three here in Toronto, where I'm based out of, and one in Montreal. And fun fact, Holt Renfrew's legacy and the brand has actually been around longer than Canada's been a country.

[C]

Can you explain that?

[B]

Yeah. So Holt Renfrew's been around for 190 years. The country of Canada celebrated its 150th birthday a couple years ago. So the establishment of Holt Renfrew in the name has actually been around and is very integral, kind of part of the landscape of Canada.

[C]

That's amazing. It's probably such an honor to work for somewhere that has so much history and such an amazing luxury reputation in our industry.

[B]

Totally. I'm embarking in my 14th year here at Holt Rent Fruit. Our color is magenta, so I always like to say that my blood is magenta.

[C]

I love that. Well, congratulations on 14 years.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

As the fashion director at Holt Renfrew, you have what many would consider to be a very enviable job in the industry. You're always traveling the world fast forward. That's how I met Joseph. For those of you listening, we met at Milan Fashion Week. We both go every season, but Joseph starts in New York and he attends all of the fashion weeks from New York to London, Paris, Milan. But before we really dive in, I would love if you could share your background and how you got first started in fashion, what you studied in school, how you ended up in your current role, all of that.

[B]

So I've always had an affinity to fashion, clothing, design. One of the first memories I have of fashion is actually the movie Spice World starring the Spice Girls. I have this vivid memory of Posh Spice walking out of that military boot camp wearing these gold stiletto heels. And that made me think about style, personal expression. Just kind of growing up in the early 90s and then early 2000s, being exposed to pop culture and seeing how style evolves. And I knew I always wanted to be involved in the fashion industry in some capacity, but I never knew how to get into this industry. Industry. My family are all, you know, business people or work in finance. And I was the black sheep in terms of really wanting to follow this unconventional path in fashion. And I remember trying to figure out what university I wanted to go to. And there was obviously fashion schools that you could apply to, but I ended up going to school for media communications. And what I did was, I mean, unknowingly, but I tailored all of my electives so that I had the skills to potentially get me into a role in fashion. Knowing I had no connections, I wanted to make sure I had brought enough skills that if I need to go into like advertising or marketing or sales, I was equipped with the education for that. So I did electives like blogging, documentary, media, public speaking. But I tailored all of my course material to write about or to analyze the fashion industry. So at school, I definitely was like the fashion guy. I was always dressed up in all these outfits, going to the clubs. And through that, I landed an internship at this TV show called Fashion Television. It was kind of the, like, fashion show here in Canada, kind of at the beginning of when fashion was being way more democratized from a media standpoint. So, you know, their camera crews would go backstage at all the major fashion shows. And just the host, Jeannie Becker, who is an icon here in Canada, globally, actually, she would interview the likes of John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld. And my role as the intern for this TV show was to Transcribe all the tapes that would come back. And on my lunch breaks, I would go into the archives and watch, you know, old Galliano for Hermes shows, or I'd watch old Galliano Dior shows and just really get inspired by fashion. And that was my fashion history. From there, I graduated and ended up working in a sales job on the floor of a retail store. My goal was to always work at Holt rent free. It was like the Mecca. It's the place to be if you want to be surrounded by fashion. And at the time, they were launching their blog, and it was a contest to be the next Holt Renfrey muse. They were looking for people with personal style to kind of front their blog. I ended up entering and winning the kind of men's component of this contest.

[C]

Wait. Iconic. I did not know this.

[B]

And I cashed in my gift card, and I got a really cute House of Harlow sunglasses with my $500 gift card. But what I got was access. One thing led to another. I ended up meeting the fashion director at Holt Renfrew, and I went in for the interview. Long story short, I had to dance for this interview. They, like, forgot that they had to interview me. And they were filming this internal video for the stores, and then they were like, let's just have Joseph dance for us as his interview. And I got the job.

[C]

So you're also a dancer, a professional, yeah.

[B]

And that's kind of how I started and then worked my way up the ranks here at HOLT Renfrew. And 14 years later, I am in my role as fashion director.

[C]

I love this backstory, really. It's a testament to your creativity and your drive and your passion. Trying to figure out how to get a connection is everything.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

Can you describe to everyone what does a fashion director do?

[B]

Yes. So a fashion director is really that point person in a company that helps distinguish what the fashion voice choice is. So my role is really to look at all the brands that we carry in the store, whether it's a new denim brand or the collections right off the Runway, and help synthesize what the messages are from a fashion perspective and distill them back to what our customer is looking for. We go to fashion week four times a year because I cover the men's collections and the women's collections, and we see these amazing, crafted collections. But sometimes they're not something that someone walking on the street who's not invested or in the industry will know what that means. So my job is really to look at all the collections and distill it down to key trends or messages, highlight must have pieces that we want to bring back to our customers and find moments in the season to help tell the stories. Once I get back from Fashion Week, we look to see how we've bought everything. And then I go to market with our stores and I share with our sales team. These are the trends that I saw, these are the products that we're buying into. To add onto that, I'll do customer facing events. So we'll style pieces that we saw from the Runway or ideas that we saw from the Runway and blend it back to pieces we have in store and kind of give that one to one connection with our customers. My role is rooted within the buying team, so I work really closely with our buyers. But then I take those messages from the Runway collections and bring them back to our marketing team to make sure that there's a consistent and cohesive fashion point of view through all of the different campaigns or stories that we like to tell.

[C]

Yeah, that's a lot. Would you say it's a balance of creative versus strategic work on a daily basis?

[B]

Totally. I like that there's the kind of strategic element to it because one of my biggest fulfillments in this role is to see did something that I predict 8 to 12 months ago really translate in terms of sales and really resonated with our customers or really attracted this new clientele that we never would have thought would come to our store to shop. But I love the creativity of it all. It's a really nice blend and a really unique job.

[C]

Definitely. So something you said, I wanted to kind of circle back on a little bit is predicting things in advance. How far in advance do you generally have to start deciding brands, products, trends you're going to lean into at Holt Renfrew? What does that process look like and what happens if you're wrong?

[B]

I would say we look at a season before we even go to buy. Eight to 12 months in advance. We start by taking a look back at the seasons prior. The fall 25, season prior. Before we go to fall 26. We gain insights from our personal shoppers, sales associates. We look at the data and the results from what sold really well. And then I look to see, okay, we've kind of moved out of this theme or this different kind of subsect of a trend, but we're moving more into this and then we present it back. There's a lot of unison and synergies when it comes to making sure that all touch points of our business are being up to speed with what we're investing in for the season. I actually love being in those meetings where I get to present to, like, our executive team and share with them what I believe the trends are going to be because it is partially intuition and research and forecasting the trends. But a lot of it is supported by this trend. Sold really well from the season before. It's nuanced in this next season because of this, and that's why we're going to go out and buy for it. So there is a secret to the magic of how it all comes together. And I would say in fashion, you're not usually swinging the pendulum too far to the other side when it comes to buying. We won't go from something so radical one season to the next. There is an important method to make sure that you're still creating a synergy to what a trend is, that you're not alienating different customers from what you want to showcase in your store.

[C]

You're being reactive to what your customers are buying, and you want to make sure they're happy when they go into the store, but also encourage them to try new things and make sure they're always being educated and finding discovery within the store.

[B]

The education is so big to me and to what me and my team do because, you know, a white T shirt is always going to be in our store. But what makes it look new and fresh and trust me, there are so many different white T shirts in our store and they're all so different.

[C]

Were there any big trends or anything that you noticed in terms of what people were buying at holt renfrew in 2025? Key styles or pieces that really hit it out of the park for your team.

[B]

I think the boho trend was something that Chemina, Kamalia, Chloe kind of spearheaded this resurgence of the Stevie Nicks boho inspired Prairie Girl. And we've been seeing a lot of brands really tap into that look and feel. So Doan has done extremely well for us this 2025 year. Those boho inspired dresses paired back with, like, the barn Jack barn jacket was so big for us in 2025 boat shoes. It's so funny to talk about boat shoes because I'm like, it was at its peak in February and it's already almost a year later. But I mean, that Miu Miu bo shoe was like, wait listed. I remember getting a pair in Milan and then all the store team saw me the next week I was back and they were like, how did you get your hands on these? They were still waiting for hours to Come in store. And I think the 2025 year was all about these pop colors. So butter yellow continued from the. And then these pop of reds. I mean, I can't tell you how many, like, red sweaters we've been able to sell and keep getting asks for season after season. And I am kind of on the, like, fence about this trend, but it's like, these bag charms. It is definitely something that is continuing to be a huge trend for us here.

[C]

Was there anything in terms of trends or styles or brands that you were shocked were successful this year or that people were really into that you didn't feel like you were sure of?

[B]

I'm surprised to see all these very colorful bags and shoes gain traction. And investing in a better yellow stiletto heel is a commitment.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Or a turquoise leather handbag is a commitment. But we've been seeing some really great successes in these, like, bold, almost quirky color palettes. They're not pastels, they're not primary colors, but they're in between, like, lime green. We had these lime green doan shorts that I loved, and then I remember there was some apprehension about the commercial viability of a lime green lace short. And sold out.

[C]

I love that.

[B]

I love those kind of moments where we're able to touch on a trend and take a risk and then know that if anything, just re establishes our authority.

[C]

Yeah, absolutely. Also to your credibility and, like, your talent, Knowing that Holt Renfrew has such a strong directional element and that level of education that we were talking about. They trust you if they see something that might feel a little surprising to them. I feel like if I was the customer, I would be drawn to that, to be like, oh, that must be the thing.

[B]

Totally.

[C]

Okay, so on the topic of trends, I've always been just so in awe of you because of how much you travel, and I feel like how quickly you have to see a million shows, you have to digest them all and then be able to figure out creatively and strategically what is going to work for your store. So what is your process for that? Like, because you're seeing so much, how do you narrow it down to the themes and items that are worth paying attention to for your company?

[B]

Totally. So before we go to market, I kind of already have a roadmap of what I am looking to see. I have my target list of brands that I know are really important for us in terms of our relationship with the brand, in terms of how big the brands are presented in our stores, and then I just keep mental notes of what everything I'm seeing and where the kind of through line is throughout the season. A little interesting fact is that I don't write any notes ever. Like, I used to write little memos in my notes app, and then it would start giving me anxiety just seeing how much stuff I was looking at. So I would say my camera roll is a little bit of just like how I remember things. And I will take a picture of a detail of a sleeve in a showroom because I really liked that little detail. And I thought that was something that was a new styling motif that I think we could bring to our mannequin displays. So the fashion week and going to the shows is obviously the very glamorous portion of my job. But really where I get all of my insights is through the showrooms having those conversations with our brands, talking about what is really going to drive the narrative forward when it comes to each one of the brand partners we work with, and then synthesizing it all into our different trend reports by city. So after each city, I'll do a recap of what colors were really prominent, what silhouettes, what key items, whether it was a shoe, a bag, a dress. And then I'm in constant correspondence with my buying team. And I can say, we actually bought this skirt from another brand, so we don't need to buy another one. So there's a lot of that going on. And then there's a lot of, okay, well, the hemlines this season are a bit more mid cap, so we need taller boots. So I'm always thinking about how to dress the customer from head to toe. And 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. And I always want to make sure that there's a practicality when it comes to decisions that we make when we buy pieces for the store that of course you're going to have like a completely avant garde piece from Junior Watanabe, but there's something that we want to encourage our customers to style it back with so that you can understand the longevity of the piece that you're investing in.

[C]

You could fall in love with one specific item, and then if you have nothing to wear it with, what's the point of buying it?

[B]

Exactly. I have the 3 rule. I need to be able to wear an item three different ways before I buy something. And I share that with our customers and our sales associates all the time. If someone is ever ho Humming about something in the change room. Ask them three different ways you would wear this, and then if you can't think of it, then that's an easy decision maker.

[C]

Okay, so moving on a little bit. I saw on Instagram that Holt Renfrew started a sub stack, which I kind of mentioned in the beginning. And the first entry is an interview with you. And of course, I love it. There's something I wanted to address, though. On the record. You said that you can't get on board with the ugly shoe trend and at who, what where. We have been known to talk a lot about an ugly shoe trend. We're not for it or against it. We just report on it, obviously. So I want to learn more. What are the ugly shoe styles that you would literally never wear yourself?

[B]

What I will say here is this. There's something for everyone. Every pot has a lid. So I don't want to diminish or discourage any rumors from embracing an ugly shoe. People may say all the shoes I have are ugly, but fashion is already a very intimidating industry for those who may not be in it. And when I see platform Crocs on a Runway with a balloon gown, I don't know if I can stand behind that. And listen, Crocs have a time and place. Everyone is entitled to wear whatever they want. No judgments here. But for me, I'm always going to advocate for. For a shoe that makes sense. I always like to say, does your outfit read you're going to the same party wearing a ball gown with Crocs? I don't know what party that is. Maybe I'd like to go to that party. But even, like, the. You know those Dr. Scholl clogs? Yes, those ones, too. Listen, it was on a Mimi Runway, so anything Mimi does, I am a hardcore stand for. I think Carrie Bradshaw wore them on Sex and the City once.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

So I get it. Is it something I would recommend? No. If it's something that you want to wear, by all means, go for it.

[C]

I fully understand what you're saying. I feel like there was a time in my life where I was obsessed with trends when I was younger because I worked in fashion and I wanted to have the next coolest thing that everyone was talking about. And there's nothing wrong with that either. I almost feel like you have to go through, like, a little bit of that at some point in your life to reach your sense of personal style. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. Oh, my gosh.

[C]

Were there any items or styling methods that you personally found yourself Wearing over and over again this past year in 2025.

[B]

Yes. And I would say a lot of these go between men's and women, but my one that I've done for quite a bit of time now is the double shirt. So I don't like wearing blazers or jackets, but I felt like I needed to be a little bit more professional sometimes. So just coincidentally, I was wearing a suede shirt. I didn't want to wear nothing under it, so I just put, like, a little silk button up underneath, and I was like, wait, I kind of like how this layered look is inserting. So then I just started wearing two shirts all the time. And then I started noticing on the runways a little bit more too, and I was like, okay, I guess I'm kind of fueling the trend here. And again, a really easy hack to do this kind of, like, pop of color if you don't want to commit to, like, a red shirt. This is a controversial one because, I mean, some would argue it's an ugly shoe, but I really stood behind the flip flop this summer.

[C]

You did. You wore the flip flops all summer?

[B]

And every time I looked at my feet on the cobblestones of Paris, I just had to remind myself it was for the look. I would wear flip flop with, like, a puddling pant. So you really just saw a really beautiful toe moment. It wasn't like, barefoot flip flop with shorts going fashion week.

[C]

And the flip flops were very elevated.

[B]

It was very inspired by, like, Hermes and the Row, and we elevated this kind of ubiquitous item.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Monochromatic dressing is another one. It's, to me, the easiest way to get dressed because it's just, like, foolproof. Just wear different colors of brown, different colors of beige, different colors of gray, and then maybe you add in, like, a complimentary pop color to make it look new and fresh. And that is a styling hack and a method that has really gotten me through day 24 on the road, when I'm just sick of everything in my suitcase. And then last but not least, I would say, like, the funnel neck trend. So crazy how little detail can just make an outfit look so much more elevated and sophisticated. And for those of you who want to invest in a funnel neck detail, my recommendation is always to invest in jackets that have a double zip so that you can zip it from the bottom, and you give yourself a little bit more of that open silhouette, but you're covered on top. Those are my foolproof ways, and I'm trying to embrace more deceptive details in my wardrobe now. Where it's still beautifully crafted. There's really great trend items, but they're a little bit more deceptive and discreet.

[C]

Yeah, definitely. I love that you have such amazing personal style. I always look forward to seeing what you wear, the way that you pack. I know we've done a story with you for our editors and residents about how you manage it all, but little tips like that I think are relevant to anyone. No matter how long your trip is or if you just don't know what to wear, that is like a great hack. When this episode comes out, we'll officially be getting ready for spring shopping. So what are some of the Runway trends you saw at The Spring Summer 26 shows that we can expect to make it into market this spring?

[B]

Okay, so, I mean, the spring 26 season, it was the September to remember. There was new designer debuts everywhere you went. My biggest takeaway from the spring collections was really this notion of bright optimism and color. Color blocking, bold prints, geometric prints. I cannot stop thinking about that Celine long sleeve white dress that was, like, color blocked or the different uses of color through texture. So at Bottega Veneta, Louise Trotter had all these recycled plastic fur done in, like, this canary yellow and this teal blue. So color is going to be the way we update our wardrobes for spring. We continue to see this kind of minimalistic mood come through. Like what we saw at Jill Sander this season. It was still very minimal, but not quite luxury. It's not like this muted, monochromatic color palette. To me, the minimalism this spring is all about that kind of form and figure. So, like, a perfectly tailored, seamless jacket paired back with, like, a micro V neck in a bright coloration. And there was this rebellious attitude from the collections that was a really nice, nice segue away from true boho and into more of this romantic, rebellious spirit that is touching on this medieval thing where we're seeing the exuberance of the 80s blended with these Edwardian lace voluminous blouses with the balloon pant. I mean, every designer in New York, I felt, showed their version of this balloon jodhopper pant for the spring season, and then again, really loving all of these new iterations of feminine dressing. So we're seeing a lot of these floral dresses styled back with, like, rugged boots or rugged jackets. And I think, if anything, it's all about that dichotomy between the hard and the soft and seeing something that you traditionally see, like a lace blouse styled back with, like, a leather pant. That is the Big messages I'd see from the spring season that we actually bought in two that I'm excited to get my hands on when in store.

[C]

Speaking to all of the designers in this huge renaissance that we're having for Holt Renfrew, what do you think are going to be some of the most prominent and successful brands that have had sort of a new creative director step in?

[B]

Yeah, I think Chanel's a huge one. We have Chanel's in almost all of our stores and we have a very devoted Chanel clientele. The appointment of Matthew Blasey is super important. I was a Matthew Blasey fan at Bottega. Obviously he's from the same camp as Peter Mueller at Elijah and Raf Simmons. So we expect nothing less than big things from him. J.W. anderson at Dior is another big one and another one that we believe will just bring the Dior customer to the next iteration of who she May Want to Be or who He May Want to Be. I loved all of his interpretations of the bar jacket and that's really where we're starting to see that little renaissance core trend start to bubble up. I think the footwear is going to be really important for our customers as well because we're ready for this very feminine but still quirky footwear motifs that Jonathan is so well known for. And I love that he referenced Roger Vivier as well in his collection when Roger Vivier was designing shoes for Christian Dior. And then I think the other big one for us is Gucci. You know, Gucci has been tried and true brand for us here at Paul Renfrew for a long time. And I think that Demna has such a unique point of view when it comes to image and styling. But I think when the product hits stores, our clients are really going to start to get excited about it.

[C]

Definitely. I'm excited about the slouchy East West Jackie bag. Really like that.

[B]

Yeah. And I'm so into this low rise trouser with the horse bit buckle detail on it.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

I think it's super, super cool.

[C]

I'm excited as well. Speaking of items like that, I trust you with my life when it comes to shopping and items.

[B]

Oh my God. That's a big statement, Lauren.

[C]

I do. I feel like every time I buy something I'm like, like, Joseph, what do you think if it's like an investment? So what predictions do you have for really popular IT items? You can have it be in the trend family or just like newer investment pieces. But I'm curious if you have your Eye on anything.

[B]

I've been seeing some memes about the green military jacket, which was so iconic back in 2007, but I think the notion of what Jonathan did at Dior with those embroidered brocade military jackets, I think you're going to start seeing a lot of designers play with that motif. And men's especially. I think we've been in the shirt jacket realm for so long, so I think a military jacket or an aviator jacket is going to be such a nice, nuanced piece to get into for the upcoming 2026 year. In terms of colors, I think that we're still in peak red color. So red is still really important, but I think we're going to be moving into, again, more of these really bright, optimistic, weirder colors, but I think they're going to be really important. So, like turquoise or lime gre, green or chartreuse, very much the colors of Alaia that we saw from the spring collection, I think are going to be really, really important. The reason why those are important is because those are accent colors. That style back to brown. So brown definitely has had a huge moment over the past two years, but I think people are wanting to figure out new ways to style brown. So that's why red and butter yellow were so big this year, and why I think pink, turquoise, and lime green, and red and yellow are still gonna be really important to kind of anchor that brown coloration. The silk scarf, I think, is going to continue. Therese Van Noten, for his men's show back in June, showed all these men in suits with silk sarong scarves tied around their waist. And I feel like this summer was all about the summer of a poochie silk scarf tied around your head or your waist. And I think we're going to continue seeing that, but in. In bigger proportions. So that kind of layered silk scarf styled over a maxi skirt for summer is going to be super big in jewelry. The brooch is back. I think the brooch is a nice way to transition from your bag charm. One of our reference photos in our offices is this, like, little canvas tote covered in brooches. So I'm trying to figure out how we can do a little brooch bark for the spring season.

[C]

So fun.

[B]

Yeah. And again, like, it's such an easy way to update a black jacket. Or if you're wearing a scarf, it's an easy thing to help pin the scarf so it stays in place. So I'd say those are kind of where it's at. And then for next year, sports in Canada, anyways, are going to be super big. Canada is hosting some of the World Cup. Obviously the Milan Olympics are happening in the first half of the year. So we anticipate this sport jacket jersey that's going to be important for us anyways. We're working on some things to really play into that attitude and that notion of sport.

[C]

Yeah, I'm excited as well.

[B]

And then pajama dressing, this kind of like silk pajamas for men and women. Again, like that whole like notion of that seductiveness at Tom Ford I think is really something that people are getting attuned to and excited for because it's not going to the club sexy. It's like very much such sleek and sublime sexiness.

[C]

Yes, absolutely. I love it too. I'm excited to see how people will style that and make it feel more day and outside versus inside. Okay. So many of us use the new year as a time to clean out your closet, refresh your wardrobe. So I would love to hear your thoughts on some items to shop in early 2026 that will feel current but will still have a staying power year over year, or at least for a few seasons. We're gonna play a little game and I'm gonna give you a category and you tell me what style you would recommend investing in for this year. So it's kind of like the 2026 version of wardrobe staples.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Okay. So outerwear.

[B]

Okay. So for outerwear I am saying to everybody, you need to invest in a beautiful wool coat. It could be double faced cashmere if you're fancy, but a double breasted wool coat will get you so far in terms of really completing your look, as long as it's tailored really well. So you know, you want something with a bit more of a structured shoulder. I would go for like a mid calf, like a three quarter length wool coat which I recently invested in. And I'm realizing that even though it's not a floor grazing coat, it still goes on the floor of the subway or the streetcars. So just find one that's proportionate to your height, but something that's below the knee.

[C]

Love. Okay. New pair of jeans.

[B]

Okay. I'm really, really into raw denim jeans. It's like a relaxed, relaxed, looser fit, high waisted with a cuff. I think the kind of rolled up cuff detail is a super exciting way to wear your jeans and a cost saving hack for not having to hem them if you need them to be hemmed.

[C]

So me, I have to do that with all my jeans.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Anyways, but now I love that they're trendy. Okay. Going out top.

[B]

Okay. This one in the office was a little bit of a controversial topic, but the peplum is back neck.

[C]

Oh yeah.

[B]

Like a soft peplum. I'm kind of over these puffy sleeve tops that we've been seeing so much of. So I think the peplum with like very sophisticated clean neckline. It's so flattering done in silk or you can even do them in like a knit jacquard fabric. But I would say like that's a really great going out top piece.

[C]

Okay. A pair of work pants.

[B]

So I would go back with the same fit in your jeans, but I have a two pronged approach. You can do a high waisted wool trouser and you know that that scene in Made in Manhattan when Jennifer Lopez is trying on that white Dolce suit. Those pants are the perfect pair of pants. No, they actually are a really great high waisted fitted and then they have a bit of a flare at the bottom. Those are the must have pants. I go back to those pants all the time because they just fit perfectly. And then to that note is if you want to be a little bit more casual, a kick flare cropped kind of Ponty pant Pulon is a very nice way to take it from day to night.

[C]

Okay. Sneakers.

[B]

Sneakers. We're all about the kind of slim, low profile sneaker, but updated in a very fashion fabrication. So I love these kind of low profile sneakers in satin, like a little ballet satin sneaker. Or you can do them in mesh or lace or tweed for the fall season next year, but still much in this very, very slim silhouette Sneaker.

[C]

Very chic. What about boots?

[B]

Boots? I am still a big proponent of the knee high ankle boot. That's kind of equestrian riding boot I think is still going to be something that really, really is a go to. So whether it's a riding boot where it's a bit more structured or a slouchy, flat pointed toe, very much like the Kate kind of vibe. Boot Love.

[C]

And last but not least, an everyday bag.

[B]

So we saw a ton of bags from the spring collections and I think this notion of these like book messenger bags, there's definitely this collegiate vibe that we're seeing. I love this idea of these like carryall totes or these messenger crossbody bags. But still something that fits a lot of pieces is going to be really important and big. And again, like everyone has a black bag. You may have now invested in a brown bag. I love these different iterations and different fabrics, like a flannel bag. A canvas bag? A satin bag? Why not?

[C]

Yeah. Ugh. I really want the big satin Prada pouch. That's not the trend that you're talking about, but.

[B]

No, but, like, that fabric was amazing. Again, in the chartreuse colorway.

[C]

The chartreuse. Even having that sit inside, like, a brown leather bag, and it's kind of like coming out. I really want one. Okay. Fashion month is quickly approaching, which is wild. I'm curious which shows you're really excited about and any predictions on overall themes or trends, shifts, et cetera, we might be seeing in this next season.

[B]

For the men's collections, I'm really excited to continue to see the design direction of Jonathan Anderson. I'm loving what Michael Ryder is doing at Celine, and I continue to be obsessed with Dries Van Noten. I think Julian Klausner is just a genius. So I'm loving to see this kind of new wave of designer talent, and I really do see it trickle down to all the other brands that we see. You have these big, mega brands that kind of anchor everyone, anchor the fashion weeks, and then you start seeing the design evolution start to happen. I am really wanting to see, and I'm standing true to this kind of period piece is what I've called it, which is this medieval romance. I think Loro Piana does this in their styling really well. I'm really excited to see how that motif is going to translate into 2026 for men and women. I love all the color. I think color is such an easy way to just make you feel better, and that's what we all need more of in this life. So I'm looking forward to seeing color on the runways, and then I'm a stickler for fabrication, so I'm always very excited when designers lean into nuances in fabric, traceability or materiality. Sustainability is obviously a core pillar of ours here at Holt Renfrew, so. So I'm always asking brands the question of, what are you doing in your design process when it comes to fabrication, that's really challenging for a more sustainable future.

[C]

I think that's amazing. All of these things I will definitely be keeping an eye on as we go into the next season.

[B]

Can't wait.

[C]

So I know we've touched on a lot of the really big names like Chanel, Bottega, Gucci, et cetera, but I also know that a part of your job is to keep a close eye on emerging talent. Are there any up and coming designers that you're really excited about right now or anyone that you're kind of keeping tabs on.

[B]

Yeah, I would say designers like Colleen Allen, which I just saw you guys featured in your Amanda Seyfried cover feature, which was amazing. Ashlyn Park, Grace Lang is another designer that we've had on our radar for a while between like Hazankov and Diotima. Those are two brands. Like I'm obsessed with both of them. Each one of their brands is so important for North American fashion right now. And then obviously we're Canadian retailer, so we are always keeping our eyes open and meeting with different Canadian designers as well. So Wanze Song is a designer that we're actually doing a trunk show with her next year. Body of work and literary sport. I think it's so nice to see brands leaning into the comfort of athleisure and kind of loungy wear, but making it feel really elevated and. And chic.

[C]

Absolutely. I would love to know actually, for a lot of our listeners and shoppers, it's hard sometimes to figure out on their own where to find a lot of these up and coming designers. So I was curious if you have any tips for people who want to support those brands but might not know where to look.

[B]

I would say what differentiates being in fashion today versus when I think both of us started was that the information is readily available at everyone's fingertips. So watching award shows like the CFDA or the LVMH Prize are following content creators that really are wanting to support young and emerging designers is the easiest way to learn about some of these emerging labels that are getting the attention of big retailers like a whole Renfrew or big press publications like a who, what, where? And then the other thing is to look at stores like ours and see if they have sections that that speak to emerging young designers. So at Holt Renfrew we have Age Project and Age Project is a section in our store dedicated to artisanal, craftsman, charitable and sustainable brands. And these are brands that we have a dedicated team who look all around the globe to find amazing brand stories and bring those brand stories to life through the this designated area in our store. You know, if you know somebody who's in fashion, ask them where they get that information from or where they buy that. The best way to get all this information is just being curious, being able to check out different social media pages. I don't know if you follow, but like Kendall Jenner Style or like Jennifer Lawrence style, their stylists, they're usually getting like one or two pieces from an unknown brand that I always like to look at and see how they've styled it and how it comes to life. And then that's a really great resource for me myself is just to kind of get into the nuance of what stylists are looking at.

[C]

Love it. Okay, well, before we go, I'm curious, do you have any fashion resolutions for the new year?

[B]

Yeah, I think I am really in the mindset right now of just taking it not too seriously and just really investing in enjoying this ride that we're on. So I'm looking forward to wearing what's in my closet. I'm really keen on just like making sure I'm not buying just for Fashion Week and making sure I'm buying to be a part of my everyday. So I bike to work. I need pants that can withstand me biking uphill to my office every day. I need jackets that will keep me warm. I am still going to be shopping with the intention of being ready to go to Fashion Week, but I am going to be ensuring that it's something that again, it's not gimmicky or it's not something that I' going to wear once and get sick of.

[C]

I think that's a great reminder for everyone. Yeah, amazing. Well, Joseph, thank you so much for your time. This has been so educational. I love hearing just about your day to day life and how talented you are and Holt Renfrew is so lucky to have you and we're lucky to have you as a part of editor in residence too. So for those of you who haven't already been reading Joseph's stories, please be sure to check them out. He shares more in detail about specific trends and how he packs and what he's looking forward to and trend prediction, all the things which is on who will wear. So thank you Joseph.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

A huge thank you to Holt Renfrew's fashion director, Joseph Tang. Make sure to subscribe to our show wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. And while you're there, I'd also be so grateful if you'd rate and review us. If you have guest suggestions or any other feedback, drop us a [e-mail] or you can find us on SocialWhatWear. See you next Wednesday on the who what Where? Podcast. This episode was produced by Hilary Kerr, Summer Hammerhous and Natalie Thurman. Our production assistant is Raven Yamamoto. Our editor is Kou Takasuki Chernovin. Our audience audio engineers are at Glen Canyon Audio and our music is by Jonathan Leahy.