The first week of October has brought a run of high-profile fashion collaborations, as high-street and contemporary labels team up with famous designers, style figures and even a museum. Three launches stand out: John Galliano for Zara, Alexa Chung for Reformation, and a pop art capsule from Gap.
John Galliano reworks the Zara archive
Zara released Re{form} Vol. 1, its first collection designed by John Galliano, on 1 October. The Business of Fashion reports that it went on sale online worldwide and in stores in London and Madrid, with a pop-up installation in Paris. FashionNetwork describes 35 looks for men and women, from coats, dresses and shirting to Oxfords, court shoes, hats and a bag called the Tri Chic. The idea is unusual: rather than designing from scratch, Galliano took garments from Zara’s past seasons, pulled them apart and rebuilt them, and The Hollywood Reporter notes prices starting at $29.90. The partnership, first announced in March, is planned to run for at least two years.
The launch has also drawn debate. Both The Guardian and The Business of Fashion point out that it arrived weeks after New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art dropped plans for a Galliano exhibition, following criticism linked to the designer’s 2011 conviction in France over racist and antisemitic remarks. Commentators remain divided on how shoppers will respond.
Alexa Chung and Reformation, and Lichtenstein at Gap
Los Angeles label Reformation launched its first collection with Alexa Chung on 6 October, after a Paris Fashion Week party. According to FashionNetwork, the 30-piece range leans on vintage inspiration, with classic knits, tailored outerwear and a strappy heel, priced from £78 to £748. Chung has previously worked with brands as varied as M&S, Barbour and Mulberry.
Gap, meanwhile, has teamed up with the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York on an 18-piece capsule timed to the museum’s exhibition “Roy Lichtenstein: Like New”, which brings together more than 130 works. FashionUnited reports that the pop artist’s imagery appears on Gap staples such as hoodies, sweatshirts, shirts and T-shirts. Gap’s chief executive Mark Breitbard told the publication the aim was to “let the artwork do the talking”. The pieces go on sale on 7 October at selected Gap stores, online and at the Whitney.
A new-season coat or a bold sweatshirt is easy to finish with one piece of colour at the wrist, such as a natural ruby oval tennis bracelet. You can browse more ideas among our bracelets and pendant necklaces.
Sources: The Business of Fashion, “Zara’s First John Galliano Collection Lands” (2 October 2026); FashionNetwork, “Re{form}: Zara unveils first instalment in collaboration with John Galliano” (1 October 2026) and “Reformation launches first Alexa Chung collab” (6 October 2026); The Hollywood Reporter (30 September 2026); The Guardian (1 October 2026); FashionUnited, “Gap unveils Roy Lichtenstein capsule for Whitney’s exhibition” (October 2026).
