YAKU AW26

It was time for YAKU... and for those of you who have been following the brand, this means we get the next exciting chapter of the story. Entitled “The Possible Family Reunion in RPG Space”, the collection continued Yaku Stapleton’s signature blend of Afrofuturism, video game references, and family mythology. This season, that universe arrived with even more confidence, sharpening the brand’s codes while deepening the emotional and visual storytelling behind them.

Walking into the space it felt like civilization was finally forming its foundation. And at the base of all civilizations are ideologies that were brought to new lands and planted to take root in the formation of new societies. This space felt less explorative and adventurous than previous seasons and took on a more formative and obedient atmosphere. The performers started moving through the story one by one, bringing the audience into an immersive piece of theatre. Beginning with the sage, who appeared in an oversized hat draped in layers of fabric that added to the weight of his role as the storyteller. The following performers echoed the collection’s combat inspired energy, with references to Caribbean martial arts helping shape the fluidity of the presentation. It was an approach that gave the clothes a sense of urgency and purpose, as though each look belonged to a larger narrative battle still unfolding.

YAKU’s visual language remains instantly recognisable, and AW26 stayed true to the house codes that have come to define it. Oversized hoodies, rounded moon boot silhouettes, spiky motifs, and exaggerated proportions all returned, but with a clearer sense of control and refinement. The styling and set details also reinforced the collection’s playful world building. Spikey game consoles, Bowser-esque backpacks, bow and arrows, and faceless warriors suspended above the space all helped extend the story beyond the garments themselves. It is this kind of detail that makes YAKU feel so singular; every element is doing narrative work.

YAKU AW26 has the ability to feel both fantastical and grounded in real emotion. The collection did not chase fantasy for its own sake. Instead, it used fantasy as a way to explore family, identity, and transformation. That is the real strength of Yaku Stapleton’s work. Each new chapter adds technical confidence, but it also keeps the storytelling intimate, which is why the brand continues to stand out within London Fashion Week’s most imaginative lane. AW26 was proof that YAKU is still building, still expanding, and still keeping us hooked on what happens next.