New Issue Out Now

Scrap-Yard Chic: PLNGNS Turns Industrial Waste into AW26 Luxury

W: Fu Zhongjiao I: James Cochrane

PLNGNS (Palingenesy) solidified its status as the king of "re-construction" during Sunday’s Berlin Fashion Week showcase, delivering a gritty, high-octane masterclass in sustainable streetwear. The AW26 collection leaned heavily into a post-industrial aesthetic, where discarded sneakers and technical fabrics were meticulously dissected and reborn as complex, avant-garde outerwear. The silhouettes were aggressive and layered, featuring the brand's signature intricate patchwork that feels less like upcycling and more like high-end engineering. By marrying the raw energy of Berlin’s underground scene with an almost obsessive level of craftsmanship, PLNGNS proved that the future of luxury doesn't have to be "new"—it just has to be reimagined.

Beyond the technical prowess, the show crackled with a distinct urban tension that felt perfectly at home in the Berlin landscape. Models moved through the space in heavy-soled footwear and oversized, modular garments that blurred the lines between tactical gear and high fashion. The color palette remained grounded in earthy neutrals and metallic grays, allowing the complex textures of the recycled materials to take center stage. While many brands pay lip service to circularity, PLNGNS AW26 offered a visceral, tactile argument for why upcycling is the most exciting frontier in the industry right now. It was a loud, unapologetic reminder that style can—and should—be extracted from the rubble.