Fall Fashion Embraces Leather and Lace

Designers showcase a sexy balancing act between tough and tender looks for the upcoming season.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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This fall, fashion brands like LaQuan Smith, Sergio Hudson, Altuzarra, 7 For All Mankind, and Alice & Olivia are blending leather and lace in their collections. Designers are creating edgy yet romantic looks that juxtapose the tough and the tender, showcasing a range of styles from sheer lace catsuits to leather trench coats. The trend highlights a mix of badass and delicate elements, often in the same outfit.

Why it matters

The leather and lace trend reflects a broader fashion movement towards bold, empowered, and sensual dressing. By pairing these contrasting materials, designers are allowing women to embrace both their strength and femininity through their style choices. This trend also taps into the growing demand for fashion that makes a statement and challenges traditional norms.

The details

Designers like LaQuan Smith, Sergio Hudson, Nicola Brognano for 7 For All Mankind, and Joseph Altuzarra all featured leather and lace looks in their recent collections. LaQuan Smith sent models down the runway in sheer black lace catsuits with built-in vests and thongs, as well as a rugged oversized black leather trench coat. Sergio Hudson collaborated with latex studio Vex on high-necked dresses and flared pants made of delicate laser-cut lace. Altuzarra drew inspiration from Spanish artists, pairing matador-shouldered leather jackets with sweeping Mantilla lace skirts. Brognano's 7 For All Mankind debut mixed rock-and-roll energy with bohemian sensuality, topping low-rise skinny jeans with belted leather jackets. And Alice + Olivia's Stacey Bendet harkened back to the Gilded Age, making Victorian lace look contemporary.

  • The leather and lace trend was showcased during the recent New York Fashion Week for the Fall 2026 season.

The players

LaQuan Smith

A fashion designer from Queens, New York, known for his signature sheer black lace catsuits that have been worn by celebrities like Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Sergio Hudson

A fashion designer who collaborated with California-based latex studio Vex on his latest collection featuring elegant leather and lace looks.

Nicola Brognano

The Italian designer who made his debut collection for the denim brand 7 For All Mankind, blending rock-and-roll energy with bohemian sensuality.

Joseph Altuzarra

A fashion designer whose collection was inspired by Spanish artists and filmmakers, featuring matador-shouldered leather jackets and sweeping Mantilla lace skirts.

Stacey Bendet

The founder of the fashion brand Alice + Olivia, who created ultra-feminine confections harkening back to the Gilded Age with contemporary lace and embroidery.

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What they’re saying

“We were going for the drama, the glamour, the emotion, the spectacle. I wanted to honor every era of the brand while still designing what feels necessary for the woman today.”

— Sergio Hudson, Fashion Designer (Press Release)

“The latex felt right for this collection. The pieces are all so special and elevated and we felt the laser-cut lace was a fresh and unique way of showcasing a familiar fabric. Its body-hugging nature relates to the Sergio Hudson sculpted look. It was the perfect opportunity to work with our longtime friend, this being our anniversary collection.”

— Charles Lynch, Co-Designer, Sergio Hudson (Press Release)

The takeaway

The leather and lace trend showcases fashion's ability to balance contrasting elements, allowing women to embrace both their strength and femininity. This bold, sensual style reflects a growing demand for empowered and expressive dressing that challenges traditional norms.