Neural Couture: SS26 with a spin

Rankin and creative director Kim Howells up the ante on this SS26 runway-inspired editorial spread using a third collaborator: AI.

Cover starsFashionPhotographyIssue 38

April 4, 2026

Sydney wears dress, gloves and earrings inspired by CHANEL Spring/Summer Couture 2026.

Sydney wears dress, gloves, bag and earrings inspired by GERMANIER Spring/Summer Couture 2026.

Sydney wears top, skirt, shoes, crown, sunglasses and earrings inspired by GIORGIO ARMANI PRIVÉ Spring/Summer Couture 2026.

Sydney wears dress, cape, gloves and headpiece inspired by VALENTINO Spring/Summer Couture 2026.

“In a world where so many of us fear how AI will change everything, I find Rankin’s energy and enthusiasm towards AI so intriguing, exciting and inspiring. When he invited me to collaborate in this way, I was immediately so curious to see what would even be possible. How could AI really understand and build fabrics on the body?

I highlighted looks from the Couture 2026 runway where craft is at its best to really challenge what is possible. Focusing on embellishments, feathers, silks, sheer fabrics, seams, flowers, subtle prints, draping, anything and everything ‘to catch it out’. The results blow my mind… Would the shoot be better if I was there? Hell yeah. Does it look pretty epic? I think so. The question is, what do you think?”

— Kim Howells