Russell & Bromley SS26

Russell & Bromley’s SS26 collection doesn’t shout. It smirks. Branded Misfits, the season builds on last winter’s subcultural leanings and sharpens them into something more idiosyncratic—less about rebellion for show, more about quiet refusal to dress like everyone else.

The reference points are resolutely British. Charleston House in Lewes—home to the Bloomsbury Group and the site of the brand’s first store—looms large. Not in a literal, costume-drama sense, but in spirit: creative freedom, modernist thinking, and a disregard for rigid rules. It’s a fitting lens for a 146-year-old brand that understands longevity comes from evolution, not nostalgia.

For men, the collection balances polish with practicality. Russell & Bromley remains clear-eyed about what its customer actually wears, grounding the range in modern classics shaped for repeat use rather than fleeting trends. Function and style are tightly interwoven, with comfort doing much of the heavy lifting.

Colour plays a more expressive role this season. Suede blues—textured to mimic denim—sit alongside taupes and warm toffee tones. The Maltby, a long-standing favourite, continues its quiet dominance, while loafers are gently reworked. The Beckton returns in a deep navy that feels more art-school than boardroom.

Footwear gets bolder underfoot too. Building on AW25’s Rawling Moc Toe, SS26 introduces the Platform Boat Shoe: a chunky, speckled sole paired with smooth leather uppers in tan and navy. It’s a confident clash of tradition and modernity, and one of the collection’s strongest statements.

As summer edges closer, sandals come into their own. Saturated colour leads the charge—cobalt blue on the Hartland, vivid green on the San Buckle—while the fisherman sandal is reimagined as the San Guisto in croc-embossed leather. Elsewhere, the fringed loafer slide blurs the line between formality and ease, proving that refinement doesn’t need to feel precious.