LEBLANCSTUDIOS FW26: Nada Es Inocente
While many of these pieces are reminiscent of familiar looks, Nada Es Inocente gives garments a nerdy, cumbersome edge that is bluntly human and authentic.
Recently, the Caribbean has been a hot topic both artistically and politically. For LEBLANCSTUDIOS designers Angelo Beato and Yamil Arbaje, this is not the Dominican duo’s first rodeo. For their Fall/Winter 2026 collection, Nada Es Inocente draws on their own history and introspection rather than on historical contexts from other sources.
The show begins with a man (who also appeared in last season’s presentation) telling a detailed story of his upbringing as a Black boy and his transition into adulthood. He credits his mother’s love, presence, and support for who he is. When she passed away, he saw her in everything: objects, memories, and experiences. He describes a blanket his mother gave him, and whenever he missed her, he would cuddle up with it. This set the scene for Nada Es Inocente, a raw reflection that is rewritten directly into the garments.
Nada Es Inocente delves into the search for identity through wealth, luxury, and a sense of ‘suavemente’ in uncertain times. LEBLANCSTUDIOS reimagines signature pieces with a wider variety, combining sportswear and formalwear; cohesive suits, wool-knitted and pleated bomber jackets, relaxed denim, knitwear, and maxi skirts.
These essential, subtle, daily garments are interrupted by political graphics that confront the U.S. and Caribbean political climate: ICE raids, government corruption, colonization, and racism—themes no stranger to the brand’s ethos. Sayings on t-shirts and pins read, “It’s better in the Caribbean,” “Nada es inocente,” “Tell the world you’re against discrimination,” and “Presente.” Brooches and shoulder pads made of hair dangle from blazers and outerwear, an elusive message that only made us think of hair discrimination that Black and Brown people often face because of different hair textures.
While many of these pieces are reminiscent of familiar looks, Nada Es Inocente gives garments a nerdy, cumbersome edge that is bluntly human and authentic. That same sense of individuality is exactly what governments and political power chastise us for, leading us to chase something more—wealth, clout, luxury, and success.
Beato’s and Arbaje’s message remains loud and clear with no crumbs left behind. They need no ambiguity, conformity, or censorship to make a point at LEBLANCSTUDIOS: politics, politicians, governments, and oppressive systems lack any sense of innocence or good intentions…Nada es inocente.
