Every summer, a sartorial theme emerges that captures the collective imagination. This year, it's the mermaid - a creature of myth that has long been a muse for lingerie and fashion designers alike. The trend gained momentum when Swedish pop star Zara Larsson performed at Billboard's Women in Music event in a custom Rohit Mane ensemble adorned with pink and purple starfish and seahorses. Styled by Caterina Ospina, the look was a shimmering, aquatic fantasy that felt like the soundtrack to summer itself. Mane described the design as "water-esque, fully crystallized and reflective, like a dripping mermaid emerging from the ocean."
This moment coincided with Chanel's Resort 2027 show in Biarritz, where creative director Matthieu Blazy unveiled a series of paillette-encrusted gowns that reimagined the sea siren for the modern woman. Blazy's collection referenced the house's legacy of corsetry and lace, but with a fluid, luminous twist - think a contemporary Ariel with access to couture. The mermaid motif is hardly new to lingerie: from the boned bodices of 19th-century bathing costumes to the iridescent slip dresses of the 1990s, the allure of the sea has always been intertwined with sensuality and escape. Chanel's own history includes Gabrielle Chanel's love of nautical stripes and seaside holidays, which she translated into relaxed, body-conscious silhouettes.
Ospina sees the trend as a celebration of confidence and mystery. "Mermaid style is captivating right now because it's about freedom, fantasy, and a little sparkle," she says. For those who want to channel the look without a custom creation, she suggests subtle touches: iridescent fabrics, sheer layers, sea greens and soft blues, or a piece of shell jewelry. It's a reminder that the mermaid's appeal lies in her duality - both ethereal and grounded, mythical yet wearable. And that, perhaps, is the true magic of summer 2026.
Originally reported by WWD