Francesco Risso Debuts Six Concepts for GU FW26 Collection

GU launched its Fall/Winter 2026 collection this week, marking the debut of its new Creative Director, Francesco Risso. The collection, unveiled to celebrate the brand's 20th anniversary, is inspired by the Japanese word "Jiyū," meaning "freedom." Risso's design philosophy for this collection centers on individuality, creativity, and everyday life, encouraging wearers to mix and match pieces with curiosity.

The new seasonal offering moves away from uniform releases and introduces six distinct concepts, drawing aesthetic influences from the 1970s and 1990s. These concepts include GU Minimal, featuring simple, monochrome, streamlined pieces; GU Classic, which reinterprets 1970s proportions with a nostalgic feel; and GU Playful and GU Sport, presenting retro, colorful, and loose-fitting athletic silhouettes reflecting streetwear trends.

Rounding out the lifestyle-oriented concepts are GU Utility and GU Cozy. GU Utility focuses on functional outdoor pieces, while GU Cozy emphasizes soft, skin-friendly fabrics designed for elevated daily comfort. The entire FW26 collection, conceptualized by Francesco Risso, will be available for purchase via GU starting July 24, 2026.