California Apparel News

With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Louis Verdad went into his archives to inform his Fall 2026 collection, named By Louis. The designer downplays the concept of being inspired, instead expressing the design process as vital to his existence.

“It’s oxygen for people like me,” Verdad said. “It’s the desire of continuously creating. It’s the idea that every day you come to a place and make something new.”

Verdad planned his direction by examining his style library, where he looked through almost a quarter century’s worth of his patterns, updating them to make the styles relevant to today’s trends.

“It becomes effortless. I have a library of so many patterns and adjust for the current fashion. That library has been my archival history. From there, I pick up what I used to do,” said Verdad. “I am still a tailor and believe in clothes that fit the body. It’s a misconception that because you fit the body it has to be uncomfortable.”

This understanding of designing tailored pieces with comfort in mind has led Verdad to create his signature suiting with small yet powerful feminine details. Verdad also nods to Bianca Jagger—actor, activist and Studio 54 regular—who famously wore a powerful Yves Saint Laurent suit at her wedding to The Rolling Stones frontman Mick.

“I reinterpreted the suit that Bianca Jagger wore in the ’70s. It’s been very successful. The suit has a soft, tailored jacket. It’s been a winner for everyone,” Verdad noted. “The brand is recognized for good, soft tailoring and beautiful blouses.”

Softer tailoring is the hallmark of Louis Verdad’s pieces, which the designer sees as clothing that supports strong women. The designer aims to create silhouettes that relay strength but speak to a feminine power.

“The whole juxtaposition of having something softer with something masculine is appropriate for women who like to empower themselves,” Verdad said. “It is a celebration, and saying, ‘Look, I can be just as strong as you are by wearing the same shirt, but mine has a little bit of [feminine features]—it’s the same feeling. The way the industry is going, there are no boundaries for men and women’s fashion. A lot of men are wearing skirts.”

The new collection is represented by French & Co. Showroom owner Elizabeth French, who noted that many of Verdad’s clients have been fans of the designer’s work for decades.

The new collection can be found in shops such as Lou Los Olivos in Los Olivos, Calif., Bleu Clothing in Los Angeles, Garbarini in Denver, Chatta Box in Baton Rouge, La., and the Estilo Boutique in Austin, Texas.

“He always has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening. He’s always got a fresh approach. It just looks feminine and powerful and beautiful, and yet, the one new thing about the brand is it’s much more wearable now,” explained French. “He is really diving into stretch denim. We mastered this suit. Not one person who bought the line for Fall didn’t buy this stretch denim suit. It’s an amazing wardrobe builder. Everybody needs it, and it’s super flattering.”

By Louis bottoms are available in sizes 0–10, with tops and jackets made in sizes 2–10. The collection retails from $350 to $650. Additional information regarding Louis Verdad and wholesale opportunities is available at louisverdad.com.