“A Tale About a Bhutanese Trip,” the spring 2026 menswear collection by Uma Wang, was born out of what proved to be an almost cathartic journey for the designer. Presented at her brand’s Milan boutique, it seemed conceived to bridge the gap between those who create the garments and those who wear them, forging a deep connection between each person’s life experiences.“I had dreamed of traveling to Bhutan for a long time, and it touched me deeply on an emotional level,” said Wang. “It was a spiritual and physical journey, made of stairways, faces, and encounters. I discovered a profoundly smiling people, a culture woven into the very fabric of daily life, and an immense amount of beauty that deserves respect.”
“Bhutan, the place of the here and now, teaches us to live in the present. And in the present, I found enormous sources of inspiration,” said Wang. “The way Bhutanese men dress reflects an elegance that lies not in excess.” With a collection that marks the tenth anniversary of the brand’s menswear line, Wang used Bhutanese tradition as the starting point and destination in her pursuit of harmony. The Gho, the traditional men’s garment, is often worn with a T-shirt or a pair of sneakers—for this reason, both were new additions this season. The study of fabrics began with observing extraordinary textiles in a museum, then recreating their effect by working with Italian weavers. Silk, linen, and raw cotton (naturally water-repellent) embodied the philosophy of a land where nature and culture intertwine. Pinstripe effects were hand-embroidered to celebrate the human touch; fabrics were cold-dyed to enhance the beauty of irregularities; jacquard flowers evoked the refined character of the flora. The textured hand feel paid homage to a little-explored territory.
Between vests, deconstructed blazers, loose trousers, trenches and outerwear inspired by utility wear, skirt-pants and ultra-light shirts, the silhouettes remained fluid and generous, meant to embrace rather than confine. The color palette—ranging from brown to earth tones, rust to ivory, and muted green, with deeper interruptions—evoked the hues of the Bhutanese landscapes.