Airbrushing Makes a Comeback on the Runway

For the past few years, ‘craft’ has dominated fashion conversations, with brands highlighting unconventional techniques and textiles. However, spring 2027 collections are showcasing a surprisingly unexpected trend: airbrushing. Traditionally associated with music, streetwear, and nostalgic souvenir tees, this DIY technique is now appearing prominently on major runways, from Maison Margiela to Dries Van Noten.

A Nostalgic Revival

As fashion cycles through nostalgic phases—drawing inspiration from the brashness of the 80s and the tech-sporty vibe of the 90s—airbrushing offers a subtly irreverent aesthetic. It doesn’t rigidly adhere to a single era, though it peaked in popularity at the turn of the millennium. Instead, it possesses a familiar, enjoyable quality, exemplified by the playful subversion of cheesy tourist shirts.

From Runway to DIY

Designers like Torishéju utilized airbrushing to reimagine trompe l’oeil, while brands such as Chloé (1999) and Louis Vuitton (2016) showcased the technique’s evolution as a refined art form. The spirit of DIY is evident in the Tory Burch show, where Liana Satenstein created custom airbrushed merchandise, inspired by a vintage Stella McCartney tank top depicting a sun-drenched island scene.

Human Connection in a Digital Age

At Maison Margiela, airbrushing served as a reminder of the value of handmade craft in a world increasingly dominated by digital rendering and AI. Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton explored this relationship a decade prior with airbrushed leather jackets. The house partnered with Gerrit Jacob, whose signature airbrushed dragon and animal illustrations have become a defining element of their collections.