FDMTL Fall/Winter 2026: Crafting Creativity by Hand in the Age of Generative AI

On March 19, FDMTL presented its Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo.

This season, FDMTL explored a highly contemporary and philosophical theme: “the moment just before AI surpasses human creativity.” As technology advances at an unprecedented pace and generative AI continuously produces endless streams of images and videos, the collection raises a fundamental question—what is the value of human creativity in such an era?

Designer Gaku Tsuyoshi draws from his childhood memories of encountering the concept of AI through the video game Dragon Quest IV. By reflecting on the imperfect and sometimes frustrating behavior of its AI character, he juxtaposes that early experience with today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape. The sense of imperfection and unexpected humanity he once felt stands in stark contrast to the pursuit of perfection in modern technology, ultimately highlighting the essence of human creativity.

The runway looks, centered around FDMTL’s signature denim, go beyond mere craftsmanship. Through layered techniques such as patchwork and sashiko, the garments intentionally reveal traces of time and process. These visible marks emphasize a uniquely human sense of imperfection and individuality—qualities that stand in opposition to the uniform outputs generated by AI.

While the silhouettes remain relatively minimal, the density of materials and detailing creates a quiet yet powerful presence. The layered treatments, tonal variations, and overlapping fabrics evoke a sense of depth, as if the garments themselves embody the passage of time.

Notably, footwear also played a key role this season, particularly a pair of tabi sneakers created in collaboration with Vans. Based on a classic sneaker silhouette, the design incorporates a split-toe structure, merging Western product design with a distinctly Japanese sense of the body. Combined with textures reminiscent of sashiko and patchwork, the shoes further reinforce FDMTL’s signature craftsmanship.

Throughout the show, there was a clear emphasis on creation by human hands. The music, performed live by humans, resonated with the collection as an expression rooted in physicality—standing in contrast to digitally generated outputs. This was not merely a stylistic choice, but a deliberate statement questioning the role and meaning of human existence in the age of AI.

As AI continues to expand into the realm of creativity, FDMTL does not resist this shift. Instead, by positioning itself within this transitional moment, the brand redefines the value of human creativity. It suggests that imperfection is precisely what makes something meaningful, and that inefficiency can hold its own kind of beauty.

In doing so, FDMTL offers a compelling perspective—one that quietly yet powerfully questions the future of fashion itself.

See all the looks from Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection in the gallery below.

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