Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne marked the return of their fashion label Public School with an impressive Fall 2026 menswear runway show. Since launching the brand in 2008, Public School has experienced periods of both acclaim and pause. Notable accolades include winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize and the CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear in 2013. In 2015, the designers were invited to revive the DKNY brand. However, growth and pressure eventually led them to take a step back, a decision they openly acknowledged in their recent show presentation.
The duo described their hiatus as a necessary break to reconnect with the original reasons behind starting Public School. Their comeback collection, titled “Everything Is Now,” emphasizes an urgent focus on the present. Chow explained the concept as a response to a world where previously reliable certainties have shifted or disappeared, calling for immediate action and a spirit of resistance.
This thematic framework was reflected in the collection’s styling choices, which included fingerless gloves and Kangol-style hats crafted by Gigi Burris, contributing to the show’s signature attitude. Public School’s renewed direction is decidedly menswear-centric, with Chow stating that the collection was crafted intimately by just the two designers, without additional teams or assistants.
Maintaining their commitment to local production, all garments were made in New York City, with the city’s dynamic character influencing their design approach. The runway atmosphere was energized by a carefully curated soundtrack and models exhibiting confident, self-assured struts.
The collection opened with a dark-wash Canadian tuxedo ensemble, reinterpreting classic suiting with a refined cut and fit that elevated the denim fabric. Materials played a central role, showcasing luxuriously textured blue leathers, a boxy blazer in flecked Prince of Wales check featuring an asymmetrical closure, and a silky zip-front jacket in a vivid red shade evoking New York’s spirit. Additional pieces included pinstriped half-zip tops and high-waisted straight-leg trousers.
Demonstrating versatility, the designers also debuted neatly tailored shorts worn alone or layered over matching pants. A range of coats embodied a seasoned maturity, designed with ease and functionality in mind. Osborne noted the intent behind these outerwear pieces was to allow wearers to layer effortlessly while retaining a casually stylish look reflective of urban life.
Overall, the Fall 2026 collection by Public School emphasized an authentic connection to New York’s cultural landscape through menswear that blends comfort, sophistication, and a distinct edge, signaling the label’s renewed focus and creative clarity.
