Haunted couture: dressing like a ghost has captured the zeitgeist

The haunting allure of spectral gowns at Dior’s Spring/Summer 26 show captivates viewers, blending ghostly elegance with chaos inspired by literature like *Hamlet* and *Great Expectations*. These ethereal designs evoke a mix of old-world sophistication and modern chaos, resonating with cultural shifts tied to movements like feminism and environmentalism. At shows such as AFW, designers amplify the eerie effect through sheer fabrics and references to films like *The Wizard of Oz*, creating a haunting yet nostalgic narrative that challenges traditional norms while offering moments of hope in uncertain times.