Baum und Pferdgarten Spring/Summer 2026: Notes from the Grandstand
Another brand that is always one of my favourites each season is Baum und Pferdgarten — and this season was no different. For Spring/Summer 2026, Baum took us to the racetrack. The collection, titled Notes from the Grandstand, channels the spirited world of the Derby with a playful balance of sporting utility and social pageantry. It’s a season where the sharp lines of jockey uniforms meet the elegance of trackside attire — a study in contrasts that defines the brand’s latest vision.
Designed by creative directors Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave, the collection explores the tension between function and display.
“We were drawn to the sharp colour-blocking and purpose-driven silhouettes of jockeys — so bold, so functional, so instantly recognisable. And just as captivating were the guests, dressed to be seen from every angle. That tension between performance and pageantry gave us a rich foundation to explore character, contrast, and everything in between,” said Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave.
Striped nylon references jockey silks, while checks and strong colour contrasts create movement across tailored pieces. Frills appear on sporty outerwear, subtly softening utilitarian lines. Dropped-waist dresses and draped blouses bring fluidity, while powder pinks, faux suede, and rosette details nod to equestrian traditions. Leopard prints, faux leather, and vintage lace push the look forward with a modern, eclectic edge. The result is a collection that celebrates intentional contrast: dressing to perform, dressing to be seen, and blurring the boundaries between the two.
The collection was presented at Charlottenlund Travbane, the oldest racetrack in the Nordics — and what a beautiful location, what a beautiful show. From the stunning sunset light to models walking between the old horse stables to the soundtrack of A Horse with No Name by America, the setting perfectly underlined the equestrian spirit at the heart of the collection.
For Baumgarten and Hestehave, the location was deeply personal. Both designers grew up around horses, with racetracks and riding arenas forming an early part of their lives. Notes from the Grandstand is as much about memory as it is about style — a revisiting of childhood experiences reimagined through fashion.