Johnstons of Elgin Celebrates Scottish Roots Via the Lens of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham

LONDON — Johnstons of Elgin, the British family-owned cashmere expert, will be bringing a spring 2026 collection that celebrates the strength and nuance of its motherland, Scotland, through the lens of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham to the Chicago Collective.

Often considered one of Britain’s most significant 20th-century modern artists, Barns-Graham was known for her colorful, semi-abstract paintings, especially the Glacier series, in which she depicted nature’s might with dramatic combinations of sweeping curves and sharp edges in chilly blues, earthy browns and rocky grays.

Johnstons of Elgin named the pre-spring range and the main spring collection St. Andrews and St. Ives, respectively. In her 65-year career, Barns-Graham divided her time between studios in those two places.

The pre-collection features comfortable wardrobe essentials in neutrals and pared-back shades, while the main range is populated with brighter items in vintage pink, mint and yellow.

Standouts include a shawl-collar cardigan in sublime gradients of gray, a mustard sweater seemingly inspired by Gorse, the yellow flowered shrub commonly found in the Scottish border, as well as stoles in light beige and dark navy.

Johnstons of Elgin works with the New York-based showroom and sales agency CD Network for its presence at the Chicago Collective.

The 228-year-old brand said the fair presents a key opportunity to connect with its valued network of more than 70 independent menswear boutiques across the U.S.

“The event plays an important role in deepening relationships and opening new conversations within the American market, which continues to be a strategic focus for the brand,” said a spokesperson at Johnstons of Elgin.