Designers

Dan Ward

Dan Ward was born in the United States to French and Italian parents. At the age of eleven, he moved with his family to Japan, where he spent his youth growing up on the beaches of the East China Sea. He later returned to the U.S. to pursue his university studies, earning degrees in Chemistry and Biology. After completing his graduate studies, he entered art school in Seattle, where he studied commercial photography.

Following several years as a commercial photographer, Dan moved to Paris and began his fashion career, leading design and merchandising for global brands such as Hermès, Bally, and Calvin Klein.

In 2013, he launched his eponymous men’s resort wear brand, which expanded into womenswear in 2022. An accomplished athlete, Dan continues to compete in swimming, with more than 45 national and European titles to his name. He currently lives and works in Florence, Italy.

SS26 Collection

The Spring-Summer 2026 collection was conceived to accompany every moment of a perfect summer day, from sunrise to sunset, whether for leisurely relaxation or transitioning into a sophisticated evening setting.

The daytime palette is built around deep, rich tones layered to achieve a fresh sense of sophistication. Shades of red with berry undertones, coconut-shell brown, and sage green are elevated by contrasts of ivory and crisp white, creating a harmony that feels both vibrant and refined.

Japanese influences resonate throughout the collection, inspired by Dan’s formative years growing up in Japan. Both silhouettes and prints reflect this imprint: from abstract motifs and lurex embroidery on kimono-inspired pieces, to a seasonal print rooted in the Sumi-e tradition of Japanese ink painting. Fluid brushstrokes are translated onto silks and cotton crêpons, shaping airy, voluminous skirts, blouses, and long summer dresses that move with quiet grace.

As evening falls, the collection comes alive with surfaces that shimmer in metallic hues and wet-look finishes. Laminated opalines, gold, iron, silver, and bronze lend a distinctive glow to swimwear, sarongs, fluid dresses, and bikinis accented with delicate gold chain straps. Cover-up pieces appear as silk dégradé caftans adorned with hand-applied beading, or as black-and-white embroidered silks with bamboo motifs, garments that embody understated glamour.

DANWARD is a thoughtfully designed collection for individuals with heightened sensitivity and a strong sense of style, those who value quality, restraint, and sophistication in their vacation wardrobe.

DANWARD is designed and produced in Italy.

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Designers

Dan Ward

SS26 Collection