The street style skirt set to peak in 2026
by Tina LončarJanuary 5, 2026
Trends come and go, just like hit pieces that appear on the scene, shine briefly, and are soon forgotten. Some, however, manage to retain their status for years, and one such it item, which has by now achieved cult status, is certainly the Carabiner Skirt, a skirt by the London brand Chopova Lowena that has ruled the street style scene with confidence for years. In recent seasons, no matter which street style gallery you look at, it is very likely you will be greeted by at least one look featuring the instantly recognizable Carabiner Skirt.
Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons met on the first day of their studies at Central Saint Martins, and in 2017 they launched a joint brand that quickly captured the hearts of the British fashion scene. Focused on sustainability, with upcycling as a core principle of creation, the duo soon became known for their unique, uncompromising approach to design, as well as for a distinctive, eclectic aesthetic that blends colorful influences from various subcultures, vibrant folklore, and sporty elements. The Carabiner Skirt, however, is one of their greatest successes to date. This punk-tinged skirt, which has gained cult status among fashion lovers over the past few years, has been worn by stars such as Dua Lipa, Madonna, and Charli XCX, as well as by numerous street style icons who have turned it into an icon. Since its launch, its popularity has been steadily rising.
The inspiration for the Carabiner Skirt comes from Laura Lowena-Irons’ Bulgarian heritage. In Bulgaria, textiles have been valued for centuries as an integral part of a bride’s dowry, and tradition preserves a wealth of handcraft techniques in garment making. Inspired by this knowledge and richness, the Chopova Lowena brand created a skirt that combines deadstock and recycled materials, often sourced from central Bulgaria. Each skirt is like a small patchwork masterpiece, pleated, layered, and adorned with a signature detail, a substantial leather belt attached with climbing carabiners, giving it an informal yet instantly recognizable brand signature.
Although the skirt has a strong punk aesthetic, it has been worn in recent years by trendsetters of very different styles. It looks great as part of layered, eclectic outfits and is often worn in combination with trousers, biker boots, and heavy leather jackets, but its strength lies in the fact that it can also be the central piece of a completely simple look, paired with a plain white T-shirt. Judging by the number of street style photographs taken during fashion weeks in the world’s major fashion capitals last year, it seems that the popularity of the Carabiner Skirt will certainly not fade in 2026. On the contrary, it appears to be only reaching its peak.
