Summary:
- Alpha Industries and Cecilie Bahnsen release their first collection in January 2026, featuring MA-1 and N-2B bomber jackets with floral embroidery and laser-cut details.
- The three jackets maintain Alpha's functional military design while adding layered constructions, dimensional finishes, and soft textures inspired by a 1941 gardening book.
- Prices range from €950 to €1150, with availability starting January 23 on brand websites and select retailers, followed by wider distribution in February.
Alpha Industries and Cecilie Bahnsen will release their first collection together in January 2026. The Danish designer transforms two classic military styles from the American outerwear brand into pieces that balance functional design with decorative elements.
The collection includes three jackets: one cropped MA-1 and two versions of the N-2B bomber. Each style starts with Alpha's original specifications. The MA-1 comes in black with a cropped silhouette. Cut-out fabrics create a layered effect across the surface. The N-2B appears in two colors: navy and army green with pink accents. Both versions feature floral patchwork across the exterior.
Bahnsen drew inspiration from Garden Bulbs in Color, a gardening book from 1941 she found while spending time with her son. The vintage publication influenced the floral motifs that appear throughout the collection. Laser-cut flowers, embroidered patches, and dimensional finishes add texture to the nylon shells. The N-2B's hood unzips to reveal the onion-quilted interior, now detailed with the same floral patterns.
The designer noted her observation of women in Japan wearing bomber jackets over dresses. This styling approach informed her decision to work with Alpha's silhouettes. She wanted to reinterpret the shapes through a lens that reflects her brand's focus on femininity and detailed construction.
Alpha Industries started in 1959 as a supplier for the U.S. military. The company produced outerwear designed for performance in harsh conditions. Styles like the MA-1 bomber and M-65 field jacket became standard issue for military personnel. Over time, these pieces moved into street fashion and popular culture. The MA-1, originally created for pilots, features a thin nylon shell and polyester fill designed for cramped cockpits. The N-2B, developed for ground crews in cold climates, includes the signature fur-trimmed hood.
Cecilie Bahnsen established her label in Copenhagen. Her designs sit between couture techniques and ready-to-wear accessibility. The brand works with sculptural shapes and detailed craftsmanship. Materials often include organza, taffeta, and other fabrics that hold structure while allowing movement. This approach extends to everyday pieces like dresses, outerwear, and accessories.
The Alpha collaboration marks a departure from Bahnsen's typical materials and construction methods. Military nylon replaces delicate textiles. Functional details like zipper pulls and snap closures remain intact. The challenge was to add decorative elements without compromising the jackets' original purpose.
Each piece maintains Alpha's construction standards. The jackets keep their weather-resistant shells and insulated linings. Zipper hardware and closure systems match the original specifications. The floral additions exist as layers on top of this foundation rather than replacements for functional components.
The collection will launch on January 23, 2026. Customers will find the pieces at alphaindustries.eu, ceciliebahnsen.com, Dover Street Market locations in Paris and London, the Cecilie Bahnsen boutique in Copenhagen, and the Alpha Industries store in Frankfurt. Additional retailers will stock the collection starting February 5. Prices range from €950 to €1150 per jacket.
This partnership represents Alpha's approach to working with fashion designers. The brand provides its technical patterns and construction knowledge. Collaborators add their aesthetic vision while respecting the functional requirements that define military outerwear. Previous partnerships have followed a similar model, allowing designers to reinterpret iconic styles without losing their practical qualities.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.