Robbie’s napoleon jacket: a runway rebellion has landed

Margot Robbie traded her Met Gala confection for a McQueen coattailed military jacket at the 1536 premiere in London, signaling a dramatic shift in celebrity styling – and a serious resurgence of a decades-old trend.

The return of the emperor’s coat

Forget understated elegance; the Napoleon jacket, once the domain of Kate Moss at Glastonbury in 2005, is back with a vengeance. It’s not just a nostalgic nod, but a deliberate, high-fashion statement currently dominatingrunways and celebrity red carpets. The McQueen spring 2026 iteration, a swirling vortex of gold embroidery, is a far cry from the original, stark military silhouette.

The look’s momentum isn’t just fueled by celebrity endorsement. Jenna Ortega’s understated adoption of a Dior fitted Napoleon vest last fall, paired with a frayed denim miniskirt, demonstrated the jacket’s adaptability. Similarly, Ann Demeulemeester’s spring 2026 collection showcased a red iteration, opting for denim shorts instead of the original’s diaphanous dress – showcasing the jacket’s versatility.

Dua’s boost, a bold move

Dua Lipa’s recent Instagram post, sporting an Ann Demeulemeester jacket from the same collection, solidified the trend’s ascent. She eschewed the runway’s celadon dress for denim shorts, maintaining the moto boots, a clear signal of mass appeal. This isn’t a fleeting moment; Robbie’s choice, coupled with Ortega and Lipa’s adoption of the style, suggests a genuinely sustained shift.

But the question remains: can these influential figures elevate the Napoleon jacket beyond a mere revival? Will tricorn hats finally make a comeback, or is this trend destined to remain a meticulously curated, yet ultimately contained, stylistic flourish? The fashion world is watching closely.