Max Esmail Effortlessly Showcases Talent in "Confidant" Collection

Marking the ascending NYC designer's second presentation at New York Men's Day, the Spring/Summer 2026 collection showcases Esmail's heightened sense of confidence.

Image: Stefen Pompee

For his second appearance at New York Men’s Day, Max Esmail is presenting an even more pronounced aura of confidence during the showcase. Building on his NYMD debut in February, the emerging local designer is rapidly establishing a unique niche at the convergence of innovative techniques and enduring craftsmanship.

Image: Stefen Pompee

Entitled “Confidant,” Esmail’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection enhances the foundation established in February’s collection, further refining his confident design language to a more sophisticated degree of elegance.

Image: Stefen Pompee

According to the collection notes, Esmail is significantly influenced by what he refers to as “the shadowed allure of underworld crime syndicates,” identifying New World by Park Hoon-Jung, Eastern Promises by David Cronenberg, and Donnie Brasco by Mike Newell as pivotal films of inspiration.

Lapelled leather jackets are available in both vintage, well-worn styles and floor-length trench coats, as well as designs with suede overlays. Custom suiting excels in a range of neutral hues.

Image: Stefen Pompee

“These villains possess a chilling charisma and subtle menace, traversing both gritty streets and high society with an air of untouchable authority.” Their hard-earned wealth, extravagantly expended, cultivates a sophisticated masculinity that merges cold calculation with effortless elegance, each action eliciting respect and mesmerizing authority.

The lookbook, photographed by Stefen Pompee, was conducted on-site at this season's Men's Day venue, Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan.