Front Row — Page 5

Sergio Soldano Fall 2026

February 13, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

At a moment when legacy houses are redefining their place in contemporary fashion, Sergio Soldano staged a compelling return to the spotlight with its fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection at Printemps New York during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Absent from the international fashion circuit for decades, the historic Italian house reemerged with poise and purpose, marking its first NYFW appearance of the 21st century and signaling a confident renaissance.

Presented in partnership with Fashion Group International (FGI), the unveiling took place within Printemps’ refined Manhattan flagship, an apt setting for a house rooted in European sophistication. The evening drew an influential cross-section of industry insiders and cultural tastemakers, including FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz and Printemps America CEO Thierry Prevost, underscoring the significance of the brand’s return.

Under the creative direction of Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella, Sergio Soldano presented an impressive 107-piece collection spanning ready-to-wear, footwear, handbags, and accessories. Italian craftsmanship formed the foundation, while contemporary tailoring and modern silhouettes propelled the narrative forward. The presentation unfolded in an immersive environment punctuated by Art Deco and French design influences, with suspended garments and curated installations transforming the retail space into a living atelier.

Images courtesy of Sergio Soldano

A stirring live performance violin strains layered with emotive vocals added theatrical resonance, amplifying the collection’s dialogue between heritage and innovation. More than a seasonal debut, Sergio Soldano’s NYFW return signaled a strategic reentry into the American fashion market, an elegant affirmation that legacy, when reimagined with clarity and conviction, can feel unmistakably of the moment.

Tijana Ibrahimovic

Elena Velez Fall 2026

February 13, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

When I first began my career in the fashion, I attended a lot of fashion shows like Elena Velez’s fall 2026 collection. Although those shows in the distant past were enjoyable, I had not experienced a lot of runway shows or fashion collections, so my knowledge was quite limited.

Now that have more experienced and witnessed the good, the bad, and the very unfortunate fashion collections I must say that fashion shows that attended in the past wish that they had Velez’s skill, craftmanship, whimsy, and projection. Few of those early fashion brands I experienced in the past understood how to make Punk-influenced garments appealing to a larger audience. However, that was a different time.

In her fall 2026 collection, Velez attempted to incorporate standard Punk elements of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Elements in question include deconstructed garments, unfinished hems and flayed edges, bustiers, and distressed leather.

Velez has taken a political stance in previous collection and this fall 2026 collection does have a political and cultural point of view. Velez drew inspiration from the social media trend of lookmaxxing. For those out of the loop, lookmaxxing is a desire for beauty and to master beauty by cosmetic means, if necessary. You can see this trend solidly in place on the filter-driving obsessions on TikTok and Instagram.

Though this collection is Punk inspired, there are some modern touches that makes these garments more appealing to modern consumers, especially the party ‘It’ ladies who use clothes to project their rebel personality. Remember, these party girls don’t dress seductively to attract partners, they let it all ‘hang out,’ so to speak because they want to. And Velez is appealing to that demographic, evidenced in the huge fan crowd that attended this show.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

Standout looks in this fall 2026 collection include the brown pinstriped jacket with brown and white layered skirt, white tee shirt with black-layered skirt, ruched black strapless dress with high slit, and men’s white shirt with large cuffs and black oversized slacks.

William S. Gooch

Evan Hirsch Fall 2026

February 13, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

What can be said about Evan Hirsch? Well, positive things can be said about his fall 2026 capsule collection. Though Fashion Reverie has covered Evan Hirsch for several seasons, we have waited anxiously for his potential to come to the fore. Though not quite yet, Hirsch’s fall 2026 collection—containing only five garments—is the closest he has come thus far to bring his talent to a much more evident realization.

In partnership with ShopGoodwill.com®, Hirsch presented a tightly edited five-look collection that reframed resale not as resourcefulness, but as raw couture material. The presentation, held at Friedrichs Pontone, marked the duo’s second collaboration following last season’s 30-plus-look runway show. This time, the message was distilled, fewer looks, sharper focus, and amplified craftsmanship. Each piece drew directly from a trending ShopGoodwill.com category, transforming digital ‘treasure hunt’ finds into sculptural fashion statements.

Though all the five garments in this collection had their special appeal, there was one garment out of the five that stood out. A bridal-inspired gown constructed from hundreds of repurposed jewelry fragments followed, its surface glinting with hand-placed vintage hardware and anchored by reworked French lace sourced from a high-low wedding dress. The effect felt less nostalgic and more defiantly opulent.

Images courtesy of VERY New York

That said, this small capsule collection did border on costume wear for stage or film. However, what did improve immensely was Hirsch’s construction and better fabric choices.

Hopefully, Evan Hirsch will continue on this fashion trajectory and journey. Time will tell!!

—William S. Gooch

LANDEROS Fall 2026

February 12, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

For those not familiar with LANDEROS, this is a brand that combines the two elements needed for success in the fashion industry, now and next. As the great fashion publicist Diana Vreeland proclaimed, “fashion should be now and next.” And LANDEROS’ creative director Andre Landeros Michel does just that!!

Fashion Reverie became familiar with this brand at New York Men’s Day a few years ago. And though we were impressed by LANDEROS’ presentation at New York Men’s Day, this current outing demonstrates how much the design aesthetic of the brand has grown, but also the craft that Andre Landeros Michel has injected into this fall 2026 collection.

This ‘Heretics’ collection, though dark and haunting, exhibits Michel adept skill, particularly with the traditional suit. Suits in this collection are embellished with boxy shoulders and statement sleeves, as well as belts that cinched in waist. These suits also highlighted the feminine form by being manipulated to show off hourglass figures.

Andre Landeros Michel also played with masculine and feminine silhouettes evidenced in the traditional suits. These suits, though not unisex, could be wore successfully by both male and female consumers. Additionally, Andre Landeros Michel’s use of sheer and diaphanous fabrics brought that extra next to this fall 2026 collection. Sensuous and bold, these sheer fabric touches never pushed the collection into the salacious realm.

In this outing Michel chose a rich color palette of black, blue, and gold with touches of animal print, were the focus of this season. Michel also selected the right models for this collection and aptly showed off the garments with style and panache.

Images courtesy of vraimagazine.com and ouch!magazine.com

Hopefully, Andre Landeros Michel will stay the course and stay on track in the fashion industry because he has something very important to say. The fashion industry needs you!!

—William S. Gooch

Frederick Anderson Fall 2026

February 12, 2026 by admin Leave a Comment

For those fashion-industry professionals who have followed Frederick Anderson’s career as well as his fashion collections, Anderson’s current collection seems to be the quintessential collection that fully expresses his design aesthetic. Anderson has always referenced iconic fashion silhouettes from the 1970s and early 80s. Whether that be folksy, earthy looks from the early 1970s that emphasized ease of movement to knitwear combined with a relaxed style that was symbolic of the new freedom that women manifested in the 1970s.

Still, Anderson’s previous collections were more of a nod to feminine silhouettes of that period than Anderson’s own expression of those 70s silhouettes updated for the modern consumer. Anderson’s fall 2026 collection is an expansive of that homage with a major injection of his own design aesthetic.

Anderson’s fall 2026 collection pays homage to Studio 54 of the late 1970s. This reference point is obvious as you observe the bold diaphanous silhouettes and shimmery fabrications. Additionally, Anderson is inspired by the languid sounds of Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse, two ancestors whose interpretation of sound and language can be quite dark, evidenced in the mostly black and dark blue color palette of this fall 2026 collection.

That said, though this collection is dark and at times haunting, there is light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, seen in the sexiness and boldness of this collection. This is not a collection for the shrinking violet. Nor is this a collection for the woman who is sensually restrained. This is a collection that is juxtaposed against women who are sexually proud and want to celebrate the feminine form in a bold way.

What is most interesting about this collection is that though this collection is heavy on sensuality and boldness, the diaphanous fabrics are used tastefully, not promoting hedonistic desires. And when some of these garments go into production, Anderson may add another layer of fabric to appeal to more consumers and body shapes.

Images courtesy of vogue.com

Standout looks in this collection include, but are not limited to, the Bridget tweed slip dress, aqua leather bodice mini with embroidered and beaded tulle, Anna lace jacker and skirt with sequin fringe camisole, Bridget silk crepe drape front jumpsuit, and Kara metallic sequin suit.

—Willian Gooch

NARDOS Bridal Fall 2026

October 16, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

Most of love historical film dramas. Think “Gilded Age,” “Age of Innocence,” “House of Mirth,” so forth and so on. Those historical dramas, particularly those from the Edwardian and Victorian Age are great reflections are luxurious, dramatic, embellished gowns with long trains, hourglass waistlines, and heavily jeweled and embellished luxury fabrics. This was the focal point of Imam Nardos’ fall 2026 bridal collection.

This fall 2025 bridal collection was a homage to a bygone era. This ‘Victorian Rosettes’ collection reflects a time when romance was treated as art and every detail carried meaning. Inspired by the sculptural silhouettes and poetic elegance of Victorian design, the collection reimagines heirloom beauty for the modern bride.

Each gown is conceived as a timeless treasure, not simply something to wear, but something to keep, to pass down, and to hold close as part of a lasting story of love and legacy. Interestingly, there are lots of floral embellishments in this collection as well as 3-D floral cutouts. These floral embellishments aka rosettes add to the sumptuousness of the bridal gowns, still down with modern techniques, elevating this bridal collection from just a fashion dissertation of days gone by.

As with all NARDOS bridal collections, this is not a bridal collection that is steeped in simplicity and minimalism. Though there are some bridal gowns in this collection that are less embellished and awe-inspiring, for the most part most of the collection is for that bride looking to make a statement on her very special day.

Images courtesy of Atelier PR

In this bridal collection, Imam Nardos demonstrates that looking back and bringing it forward is a good thing. And since this a one-of-a-kind experience for most bridal consumers, why not make this purchase your whimsical fantasy and fairytale dream.

William S. Gooch

Mark Ingram Bridal Fall 2026

October 16, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

When it comes to bridal brands who understand how to pull from the past while injecting innovative modern techniques and craftsmanship, the inimitable Mark Ingram is without parallel. And his fall bridal 2025 demonstrates Ingram’s genius at combining vintage silhouettes with an injection of modernity.

While some bridal designers approach the marriage of classic silhouettes and modern innovations with trepidation, this blend has become a part of Mark Ingram’s design DNA. Inspired by the women in his life, namely his mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Ingram infused these women’s elegance and charm that paid homage to those classic bridal silhouettes of the 1940s and 1950s.

While this fall 2026 collection harkens back to classic bridal silhouettes of the 1940s and the 1950s, Ingram’s modern interpretation of classicism transforms this collection that evokes emotion and a sense of nostalgia. Modern consumers will possess timeless garments that a fresh and current and meet the needs of modern consumers.

Some of the modern touches that Ingram employs in the fall 2026 collection is the architectural approach to several of the garments. And this architectural approach is applied with lightness that promotes ease of movement. There is also sustainability assets in this collection reflected in recycled glass beading and not letting any of the extra materials go to waste.

Vintage elements include Dior dotted bustline and many off-the-shoulder bridal garment that was so indicative of the ‘va va voom’ aesthetic found in 50s silhouettes. That said, the vintage elements don’t just start and stop with those elements. Each element is combined with some modern touches that can entice modern consumers.

Images courtesy of Mark Ingram

Standout looks in this collection, includes, but is not limited to the corded lace strapless “baby” A-line gown with small sweep, Duchess satin bow at waist, tiered plisse tulle overshirt with Duchess satin waist band and bow closure, off-the-shoulder gown with ruched taffeta bodice and Mikado mermaid skirt, organza sleeveless yoked bateau neckline gown with tea-length bubble hem skirt, strapless Mikado tea-length gown with ruched sweetheart neckline and contoured bodice seams, and Duchess satin column gown with ruched sweetheart strapless neckline and contour bodice seaming.

William S. Gooch

Claire Pettibone Bridal Fall 2026

October 16, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

After 20 years in the business, Claire Pettibone knows a thing or two—or twenty—about designing bridal collections. Bridal designers are under a little less pressure to design in a constant state of newness, as they often focus on variations of a theme (white gowns, princess gowns, etc.). However, like all fashion sectors, the bridal industry has trends that come and go.

Rather than give in to the pressure of trends or come up with multiple new variations on a theme, this season Claire Pettibone decided to revive her archive. Pettibone created an entire retrospective of her 20 years of bridal designs. Appropriately titled “The Archive Collection,” Pettibone reintroduced gowns that had been requested by brides throughout the years because, at the end of the day, who is fashion about if not the customer? The collection included three new designs inspired by the archives and three new archival-inspired pieces.

The six styles that were the focus of “The Archive Collection” include Midnight, Toulouse, Memory, Treasure, Forget Me Not, and Cherish. Midnight is from Claire Pettibone’s 2009 Rock’n’Roll bridal collection and features French embroidery, jeweled straps, and a black tulle train. Memory is new to the archives and features French embroidery, a velvet-inlaid beaded waist, and a delicate peplum. Toulouse is from the 2012 Beau Monde collection and features silk ribbon and embroidered lace. Treasure is new to the archives and features embellished floral embroidery. Forget Me Not is a revival style from the 2007 Le Jardin de Monet collection and is a silk slip dress draped in ribbons and flowers. Cherish is a new blush floral embroidered gown with silver accents.

In a time when marriage rates are declining and America is facing a tumultuous economy amid a government shutdown and layoffs at major companies like Meta, Amazon, and IBM, Claire Pettibone made a smart choice to revive styles she already knows sell well. The brand has long been known for its vintage inspiration, but this time, instead of dialing it back to mom’s and grandma’s wedding days, they looked back through their last 20 years for a retrospective.

Bridal Fashion Week also featured new styles all tied together by Claire Pettibone’s signature details, such as delicate lace, embroidery, and hand-painted florals. While it might seem like Claire Pettibone was playing it safe, the collection was also a love letter to the fans of her brand who have kept her going for two decades.

Images courtesy of Claire Pettibone

Ultimately, Claire Pettibone created a collection both rooted in nostalgia and moving forward for the next generation of brides. She offered something old and something new, and there were even some hints of blue. The story of the brand goes on as the next bride marches down the aisle.

—Kristopher Fraser

Nicole + Felicia Bridal Fall 2026

October 15, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

Perhaps, the top bridal show of the fall 2026 season was the Nicole + Felicia bridal fall 2026 show. There was lots of glitz and glam, as well as modern innovation.

In the tenth-year anniversary bridal collection, the design team at Nicole + Felicia honored the artistry passed down through decades of family production heritage. There are several signature design elements that are sprinkled throughout this collection. Those signature elements are the floral elements that pop up in various expressions, as well as the refined corsetry which is a core element of the Nicole + Felicia aesthetic.

What stands out most in this outing are the bridal options for the modern bride. There are cocktail dresses, fit-to-flare gowns, mermaid silhouettes, princess gowns, etc. Additionally, there are bridal garments for every jointure of the bridal event from the rehearsal dinner to the nuptial ceremony to the reception.

With Nicole + Felicia bridal garments, every stage of creation, from sketch to stitch, is executed with meticulous care to achieve flawless quality and our signature aesthetic. Refined corsetry sits at the heart of the collection, paired with dramatic, yet impeccably engineered structure that highlights the body’s natural shape. Signature floral elements with elegant, clean lines—a hallmark of Nicole + Felicia—soften the architecture and bring a sense of organic movement.

Images courtesy of Atelier PR

As one of the standout bridal collections during New York Bridal Week fall 2026 collection, Nicole + Felicia are setting a standard of how to present bridal collections that can appeal to a variety of bridal consumers. Other bridal brands need to stand and take notice!!

—William S. Gooch

Ese Azenabor Bridal Fall 2026

October 15, 2025 by admin Leave a Comment

Although Ese Azenabor’s fall 2026 bridal collection only contained 11 bridal garments, the 11 bridal garments exhibited the depth and wealth of the brand’s design aesthetic and Azenabor’s genius.

If glamorous, awe-inspiring bridal wear is what you are in the market for, then Ese Azenabor is the brand for you!! Never failing to deliver her design aesthetic of unforgettable, eye-catching bridal wear that makes pulses race. This collection was no exception.

Ezenabor’s fall 2026 bridal collection was held in her decked out bridal store on 91^st and Madison. And true to form the street traffic was astonished by the incredible collection that the fashion press and fashion industry professionals experienced.

Azenabor provides bridal garments that every modern bride will need at every jointure of her bridal experience, from the rehearsal dinner to the bridal ceremony to the bridal reception. And true to form, there was lots of glitter and bling.

Standout looks in this collection are the dramatic high-low gown with scoop necklace covered in silk Mikado 3-D flowers, silk organza 3-D flowers, and beaded petal fabrication; silk Mikado ivory ballgown with Basque waist and sweetheart bodice featuring 3-D Mikado flowers throughout skirt and train; long sleeve mini dress featuring a plunge neckline and bell sleeves finished with pearl crystal trim, and drop waist ballgown with asymmetrical one shoulder in draped silk organza with sheer corset bodice and large 3-D rosettes.

Images courtesy of Atelier PR

For the fall 2026 season, Ese Azenabor has hit another homerun. And if you have deep pockets and are in the market for a take-your-breathe-away bridal gown, you know where to shop!!

William S. Gooch