Rhode Island School of Design's class of 2026 presented an eclectic ready-to-wear collection, characterized by unique materials and personal narratives, under the guidance of Gwen Van Den Eijnde, Head of Apparel Design.
Defining Personal Narratives
Azaria Van Der Stok-Smallwood and Paige Sias, both 2026 Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholars, used their collections to highlight their experiences as Black women. Van Der Stok-Smallwood incorporated oyster shells and reeds into dramatic silhouettes, while Sias transformed sugar sacks and coffee bags into garments, using design as activism.
Material Innovation
Designer Zoe Goldemberg, influenced by ThreeASFOUR, experimented with materials in her collection, incorporating science and technology. Her standout piece featured hydraulic tubing within a knit garment to regulate temperature, alongside structures reminiscent of Buckminster Fuller domes.
Exploring Heritage and Emotion
Nerukessa Burgess, a trans Jamaican-American, drew inspiration from Olympic uniforms and national symbols, creating a collection that fused drag and beach culture. Meanwhile, Liam St.Clair-Rounds imagined extraterrestrial garments using earthly materials, and Micaela Giulianelli explored themes of femininity and protection.
Whimsy and Craft
Designers Maya Mary Muravlev and Ji Hu Park brought playful elements to their collections, with Muravlev incorporating everyday imperfections and Park celebrating vibrant colors and whimsical designs. Mariam Devadze explored themes of structure and curiosity through garments inspired by interior renovations.
Van Den Eijnde noted a romantic quality in the work of Cali Kircher, Ellia Baldwin, and Day Koo. Baldwin embraced nature's chaos, Kircher reflected on history, and Koo drew inspiration from family, focusing on fabric treatment and simple silhouettes.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2026-ready-to-wear/rhode-island-school-of-design
