For Kate Barton’s SS26, the runway setting amplifies that dialogue between fashion and technology. The show opened with an AI-generated model entering an alternate reality— transporting into a liminal, dreamlike space that framed the entire presentation. The projection functioned less as backdrop, more as portal: a surrealist threshold into Barton’s world. “This collection is about questioning preconceptions-my own included-about shape, print, and the ways we separate sportswear, fashion, and eveningwear. I wanted the runway to feel like a passage into another dimension, a space where these oppositions not only coexist but create something unexpectedly alluring.” —says Kate Barton. Kate was co-winner of FGI Rising Star 2024 in Eveningwear.

Sally LaPointe showcased her Spring/Summer 2026 collection at her new Atelier on Howard Street. Highlighting texture of beading and feathers, Sally says of her inspiration: “For Spring 2026, I am going back to my roots of being a fine artist and a painter. For this collection, I wanted every look to represent an individual painting of mine; strategically combining textures, color, and techniques to invoke a visceral emotion to the viewer leaving a sense of inspiration and allure.” Sally is a former FGI Rising Star Winner.

Highlighting his tailoring, FGI Member, and Venezuelan designer, Nabys Veilman, presented his SS26 collection. Nabys’ work draws from minimalism, geometric forms, and kinetic art with functional yet sophisticated designs — marrying comfort, architectural structure, and visual impact.

Legendary stylist, Phillip Bloch, showcased his brand Omniscient Things, a collection of one of a kind cashmere, luxury pieces in a show to kickoff Fashion Week on Fox 5, Good Night New York, “A Supermodel Runway Tribute to Mahogany” with models Pat Cleveland, Jill Hennesey, Lara Eurdolian, Veronica Webb and front row attendees Fern Mallis, Maryanne Grisz, Nicole Fischelis, Nicole Miller, Ty Hunter and Avril Graham. An exciting start to SS26!