Heritage Reclaimed
“Out With the New”
The Ask: Create a fashion forecast for the Fall/Winter 2026 Women's Wear season, incorporating a trend analysis that aligns with the prevailing Zeitgeist of 2026, ensuring widespread societal acceptance.
Mood Boards & Color Palettes
The project’s visuals champion timeless quality and genuine craftsmanship, focusing on items that offer superior durability and heritage. Imagery emphasizes longevity through elements like Brownstone homes, Persian rugs, and heirloom jewelry, while asserting a preference for hands-on engagement shown by the vintage record player and traditional telephone. Durable materials such as leather and denim, alongside reliable classics like the 1967 Impala, underscore the central theme that traditionally crafted objects possess enduring excellence.
The color story is a warm and grounded blend of historical tradition and durability. It is anchored by Color Story 1’s natural earth tones (Browns, Greens, Yellows, and Blues), which establish a historically rich and classic foundation, brightened by bohemian hues of Orange, Red, and Blue for vitality. This is complemented by Color Story 2, which strengthens the palette with deep leather colors and introduces Silver as a metallic accent, resulting in a rich, traditional aesthetic marked by enduring quality.
The selection of textiles and details reinforces the theme of longevity and heritage, prioritizing materials that reject disposable consumerism. We blend luxurious, durable fabrics like Goat Suede and Gabardine with utilitarian choices such as Wide-6-Wale Corduroy and sustainable options like Recycled Denim. These are complemented by historically rich patterns - Tartan, Houndstooth, and Patchwork—and details like Statement Buttons and Pleats, all celebrating authentic craftsmanship and a return to enduring excellence.
Heritage Reclaimed explores ideas such as returning to pride in craftsmanship and valuing quality items. With the increasing quickness of manufacturing and rapid pace of the trend cycle, our ability and opportunity to cherish items has been depleted. Heritage Reclaims makes a case for the resurgence of such ideas; the resurrection of the heirloom.
Streetwear in "Heritage Reclaimed" centers on ethical investment pieces that reflect the consumer's shift toward thrift and conscious brands. Fur-Lined Coats evolve into symbols of sustainability using faux and upcycled materials, offering a thoughtful, long-term purchase that rejects fast fashion. Pleats are revived using recycled materials and seamlessly blend historical craftsmanship with modern versatility. Finally, Collars transition from subtle details to structured focal points, providing the timeless sophistication and refined aesthetic needed for durable, polished clothing that endures.
The runway translates the theme into high-fashion statements of enduring elegance and craftsmanship. The Trench Coat (Lauded Allure) embodies a classic, timeless piece that uses quality construction to express individual identity. Fringe serves as a dynamic marker of authenticity and artisanal quality, actively rejecting the uniformity of tech-driven production. The Color Play look emphasizes quality craftsmanship through a harmonious balance of rich hues like Cranberry and Golden Hour on luxurious fabrics, confirming that impeccable fit and refined details define timeless sophistication.
The key items are chosen as authentic investment pieces destined to become heirlooms, embodying pride and durability. The Swing Coat (a 40s/50s silhouette) champions historical versatility and longevity, offering a quality, customizable piece that serves as an essential wardrobe item for many years. Complementing this, the Western Style Belt acts as the ultimate expression of artisanal heritage, featuring Navajo-traced silver conchos that symbolize pride in craftsmanship and tradition. Additionally, Statement Tights offer a contemporary, vivid expression of individuality and color to pair with the durable, classic garments.
This project was completed alongside my teammates at Virginia Commonwealth University: