Collina Strada's Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear Collection: A Vampire's Tale
Hillary Taymour's latest Collina Strada collection, aptly named "The World Is a Vampire," is a bold statement on the reality of our world. It's a unique and fantastical take on fashion, drawing inspiration from various eras and transforming them into a cohesive and captivating collection. Taymour's design philosophy revolves around the idea of a vampire's longevity, allowing her to explore a wide range of styles and ideas.
The collection showcases Victorian-inspired puff sleeves, dramatic ruffle collars, and skin-baring dresses with exaggerated trains. These elements create a cohesive story on the runway, but they also work as separate pieces, proving the collection's versatility and potential for a strong business proposition. Taymour's business is indeed thriving, with a 95% increase in sales on Shopify, as she shared during a preview in her studio.
The collection's prints are a standout feature, featuring ethereal paper-thin dresses with fabric sashes. Some looks intentionally obscure the body, with bubble shoulders adding a unique twist to the silhouettes. Taymour's commitment to sustainability is evident in her use of deadstock fabrics for jerseys and BioFluff, a Paris-based company, for biodegradable fuzzy fur coats made from recycled hemp, viscose, and Tencel. She claims to be the first to bring this concept to the runway, showcasing her dedication to eco-friendly practices.
The collection also includes limited-edition handbags crafted from vegetable grape leather and hybrid shoes, a collaboration with Keen. Taymour's designs for these shoes were inspired by the transformation of utilitarian objects into feminine fashion statements. The collection features spiky shiny jewelry, adding a dramatic touch to the overall aesthetic.
As the world grapples with uncertainty, Hillary Taymour's Collina Strada brand is building a serious business for a brighter future. Her unique approach to fashion, sustainability, and storytelling has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the industry, and her collection continues to spark curiosity and discussion among fashion enthusiasts and critics alike.
