Rhode Island School of Design Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear
The Rhode Island School of Design showcased the eclectic collections of its class of 2026, highlighting the students' innovative use of materials. Each designer explored personal and profound themes through their work, often incorporating unconventional items. The collections reflected a resistance to artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of handcraft and individual expression.
- ▪Gwen Van Den Eijnde described the collections as eclectic, showcasing the individuality of each student.
- ▪Students used a variety of materials, including yoga mats and sugar sacks, to address personal themes.
- ▪Designers like Azaria Van Der Stok-Smallwood and Paige Sias focused on their experiences as Black women, using their work as a form of activism.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
“Eclectic,” is how Gwen Van Den Eijnde, the Head of Apparel Design at RISD, broadly categorized the collections of the 12 students of the class of 2026—and, indeed, it was just that. As markedly individual as the student work was, what all of the talents had in common was a passion for materials—be they yoga mats, wasps’ nests, sugar sacks, or even humble muslin. Through craft and with unusual “stuffs,” the students were able to use them to address subjects both personal and profound, often in wondrous ways.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Vogue.
