When the Storm King Art Center reached out a year and a half ago, it offered indie New York label Collina Strada a chance to become history’s first designer to mount a runway show among its rolling fields. Designer Hillary Taymour didn’t hesitate – “I couldn’t say no” she recalled at a recent preview. The invitation arrived in the summer, and the idea of swapping Manhattan’s concrete for the museum’s expansive meadow sparked both excitement and logistical headaches.
Located roughly two hours from Manhattan, the Hudson Valley venue sits amidst monumental sculptures, most notably Alexander Calder’s iconic “The Arch.”strong> The remote setting meant that many senior editors and buyers chose to stay in the city, a decision Taymour expected. “If you’re coming and committing to me, I’m committing to you to have a good time,” she told WWD ahead of the event, underscoring her willingness to make the journey worthwhile for anyone who showed up.
The historic runway at Storm King
On a crisp day toward the waning days of New York Fashion Week more than 400 attendees – from industry insiders to fashion students – gathered on the grass. The runway slithered between sculptures and open fields, culminating in a final sprint toward Calder’s arch, where pop star Carly Rae Jepsen burst onto the scene. As she sang “Cut to the Feeling,” models returned in a jubilant dash, turning the meadow into an impromptu dance floor. The energy was palpable; Blake Abbie editor-in-chief of A Magazine Curated By, declared it the happiest show he’d ever attended.
After the catwalk, guests were ushered up a nearby hill for an after-party featuring a functioning margarita fountain, a surprise collaboration launch with Swedish interiors brand Layered and a set by DJ Oscar Nuñez of the Brooklyn collective Papi Juice. “I didn’t know how much I needed this” Nuñez said, as he spun tracks like Zara Larsson’s “Midnight Sun.” The night amplified Taymour’s belief that runway moments belong not just to industry heads but to every enthusiast who follows fashion online.
“Detour”: a medieval-modern collision
The collection, titled “Detour” embraced the idea of veering off the obvious path. Taymour described it as a “grungy Renaissance girl living in a modern world.” She married organza feathers, ruffled chiffon, and recycled sequins with utilitarian plaids, moiré prints, and cargo silhouettes. Oversized bloom pants and draping gowns caught the wind, while fitted corsetry restrained the silhouette, creating an ongoing push-and-pull between softness and rebellion.
Colour choices echoed the surrounding landscape – dusty rose, olive, cocoa, sky blue, and patterned plaids – ensuring the garments blended seamlessly with the natural backdrop. Sustainable fabrics like deadstock fleece, organic cotton, eco-acetate, silk, and sheer organza co-existed with recycled sequins on pieces such as the “Pollen Legging” and the sweeping “Chrysanthemum Dita Gown.” Practicality remained at the fore; Taymour emphasized comfort, adding long-sleeve options for wedding guests and forgiving trousers for fluctuating bodies, each accompanied by matching drawstring bags.
One standout item was the Converse × Collina Strada Chuck Taylor Plié, a dance-inspired shoe unveiled on the runway before its global launch on Dec. 3. Taymour negotiated a royalty clause for any future use of the sole design, hoping to set a precedent for indie designers negotiating fair terms with major partners.
Industry reaction and future outlook
While several high-profile editors opted out, Taymour accepted the snub with poise. “People are annoyed because they wanted to come,” she explained, noting that absence is inevitable during a packed week. She also highlighted the silver lining: “It gives assistants and team members who rarely see shows a chance to attend.” Critics who questioned the timing argued the show could have been scheduled outside the calendar, but Taymour countered that the museum wanted the debut to sync with the NYFW fold, making the historic moment even more significant.
The response from those who did attend was overwhelmingly positive. Stylist Angelo De Santo praised Taymour’s unique approach, and the crowd’s mood remained upbeat throughout. The event reinforced Collina Strada’s reputation as New York’s leading “tree-hugging, green-thumbed” label, proving that independent designers can execute ambitious productions while staying true to sustainability and community.
In Taymour’s own words, “People push independent designers to do better and bigger and better” yet she remains steadfast, aiming to keep creating moments that excite both shoppers and observers alike. The Storm King runway may have been a single detour, but its impact on the brand’s narrative and the broader conversation about location-based fashion presentations will echo far beyond the meadow.
