New York Fashion Week this year had a lot of young designers on its circuit. Among them was a familiar name: Mila Sullivan, who returned for her third season on the runway. Her “Laid Bare” show took place in a quaint theatre in downtown Manhattan, featuring a series of romantic, ethereal outfits made from a variety of vintage and repurposed materials—a Sullivan signature. In the background, musical duo Leya provided vocals while a ballerina took the stage for a performance. “My inspiration always is materiality, because I’m always collecting and finding vintage and upcycled fabrics, so that’s usually where my process begins,” Sullivan told Retail Brew. “But this year, I actually wanted to push that even further by doing a lot of natural dyeing.” The result was an SS26 collection that incorporated dyeing using produce such as avocado and cabbage along with silhouettes inspired by vintage theatre and dance costumes. “Pretty much almost every collection look had at least one dyed piece, which just made it even more process-based,” Sullivan said, explaining how the designs were meant to evoke “memory and material.” Her focus on upcycling and natural dyeing reflects a broader movement among younger NYFW designers, many of whom are experimenting with heritage materials and DIY techniques in the face of rising costs. Keep reading here.—JS | 
