As automated curtains drape across the windows of a sterile gallery, a name that will soon be on everyone’s lips illuminates the room. Spectators straighten their backs, raise their phones and perk up at “WENNY HAN.”
On Friday, Sept. 12 at The Glasshouse in Hell’s Kitchen, Han’s name faded into an ombre of blushy reds and cool blues, setting the scene for her Spring/Summer ‘26 collection, and accompanied by distinct orchestrations, 29 Wenny Han originals sashayed down the runway.
At 16 years old, the emerging designer sought to bring artistic references to life through fragmented and striking structures, playful layers of silk and bold, intentional use of color.
“I took art history in school, and I was really inspired by [Pablo] Picasso and his works of Cubism and the colors and fragmented forms he used,” Han said. “My color palette was derived from his paintings. It’s sort of like wearable art.”
Though she incorporated classic Picasso-esque style with sharp, geometric edges in the garments, Han did not look to design garments that sit in museums, but rather create pieces that people can live and be authentic in while showcasing artistry.
One standout from the collection was a tight-fitting red dress with lapel-like sleeves and a sharp hood. With fabric loosely gathered around the bodice and a sweetheart neckline, the garment perfectly wrapped around the model’s figure. Other standouts include a black two-piece with coffee colored ruffles draped across each piece and a black, button-up bodice worn with flared trousers and bunched sleeves.
Andrea Romero, the reigning Miss World Colombia, attended the show expecting a bold, new concept by a spectacular designer and was not disappointed.
“The concept was more casual, more fresh, and I loved that,” Romero said.
Where Han’s traditionally feminine designs bolstered structure, her masculine designs were fluid, swapping tailored architecture for billowy motifs.
With outfits made of wide-legged trousers, long trench coats, tastefully loose dress shirts and distinct pops of color, these masculine designs brought a unique spin on menswear.
Ayren Cartier, an attendee curious of what Han’s collection had to offer, noted that her flowy organza shorts and flared pants gave him fashion inspiration.
“I had never heard of Wenny [Han], so I wanted to come and check it out,” Cartier said. “It’s something new, so I wanted to see what the collection was all about. It gave me fantasy, creative wonderland.”
The final model to walk the runway wore an asymmetrical gown with a short, structured train. When they turned at the end of the runway, faces lit up as the audience was wafted by a bright array of white, beige, red and blue. Pieced together by color-blocked segments, the dress connected the entire collection through its prominent edges, flowing skirt and amalgamation of the collection’s color palette.
When the show concluded, Han came out to take her final bow. Dressed in a pair of baggy, grey jeans and a cropped tank-top, she shyly took two bows towards the audience and viewers walked away inspired.
“During the finale, I was getting really emotional because it was just great to see everything come together so perfectly,” Han said.
Contact Dylan Henshcen at [email protected].
