Mila Sullivan SS26: Laid Bare
Sullivan aims to craft timeless and durable pieces that look delicate in nature in her new collection.
Photography by Monica Feud / FirstView
When garments are timeless, they tend to age naturally. At Mila Sullivan’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway show, we found ourselves in a dream-like state as she crafted each piece with elements of the past, present, and future. Craftsmanship unfolds through every seam and stitch as Sullivan infuses silks, patchwork lace, and vintage materials and silhouettes.
The runway show, which took place at the Abrons Arts Center, showed the movement and functionality of each piece as a ballerina opened the show with a dance number, and duo LEYA accompanied the show’s music by singing, harp-playing, and violin-playing. Before the show even began, we were taken out of reality and into the dream-like state that was Laid Bare.
Sullivan aims to craft timeless and durable pieces that look delicate in nature. In Laid Bare, we saw hand-dyed fabrics, distressed silks, hand-cut lace, and shadow illustrations hand-sewn onto pieces. The collection is reminiscent of Victorian, coquettish women who could be accused of being adulterers or harlots. Drapery in dresses, material-heavy layers, and rips in the fabrics showcase an appreciation for imperfection throughout the design process.
Photography by Monica Feud / FirstView
Tutus and veils add dimension to the fitted lace pieces, while a hardware skirt and choker lend a rugged edge to the otherwise graceful look. Like the Victorian era, everything moved a bit slower, and Laid Bare embodies the careful, intentional time that it takes to make a meaningful collection. Corsets paired with balloon dresses with distressed finishes to continue the damsel in distress motif.
The past meets the present as the popular water bottle brand Okapa partnered with Mila Sullivan. Models sport the viral water bottles as they’re covered in jewels, ribbons, and water bottle holders with coquette detailing. Regardless of the story behind each model, sometimes we all need an emotional support water bottle.
