Amir Taghi’s Inaugural Runway Show: A Refreshing Close to New York Fashion Week

After a week filled with dazzling lights, thumping soundtracks, and the notorious late arrivals of VIPs, an editor’s dream is often to end New York Fashion Week on a refreshing note. Amir Taghi’s first runway presentation was just that: intimate, relaxed, and perfectly timed to close out the fashion festivities.

“Throughout our journey, we’ve been constantly questioning the right moment for a show,” Taghi shared following the debut of his Spring 2026 collection at the Hunter Dunbar gallery in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. “This season, we decided to host a show because we could invite our community.” This community is comprised mostly of devoted clients who have supported Taghi’s label since its inception. Their excitement to not only fly to New York but also showcase Amir Taghi’s designs during the runway show and a private cocktail party later that evening was palpable.

Reflecting on his brand’s origins, Taghi recalled, “I began designing collections several years ago, but I can pinpoint the foundation of the brand to 2020, just before COVID hit. While the world was in chaos, it allowed us the time to understand our identity and define who our target audience is.” He described his collection as “eccentric, textured, tailored, and nuanced” — a style that has been cultivated through significant experiences interning at Oscar de la Renta and studying at renowned institutions like Central Saint Martins and Parsons, alongside his design roles at Monse, Proenza Schouler, and Adam Lippes.

Inspiration and Cultural Relevance

“There are always multiple starting points for my collections,” Taghi explained. For the Spring 2026 collection, a notable source of inspiration came from the headscarves that are required for women in Iran, Taghi’s country of origin. Despite his strong opposition to this mandate, he noted, “It has led Iranian women to creatively use scarves to express their individuality.” During the runway show, a striking black-and-white scarf-hem dress gracefully made its way down the catwalk, while another pair of trousers was artfully draped with a colorful silk scarf, tied stylishly under a peplumed Napa leather jacket. With elongated blazers and structured bar jackets that hinted at menswear, Taghi showcased a rich heritage steeped in tailoring. “My grandfather moved from Iran to the U.S. in the 1980s and supported my uncles in launching their own menswear store,” he added. “Growing up surrounded by brands like Armani and Versace, my passion for tailoring has been innate.”

Artistic Influences and Design Elements

Art and architecture were prominent themes throughout the collection. Taghi drew inspiration from Frank Stella’s Firuzabad III, created after Stella’s trip to Iran, which incorporates distinctive circular and geometric Islamic patterns. Additional influences included structures designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Brutalist architecture, reflected in the spring patterns of the line. These designs were presented in an appealing palette of purples, blues, beiges, browns, and yellows, adorning silk separates reminiscent of loungewear and a glamorous V-neck jacquard dress mixed with a hint of sparkle.

Moreover, Taghi introduced innovative takes on denim—“It’s never actually denim, but it has that feel,” he remarked—crafted from soft wool and embellished with military-style gold buttons. On the more dressy end, attendees were enchanted by a hand-embellished bullion lace dress in shimmering gold, featuring sequins, beads, and crystals adorned with a daring keyhole and fringed hem design.

A Collection for Real Women

“I design clothing for real women,” Taghi emphasized, highlighting the collection’s diverse range that includes casual, office-appropriate, and cocktail-ready options. “Today’s woman wants to stand out whether she is coming or going. These clothes are designed for her to live in, from day to night.”

Following the runway show, Taghi organized a shopping event for clients to place preorders. The most coveted items were the ones that captivated the audience’s attention: a cropped jacket and slim trousers resembling denim, both adorned with chunky crystals. “That’s a little nod to Texas,” Taghi remarked, acknowledging his clientele’s penchant for bold, flashy designs. “I love pushing the envelope with embroidery, creating pieces that may seem a bit tacky at first but ultimately become very chic.”

In a world where fashion shows often overload the senses, Amir Taghi’s thoughtful and community-centered approach not only made a significant mark at New York Fashion Week but also positioned him as a designer to watch in the seasons to come. His ability to blend cultural references with modern sensibility makes his work a vibrant addition to today’s fashion landscape.