Where Heritage Meets High Fashion: Amir Taghi's Captivating Collection
A Serene Close to New York Fashion Week
After a whirlwind of flashy presentations and crowded events, Amir Taghi's quiet and elegant debut offered a refreshing conclusion to New York Fashion Week. His presentation, held during the final days of the shows, provided a much-needed sense of calm and intimacy, allowing attendees to fully appreciate the artistry and thoughtful design behind his spring 2026 collection.
The Genesis of a Distinctive Brand Identity
Taghi reflected on the evolution of his brand, noting that its true beginning coincided with the challenging period just before the pandemic in 2020. While many faced uncertainty, this time allowed him to meticulously define his label's ethos, target audience, and signature style. His designs are characterized by their eclectic nature, rich textures, precise tailoring, and subtle complexities, all refined through his extensive experience with esteemed fashion houses such as Oscar de la Renta, Monse, and Proenza Schouler.
Weaving Iranian Legacy into Modern Silhouettes
For his spring 2026 collection, Taghi drew inspiration from diverse sources, with a significant nod to the headscarves worn by women in Iran, his family's country of origin. Despite his strong disagreement with the mandate, he acknowledged how Iranian women ingeniously use scarves as a powerful form of self-expression. This cultural element translated into striking pieces, such as a black-and-white scarf-hem dress that seemed to glide down the runway, and a vibrant silk scarf elegantly draped over trousers, creating a sarong-like effect. The collection also featured impeccably tailored menswear-inspired pieces, including an elongated single-button blazer and sophisticated black suiting, reflecting his family's long-standing connection to men's fashion.
Architectural and Artistic Influences in Design
The collection further showcased Taghi's appreciation for art and architecture. He referenced Frank Stella's Firuzabad III, a work inspired by Stella's travels in Iran and characterized by its circular and geometric Islamic patterns. Similar design elements from Iran's Pearl Palace, designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and Brutalist structures, informed the collection's spring patterns. These intricate designs, rendered in a palette of purples, blues, beiges, browns, and yellows, adorned luxurious pajama-style silk separates and a captivating V-neck jacquard dress subtly infused with sparkle.
The Allure of Texan Glamour and Versatility
Beyond traditional fabrics, Taghi introduced his unique interpretation of denim, crafted from a textured, soft wool that evoked a similar aesthetic but with a refined touch. These pieces, embellished with gold buttons, exuded a military-inspired elegance. At the more opulent end of the spectrum, a bullion lace dress in gold, intricately hand-embellished with sequins, beads, and crystals, featured a daring sternum-baring keyhole and a graceful fringed hem. Taghi emphasized that his collection is designed for the contemporary woman who desires clothing that is both striking and adaptable, suitable for any occasion. The designer noted that his home-state clientele's fondness for "bling" often inspires him to push creative boundaries with intricate embroidery, transforming seemingly audacious elements into sophisticated statements.