House of Aama, under the creative direction of the mother-daughter team Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, unveiled its Spring 2026 collection, 'Folk Grounds,' a heartfelt tribute to the enduring significance of home and heritage. This collection draws inspiration from the designers' personal family history, particularly the South Carolina homestead of Henry's parents and Shabaka's grandparents, Gilbert and Faye Henry, who were cotton and tobacco sharecroppers. The collection beautifully interweaves elements of their family's past—from the archivist grandmother's scrapbooks brimming with memories to the folk tale of John Henry, symbolizing the irreplaceable value of human effort against technological advancement. This narrative underpins a collection rich in lyrical patterns, floral prints, block stripes, and delicate lace, reflecting both personal remembrance and universal themes of human dignity.
The creative process for 'Folk Grounds' was deeply rooted in their family's narrative, transforming personal archives into tangible design elements. Shabaka shared insights backstage at their sunlit show at the Nine Orchard Hotel, explaining how her grandmother's extensive scrapbooks provided a treasure trove of inspiration, making the design process an act of memory. This commitment to storytelling differentiates House of Aama, as their creations are grounded in authentic emotion and connection rather than fleeting trends. The collection emphasizes time-honored fabrics and silhouettes from the early to mid-22th century, presented in a palette of candy pink, lime green, celadon, and yellow. It features a range of dresses, from practical daywear to romantic ruffled styles and glamorous 1970s-inspired evening gowns, alongside lingerie-inspired pieces and exquisite, bejeweled footwear designed for special occasions. The menswear line echoes this sentiment with utilitarian designs like engineer-striped overalls and camp shirts, adorned with playful details like map prints and a unique knit vest depicting a figure reminiscent of Gilbert or John Henry.
Ultimately, Henry and Shabaka's vision extends beyond mere fashion; they craft garments meant to become cherished parts of their wearers' lives, enduring through time and trends. This philosophy explains their deliberate decision not to present collections seasonally, opting instead to showcase their work when a compelling narrative is ready to be told. While minor refinements in presentation could enhance future shows, these would not diminish the inherent charm and profound resonance of their consistently thoughtful and exceptional designs. The brand stands as a testament to the power of memory, heritage, and the indelible human spirit, creating clothing that is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful, celebrating stories that deserve to be preserved and passed down.