Befriending Your Dark Twin
Before the debut of a new collection for New York Fashion Week, Collina Strada’s Instagram hinted at the theme by dropping snippets of animalistic figures and their silhouettes. On the day of the showcase, at peak golden hour, these animal instincts were examined in the brand’s newest collection, “Shade”, capturing the duality of opposing forces.
A pair of models in opposing colors posing in New York’s East River Piers | PaperMagazine
The show commenced with models strutting the industrial runway with a “shadow” counterpart, in which the darker twin alluded to humanity’s darkest impulses. Each vibrant and pastel ensemble was reframed in stark monochrome for their counterpart. While the “lights” were complemented with Collina Strada’s classic lace, chiffon and bubble hems, the “darks” trailed behind in veils and drapery that often covered the face. The pairs symbolized one’s personal reckoning looming behind them; no matter how far you continue to pace forward, you cannot ignore the dark.
As the runway continued to unfold, the sunset elongated shadows beneath the guests, as Friendly Fascism echoed from the speakers, enveloping the attendees in the show’s composition—almost as if they were purposely part of the abstraction.
More pairs of models in opposing colors, walking together on the runway | WWD
Designer Hillary Taymour is no stranger to story-driven collections, having created many spectacle iterations that combine fashion and calamity. Inspired by a Carl Jung quote — “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious” — this runway’s theme centered on the confrontation between light and dark, exploring a hidden human nature considered unruly by the public.
The collection’s message highlighted the disillusionment with positivity in a society of growing crises: whether it’s a personal battle or collective chaos. As we continue to navigate an era of rising inequality and a disregard for rights, Taymour urges the audience not to wilt in the face of darkness, but to face it head on. To take a clear look within ourselves and question what is true about our identities and how we decide to reflect in difficult times.
A pair of models dressed in opposite colors behind the scenes | PaperMagazine
To be real in this world, we must embrace what we have repressed in our core. Carl Jung believed that by acknowledging and accepting both our shadow and light, rather than pushing the darkness farther away, we can recognize our true center, to find a profound sense of inner tranquility and authenticity.
References:
Weaver, Tobias. “Embracing the Shadow - Carl Jung - Orion Philosophy.” Orion Philosophy, 18 Feb. 2024, orionphilosophy.com/the-shadow-carl-jung.
Collina Strada Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear. WWD, https://wwd.com/fashion-news/shows-reviews/gallery/collina-strada-spring-2026-ready-to-wear-photos-1238141523
Collina Strada NYFW Spring 2026. Paper, https://www.papermag.com/collina-strada-nyfw-spring-2026
Strike Out,
Linette Garcia
Miami
Linette Garcia is a senior at Florida International University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Public Relations, Advertising, and Communications. Linette's work explores the intersection of fashion and pop culture trends, examining their profound impact on our daily lives. Her writing has appeared in Strike Magazine's Print Issue 08. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading literary fiction and listening to hard techno.
