Collina Strada Spring 2025: A Playful, Nature-Inspired Fashion Show in the East Village

In the intensity of this global election year, I found myself yearning to reconnect with the essentials—the simple, foundational elements that ground us and bring us comfort and joy. This show is our little thicket. It’s a reminder to escape the distractions sprouting from our phones and reconnect with what really matters. Ground yourself. Touch grass. –Hillary Taymour

The Collina Strada show was held in a cemetery that felt more like a garden. It was definitely an oasis in the East Village. My first apartment was half a block away, and I never even knew it existed. If I had, I would have happily spent time there.

The atmosphere was a mix of playful theatrics and nature-inspired serenity. The opening model literally leapt out, threw grass playfully into the crowd, and merged acrobatics with a carefree, earthy aesthetic. The collection, aptly titled “Touch Grass,” felt like a commentary on the chaotic energy of the times, offering a sense of grounding through fashion.

The event unfolded at dusk, adding to the magical ambiance as models floated down the runway in airy, ruffled garments. Shell tops with intricate details, slip dresses, and even structured jackets made their appearance, all showcasing a balance of femininity and modernity. Prints ranged from vibrant and saturated to sun-bleached, evoking a sense of natural wear and weathering. Even the most structured pieces maintained a soft, approachable quality, underscored by earthy tones and textures.

Taymour’s inspiration for this collection seemed rooted in a desire for simplicity and reconnection. The soundtrack added a layer of whimsy, with a bossa nova remix of Ashlee Simpson’s “Pieces of Me” reimagined to sing about vegetables—a lighthearted reminder to find joy in simplicity.

With its toned-down maximalism, the show was a serene, creative escape, encouraging everyone to reconnect with nature and, quite literally, “touch grass.”