Jane Wade unveiled her latest collection, “The Summit,” for Fall/Winter 2026, shifting gears from her established corporate style to a more adventurous aesthetic. This collection draws inspiration from Wade’s Pacific Northwest roots, aiming to resonate with an audience that values versatility and outdoor experiences.
Wade’s vision for “The Summit” incorporates elements of adaptability, emphasizing that the modern woman requires clothing that transitions seamlessly across different aspects of her life. In a post-show interview, Wade stated, “The Jane Wade girl needs pieces that can be broken down and put back together in different ways.” This focus on flexibility is a key theme, reflecting the multifaceted nature of today’s lifestyles.
Immersive Experience in Brooklyn
The runway show took place in a Brooklyn warehouse transformed into an immersive representation of Wade’s Oregon hometown. Attendees were greeted by a forest-like setting, complete with Douglas Fir trees and patches of moss, designed to transport them to the Pacific Northwest. Guests enjoyed refreshments from Hydrojugs and were introduced to Gotham Goods’ new fragrance, “My Sweet Jane,” which features notes of smoked birch and oak moss.
Wade collaborated with SOREL, a footwear brand also rooted in Portland, to showcase two exclusive models during the show: the SOREL x Jane Wade Callsign Horizon Low and the SOREL x Jane Wade Callsign Mule Shroud. The runway featured models dressed as Ski Lift Operators and Mountain Patrolers, showcasing Wade’s most adventurous designs yet.
The collection’s narrative was further enriched by a film that aired before the runway presentation, filmed partly at SOREL’s headquarters and on-location at Mount Hood. Wade expressed her desire to bring her team to the Oregon mountains, where she spent much of her childhood camping and hiking.
Personal Connections and Innovative Textures
In an engaging touch, Wade’s mother participated in the show, adding a personal layer to the collection. Wade noted, “My mom walked the show! She used to do fit modeling for Columbia Sportswear, which is SOREL’s parent company.” This familial connection highlights the influence of her upbringing on her design philosophy.
Regarding the collection’s textures and materials, Wade focused on innovative uses of paracord, incorporating it into various designs. “We built all of those pieces in-house in our studio,” she explained, emphasizing the hands-on approach that characterizes her creative process. The collection features a mix of daring textures and practical elements, reinforcing the theme of adaptability.
Wade concluded her insights by reiterating the overarching theme of “The Summit,” which aims to reflect the spirit of exploration and self-discovery. She noted, “There’s always an athletic layer to it, but it’s definitely shaped around someone who is very multi-faceted and transitional.” This perspective is evident in the collection, which encourages individuals to express themselves through versatile and functional fashion.
The launch of “The Summit” not only marks a new chapter for Jane Wade but also invites audiences to embrace the beauty of the outdoors while expressing their individuality. The collection is now available for exploration in the gallery on HYPEBEAST.
