JASPER Unveils Fall/Winter 2026 Collection: A Tapestry of Heritage, Movement, and Empowered Femininity at New York Fashion Week
New York, NY – February 12, 2026 – Emerging heritage brand JASPER captivated the fashion world with its third collection, presented during New York Fashion Week on February 12th. Held at Jac’s on Bond, a venue exuding a refined 1990s minimalist aesthetic, JASPER showcased its Fall/Winter 2026 collection, a profound exploration of 16th-century Persian miniature painting and equestrian imagery. Founder and Creative Director Kooshan Dunn masterfully wove a narrative of layered storytelling, translating the complex beauty of controlled tension into a collection that speaks to both structure and soul. The designs themselves were a testament to this philosophy, featuring dynamic visual movement through high-contrast color blocking and unexpected textural juxtapositions that ensured the eye was continuously engaged.
A Deep Dive into Inspiration: Persian Miniatures and Equestrian Grace
The foundation of JASPER’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection lies in the intricate artistry of 16th-century Persian miniature painting, a visual language that has become a recurring motif for the brand, evolving with each new iteration. Dunn’s fascination with these historical artworks stems from their unique ability to balance grounded, earthy tones with audacious, deliberate bursts of color. "I was drawn to how the miniatures balanced grounded golds and browns with sudden bursts of ultramarine, violet, crimson, and orange, where color was rare and used with purpose to mark significance and reverence," Dunn shared via email. These ancient paintings are characterized by their meticulous detail, inherent sense of movement, and their capacity for profound, layered storytelling.
Central to this artistic tradition, and indeed to Dunn’s current collection, is the symbolism of the horse. In Persian miniatures, horses are often depicted in varied directions within a single composition, creating a visual dynamism that reflects power, nobility, and control. For JASPER, the horse serves as a potent emblem, embodying these qualities and, crucially, representing the concept of opposing motion. This duality of stillness and dynamism, of groundedness and flight, is a core tenet of the collection’s design ethos.
Opposing Movement: A Design Philosophy for Enduring Style
The concept of opposing movement, explored more overtly in previous collections, has been refined in FW26 to offer greater restraint and clarity. Dunn elaborated on this evolution, stating, "this season’s collection provides more restraint and clarity through ‘cleaner lines, tighter silhouettes, and a stronger focus on layering across seasons rather than designing for a single moment.’" This approach moves beyond the transient trends of a single season, advocating for a more enduring and thoughtful approach to dressing. The collection’s inherent tension arises from the interplay of these opposing forces: visual and textural contrasts, and the deliberate juxtaposition of elements that encourage dialogue and foster a deeper sense of intimacy between the garment and the wearer.
The color palette vividly illustrates this concept. Bold reds and striking light blues are set against a foundation of classic blacks and rich browns, creating an immediate visual impact. Texturally, the collection plays with the unexpected: the luxurious touch of faux fur meets the sleek drape of silk; the transparency of sheer fabrics is artfully balanced with more covered silhouettes. Furthermore, decorative surfaces, such as intricate beadwork and shimmering sequins, are meticulously integrated with clean, architectural construction, ensuring that ornamentation enhances rather than overwhelms the garment’s form. This careful balance prevents the designs from becoming overly ornate, maintaining a sophisticated edge.
An Ode to the Strength of Women: Reinterpreting Heritage
JASPER’s collections are deeply informed by Dunn’s personal history and family heritage. Growing up surrounded by images of 1970s Iranian fashion, where women exuded bold elegance and a palpable sense of agency, profoundly shaped his understanding of style as a powerful form of self-expression and resilience. "This collection is an ode to that strength," Dunn explained. "Where miniature paintings often centered men riding horses, I wanted these garments to shift the focus toward women – their autonomy, complexity, and emotional depth."
This deliberate shift in perspective is a powerful statement. While traditional Persian miniatures often depict male figures in positions of power, JASPER’s FW26 collection seeks to reframe this narrative, placing the modern woman at its center. The JASPER woman, as described by Dunn, is "culturally curious and emotionally present." She is someone who navigates the world with a nuanced understanding of her identity and actively shapes her own narrative through her sartorial choices. This collection celebrates the "quiet power of women shaping their own narratives through what they wear," underscoring the profound connection between personal style and inner strength.
Beauty in Controlled Tension: Precision and Intention in Design
The overarching theme of "controlled tension" permeated the entire collection, influencing both the aesthetic and the presentation. Dunn envisioned the experience as one that felt intimate yet charged, where each ensemble conveyed its own distinct story while seamlessly contributing to a larger, harmonious rhythm. "Visually, I wanted the presentation to feel intimate but charged, as if each look carried its own narrative while still belonging to a larger rhythm," he stated.
This collection eschews overt displays of power, instead choosing to manifest strength through meticulous design precision, thoughtfully integrated details, and artfully sculpted contours. The goal is not to replicate historical garments but to translate heritage into something that feels both lived-in and contemporary. Dunn emphasized this distinction: "These garments aren’t nostalgic recreations or ethnic costumes; they’re an invitation to see heritage as something evolving and personal." This perspective positions JASPER not as a purveyor of historical artifacts, but as a brand that breathes new life into tradition, making it relevant and resonant for the modern wearer.
Soft Armor: Emotional Structure and Evolving Craftsmanship
The concept of "soft armor," manifested through appliqué embroidery, has emerged as a defining characteristic of JASPER’s current aesthetic. This "soft armor" is not conceived as a literal defense mechanism, nor is it purely ornamental. Instead, it is designed to provide emotional structure, offering a sense of resilience and empowerment to the wearer. The ornamental surfaces, particularly the floral embroidery found on sheer tops and flowing skirts, are direct references to equestrian attire and Persian miniatures. These details contribute to an overall sense of elegance that is both refined and accessible, avoiding any impression of being distant or rigid.
The craftsmanship evident in these pieces speaks to Dunn’s commitment to elevating traditional techniques into contemporary luxury. The intricate appliqué and detailed embroidery require a high level of skill and patience, reflecting a dedication to quality that is becoming increasingly rare in the fast-paced fashion industry. This focus on artisanal techniques not only enhances the visual appeal of the garments but also imbues them with a sense of enduring value and personal connection.
Building a New Kind of Heritage Brand: Community and Future Vision
Kooshan Dunn’s vision for JASPER extends beyond seasonal collections. He is deeply committed to cultivating a brand that is both profoundly personal and culturally expansive. His future plans involve further deepening the brand’s craftsmanship, exploring innovative collaborations, and experimenting with new materials and diverse presentation styles that prioritize intimacy and the element of surprise.
Dunn also expressed excitement about the growing community engagement surrounding JASPER. This burgeoning connection with its audience suggests a resonance with the brand’s core values of expressing identity, memory, and imagination. The future of JASPER is envisioned as open, layered, enduring, and inherently modern, a testament to Dunn’s dedication to evolving heritage in a dynamic and meaningful way. The brand’s commitment to these principles positions it as a significant voice in the contemporary fashion landscape, one that offers a compelling alternative to mass-produced trends.
This collection’s debut at New York Fashion Week, a pivotal event in the global fashion calendar, signifies JASPER’s growing prominence. The platform provided by the week allows emerging designers like Dunn to showcase their unique perspectives to an international audience of industry professionals, buyers, and media. The successful presentation of the Fall/Winter 2026 collection at Jac’s on Bond is not merely a showcase of clothing but a narrative statement, a testament to the enduring power of cultural heritage when interpreted through a lens of modern artistry and a forward-thinking vision.
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