The Rio World enters a new phase with the Spring Summer 2026 collection, “A Poem and a Protest,” an exploration of expression, strength, imagination, and purpose. The collection introduces a dual structure that guides the season’s vision. One side embraces brightness and play, while the other draws from resilience and decisive presence.
The first side of the collection focuses on vibrancy and experimentation. Colorful plaids appear across fluid silhouettes, shaped through draping and ruching that gives each piece movement and lightness. Polka dots bring a sense of play, energizing slinky separates that frame the body with clarity. Reflective materials take on a sculptural quality, transformed through hand-crafted techniques into pieces that catch and redirect light.
The second side grounds the collection in structure and purpose. Quilted textiles create tactile surfaces that support defined shapes. Tailored outerwear introduces sharp lines and utilitarian features, presenting padded jackets, backpacks, and pleated skirts with a clear sense of function. These pieces feel protective and assertive, forming a wardrobe built for movement through the city.
“A Poem and a Protest” brings these two approaches together through consistency of form and direction. The playful pieces move with brightness, while the structured ones maintain clarity and presence. The contrast creates rhythm across the full collection and keeps the eye active as it moves from look to look.
The concept extended into an event that introduced the collection to the Los Angeles community. On November 11, 2025, The Rio World hosted “A Poem and a Protest” at The Broad in Los Angeles, presenting the collection through an evening shaped by fashion, music, performance, and art. Guests explored the museum’s galleries, experienced a musical performance by Cain Culto, and engaged with installations that connected clothing to broader ideas of identity and expression. The evening brought together figures such as Sergio Hudson, Vivian Jenna Wilson, Kerri Colby, Aaliyah Mendes, Louis Castro, Fernandeo Flores, Annie Gonzalez, Bay Davis, Satanna, Luna Lovebad, Star Amerasu, Godoy, Salina EsTitties, and others.
Across the full range, the Spring Summer 2026 collection presents clothing that encourages individuals to move between brightness and defiance. The pieces stretch from daytime ease to evening confidence, giving wearers choices that reflect the dualities they carry within themselves.
