On February 15 in New York City, RIO unveiled Fall/Winter 2026, A Poem & A Protest II, the second chapter in a narrative that began with Spring/Summer 2026. Presented at Jean’s in a charged live runway performance, the collection deepened the brand’s exploration of duality—where softness meets resistance, and glamour stands shoulder to shoulder with grit.
Creative Director Rio Uribe continues to challenge the idea that identity is singular. Instead, this season asserts multiplicity: tender yet confrontational, poetic yet powerful. The result is a collection that feels both emotionally intimate and politically expansive.
Signature RIO plaids return in amplified proportions and winter-driven palettes. Pleated minis and metallic bikini tops are layered beneath sculptural outerwear and high-visibility accents. Draped separates move fluidly against bold, protective silhouettes. Reflective textiles capture camera flash and motion alike, radiating defiance with an unmistakable edge of glamour.
Protection—both literal and symbolic—anchors the collection. Quilted constructions, exaggerated puffer shoulders, trapper hats, and structured outerwear engineered for urban environments transform garments into wearable armor. Backpacks and sport-driven finishes reinforce a functional ethos. These are pieces designed not only to be seen, but to endure—resilient enough for protest, expressive enough for celebration.
Styling further extended the message. Select looks incorporated ACLU “ICE OUT” pins as subtle but pointed symbols of civic presence. Traditional stone and obsidian necklaces rooted in Mexican culture were layered against sharp tailoring and refined two-piece sets, grounding the collection in heritage while pushing it forward through progressive silhouettes.
The runway presentation dissolved the boundary between fashion show and concert. Dominican musical artists Planta Industrial performed live, as models and moshers moved together in a shared, kinetic experience. The line between audience and performer blurred, embodying the community-driven spirit that defines RIO’s universe.
With Fall/Winter 2026, RIO reinforces its position at the forefront of contemporary fashion. Founded in 2013 by Mexican-American designer Rio Uribe, the Los Angeles–based house has built an international reputation for merging artisanal craft, gender-fluid design, and sportswear sensibility. Sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural expression remain central to its ethos.
A Poem & A Protest II invites its community to step forward boldly—dressed not only for who they are, but for what they refuse to silence.
