Written by Naomi Pang
Edited by Léah Champagne
Set in Montréal’s Belvédère du Centre des Sciences, Circle of Fashion (COF) hosted its 7th edition of their runway, Reflections in Motion, on the 28th of March, 2026. Upon entering the venue, guests were immediately taken in by the stunning views of Old Port. With natural light pouring through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the space felt airy and vibrant, creating the perfect atmosphere and backdrop for the runway to come alive.
The runway featured some of Montréal’s most talented student designers and their latest collections. This season saw 16 collections from 20 designers, demonstrating immense innovation and creativity. Some designers had previously been involved in COF’s runways, but it was also a few designers’ first time participating. I was fortunate to chat with a few first-time designers for COF. Zara Chaudry explained to me that she felt out of place because many other designers have much more experience creating outfits, but that the experience was rewarding nonetheless. Chaudry highlighted, “It was an amazing and memorable experience watching my designs go from rough sketches on an iPad to being worn down the runway!” Kaya Krauss also echoed this, saying that making the collection was both chaotic and fun, and that she enjoyed the whole process from start to finish. Krauss even added, “It felt so awesome to be able to see my friends model my designs. I couldn’t have imagined it any better.” All in all, the event paid tribute to creativity at every level, from the designers and models to the COF team that organized it.
If you were unable to attend, here is a quick recap of the COF 2026 Winter Runway, capturing some of the highlights and trends that caught my attention during the show.
The Return of 90s Minimalism
Right from the start, I noticed how designers were leaning into minimalism in their collections. This alludes perfectly to the current fashion trend of 90s minimalism, popularised by the recent FX show Love Story: JFK. Jr and Carolyn Bessette. Sarah Pidgeon’s portrayal of Carolyn Bessette in the show led the fashion world to a renewed appreciation for understated, sophisticated, and timeless design. This was seen on the runway through a series of dresses in neutral palettes of white, black, and muted tones. From floor-length dresses to mid-length designs, each look embraced the power of simplicity. Rather than relying on over-the-top embellishments, many of the dresses drew attention from their precise cut and modest detailing. These elements undeniably elevated each look, creating an elegant feel to each piece. Minimalism aligned flawlessly with the runway’s theme, Reflections in Motion, as it acted as a mirror between past and present styles. By reimagining the timeless elegance of 90s minimalism through a contemporary lens, the designers highlighted how fashion trends continuously cycle back, always finding new life on the runway.
Sheer Sophistication on the Runway
Sheer was another key theme on the runway. Seen in a variety of styles, designers used sheer fabric to create tops, pants, and dresses. The material created an airy, soft, and lightweight impression, making these pieces seem almost weightless. As the pieces moved down the runway, the garments felt graceful and refined, while also making the pieces feel dramatic and sensual.
The Power of Colour Accents
A significant theme I noticed is the number of designers who incorporated subtle pops of colour on monochromatic pieces. The first collection on the runway, designed by Gaïa Irrmann and Sophia Spencer, incorporated a purple crochet hat onto an all-black outfit. This made the outfit feel playful while maintaining a posh look, proving how simple colour highlights can create a balance between bold expression and refined simplicity. Colour hints were also evident in different embellishments, such as the use of beads. Sophie Le Berre, another designer, explained to me that her decision to decorate with beads “was to spice up some simpler silhouettes!”
Red accents, in particular, were extremely prominent in many collections. Red was added with a light touch, seen in tights, hats, dresses, and tops. The use of red was super effective at capturing attention, instantly creating a striking contrast against neutral palettes, and enhancing each look with a bold, dynamic flair. Kaya Krauss’ collection saw a white frill mini dress with red hints on one of the frill layers. When asked about her inspiration, Kaya said these subtle details were for “each design to have its own-catching element.” Undoubtedly, these coloured touches have proven that a simple detail can transform an entire look.
The Awakening of Spring and Summer
Finally, I was struck by how many of the looks effectively captured the essence of spring and summer. While numerous pieces were in a neutral colour scheme, others popped in bright pink and yellow, introducing a burst of brightness to the runway atmosphere. Set against Montréal’s clear blue skies, these colours radiated warmth and energy, bringing a sense of freshness into the runway.
Floral designs further reinforced this summer mood, seen in a variety of ways. One dress, in particular, featured an embroidered floral design at its centre, adding a soft and ethereal touch. Julia Webster’s collection also featured florals, using bouquets as an accessory, bringing a playful yet romantic element to the collection. Together, these details lightened the show’s mood, bringing a lively, rejuvenating energy onto the runway. These pieces left me impatient for summer break!
In the end, Reflections in Motion 2026 was another exceptional runway delivered by COF. Each designer skillfully crafted a collection of standout looks that will be remembered long after the runway. With such extraordinary talent on display, we can’t wait to see how these designers continue to shape the future of fashion.