By Senay GOKCEN | Editor-in-Chief
Raul Peñaranda presented his Spring/Summer 2026 collection ‘Bloom‘ on the official CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar on September 11, 2025.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai Team – @ct_tsai
For Raul Peñaranda, September 11, 2025, marked more than just another season on the calendar. With his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Bloom, the Colombian-born, New York-based designer made his official CFDA New York Fashion Week debut, presenting a body of work that was both deeply romantic and sharply polished.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Staged at the Studio 45 on the 27th floor of Rockefeller Plaza, the presentation unfolded against sweeping Manhattan views – a fitting metaphor for a designer finally taking his place on the city’s most prestigious stage. Guests and press circled the room as models posed in gowns that spoke the language of renewal, growth, and feminine strength.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
The palette was grounded in soft blushes, playful pinks, creams, and whites, often adorned with floral appliqués, sequins, and layered textures. Dresses bloomed with three-dimensional petals and feather-like surfaces, a literal nod to the collection’s title, while shimmering sequined moments injected glamour into the romantic narrative.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Silhouettes emphasized fluidity and form in equal measure. Cruelty Free Luxury and Bridgetown inspired floor-length gowns with tiered skirts and sculptural bodices were paired with sharp waist cutouts, creating a push-pull between delicacy and confidence. One highlight was a pink sequined top, inspired by Anna Wintour and styled with a voluminous floral skirt, delivering unapologetic drama.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Another, a cutout bodice paired with a tiered white skirt inspired by the Palenqueras de Cartagena, offered effortless chic. And perhaps the most direct interpretation of Bloom was the 3D Garden inspired gowns covered in soft blossoms, which seemed to grow directly from the fabric itself.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
— Raúl Peñaranda
A black-and-white look broke through the sweetness, anchoring the collection with graphic modernity.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Accessories played a crucial role in defining the mood. Johanna De la Cruz‘s bold, sculptural jewelry gave weight and regality to the looks, while Antoine Atelier handbags-handmade by genuine Colombian artisans– and Lonza footwear kept the styling modern and luxe.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
The collection as a whole felt delicate yet assertive, romantic yet purposeful. In many ways, Bloom was more than a seasonal statement; it was Peñaranda’s declaration of belonging on the CFDA calendar. His presentation was not about spectacle, but about intimacy – an invitation to lean in, study the craftsmanship, and recognize the confidence of a designer who has been steadily building his voice and art.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
As part of my legacy, I want to establish Penaranda Academy to provide the light I didn’t have for those who come after me. Let’s continue to educate, guide, and give the right visibility to all those creative and hardworking minds who want to succeed in fashion. We can do this while we continue to educate, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy.
— Raul Peñaranda
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Beauty remained pared back, with clean hair and glowing skin framed by statement gold accents, ensuring that the garments’ details took center stage.
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Raúl Peñaranda’s Bloom collection celebrates his 32nd consecutive showing at New York Fashion Week and a milestone that made it clear: this was his moment to truly bloom.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 – Raúl Peñaranda’s Spring/Summer 2026 “Bloom” was presented on the CFDA official New York Fashion Week calendar at Studio 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 27th Floor, featuring models in his latest designs and welcoming industry guests.
Photos by Chia-Ta Tsai– @ct_tsai
Photo by Chia-Ta Tsai Team– @ct_tsai
On behalf of the Fashion Trendsetter team, I extend my warmest congratulations to Raul Peñaranda on this well-deserved milestone. His official debut on the CFDA calendar is a testament to his talent, vision, and perseverance. We look forward to witnessing his creative journey continue to flourish in seasons to come.
— Senay GOKCEN | Editor-in-Chief
COLLECTION CREDITS
- Jewelry by Johanna De la Cruz @johannade.lacruz
- Handbags by ANTOINE ATELIER @antoineatelier_
- Shoes by Lonza @lonza.brands
- Photography by Chia-Ta Tsai @ct_tsai
- Casting Director Dimas Bravo @dimasnyc
- Backstage by Drew @dchalachanis and Leo Junior @leoaul
- Nail artist William Camargo @mrluisnails
- Beauty Director Diva Soria @thedivasoria
- Makeup Artists:
- Charlotte Papa @makeupxcharelise
- MAKEUP BY NANDINI @makeup.nandini
- MAKEUP BY CHANEL @crystalskn
- Danny Thai @makeupbydannythai
Special thanks to Photographer Chia-Ta Tsai – @ct_tsai for the event photography. All images used by permission.
Raul Peñaranda
https://raulpenaranda.com |@raul_penaranda
Raul Peñaranda‘s collections celebrate the intrinsic beauty of the human spirit with his one of a kind expert craftsmanship and beautiful use of luxurious fabrics to create a uniquely avant-garde yet wearable collection. Through this uncompromising style, Raul has dared to be himself and only two years after debuting at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week back in 2010 was declared by FORBES magazine as one of the fastest growing fashion entrepreneurs to come out of the small business industry with his 100% USA manufactured ready to wear fashion line for women and Vogue Mexico named Raul “The New King of New York Fashion Week” for his extraordinary craftsmanship, attention to detail and exquisite style. Recently he became a member of “Friends of the CFDA” under the leadership of Thom Browne and Jordan Roth.
Raul was born in Cali, Colombia. He grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to Miami, Florida with his family as a young adult. In 2000, Raul relocated to New York City where he was offered a freelance design position at Liz Claiborne, while enrolled at F.I.T and Parson’s. Over the next ten years, some of the industry’s most established fashion houses and CFDA members felt his creative impact such as Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, Zac Posen, Nicole Miller and Tommy Hilfiger. He has held key positions as Creative Director of Merchandise and Trend Services, Head Designer and Textile/CAD Designer.
Raul is only getting started and with 17 seasons (32 collections uninterrupted at NYFW) of inspiring and sustainable luxury pieces crafted with kindness; there is only one demand from the designer SHOW THE WORLD WHO YOU ARE.
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