Jane Wade unveiled her latest collection, “The Summit,” for Fall/Winter 2026, marking a significant departure from her traditional corporate aesthetic. The designer, known for her cohesive style, has embraced a more adventurous and adaptable approach, reflecting her desire to connect with the great outdoors.
Wade shared her vision for the collection in a post-show interview, stating, “The Jane Wade girl needs pieces that can be broken down and put back together in different ways. They need to serve her in all facets of her life as she expresses herself differently.” This collection draws inspiration from her Pacific Northwest roots, particularly the ethos of Portland, which coincidentally is also the home of her footwear partner, SOREL.
The runway featured two collaborative models: the SOREL x Jane Wade Callsign Horizon™ Low and the SOREL x Jane Wade Callsign™ Mule Shroud. Models, styled as Ski Lift Operators and Avalanche Rescuers, showcased these tactical footwear pieces alongside Wade’s most daringly textured garments to date.
Upon entering the venue in Brooklyn, guests experienced an immersive environment reminiscent of Wade’s Oregon hometown. The space was designed with Douglas Fir trees, moss, and ivy, creating a natural setting that transported attendees to the Pacific Northwest. “I wanted to bring everyone home, into my home,” Wade explained. Guests were greeted with Hydrojugs and Gotham Goods’ new “My Sweet Jane” fragrance, featuring notes of smoked birch and oak moss, enhancing the thematic experience of the collection.
Wade’s vision extended beyond the runway. She emphasized the importance of storytelling in her work, particularly through a film that played before the show. Highlighting her connection to Sorel, Wade expressed, “Sorel is from Portland, and I’m from Portland, so I have a big connection to the brand.” The marketing campaign was shot in Oregon, including Mount Hood, a place significant to her childhood.
Reflecting on the set design, she continued, “I wanted the set to be this distilled moment of the Pacific Northwest. There are ferns, Douglas Fir Trees, ivy, and moss.” This attention to detail was present throughout the collection, with intricate textures and fabrics playing a vital role.
Wade also shared her enthusiasm for the casting, which included a model dressed as an “Avalanche Rescue” character. In a delightful personal touch, her mother participated in the show, recalling her history in fit modeling for Columbia Sportswear, Sorel’s parent company. Wade remarked, “This whole collection is about my childhood spirit.”
The textures in “The Summit” reflect Wade’s commitment to innovation. She introduced paracord as a primary material, evident in various styles, including pocketing and bungees. “We built all of those pieces in-house in our studio. It was really fun,” she noted, highlighting the dedication required to create these unique designs.
As for the overarching theme of the collection, Wade described it as an exploration of identity and nature. “There’s always an umbrella theme of this girl trying to escape herself or uncover a new layer of herself,” she explained. This season, a strong outdoor connection to nature emerged, catering to a multi-faceted individual who requires versatile pieces for different aspects of her life.
Jane Wade’s “The Summit” collection represents a bold evolution in her design philosophy, combining personal narrative with innovative fashion. For those interested in exploring this new direction, the collection is available for viewing in the gallery above.
