Lingua Franca Brings Joy and Power to the Bowery Hotel in First Runway Show
“Art is the triumph over chaos” is the message designer Rachelle Hruska MacPherson wanted to convey during her first Lingua Franca show.
On Tuesday, Lingua Franca celebrated its First Runway show. It debuted its Fall ’25 ready-to-wear collection inspired by the Bowery Hotel.
This beautiful collection, designed by Rachelle Hruska, was modeled by those close to her including Molly Ringwald, Pat Cleveland, Jordan Roth, Gina Gershon, Ann Dexter-Jones, Aminatou Sow, Jill Kargman, Dee Poku, Ivy Getty, Sophia Lamar, Jenna Lyons, Waris Ahluwalia, and more.
Mirroring the elegant style of the Bowery Hotel paired with the bohemian roots of New York City this collection features flowy silhouettes and vibrant organic color schemes. Textures such as fringe, lace, velvet and florals can be seen throughout.
This Runway show also offered a nod to Bo the Bowery teddy bear. The loveable plush companion was held by many of the models or included in the designs and patterns of many pieces.
Lingua Franca Afterparty
Following the show, the guests gathered for an afterparty enjoying drinks by Tanqueray No. Ten, and music by Samantha Ronson.
Some attendees of the event wore the signature hand-stitched sweaters that Lingua Franca is known for. Susan Sarandon showed off a sweater that read, “Love more” as well as a sweater that said, “I read banned books” worn by actress Carla Gugino.
This woman-owned company got its beginning when Hruska was looking for a way to manage her postpartum anxiety and depression. She decided to pick up an old cashmere sweater and embroidered her way into something that brings people joy and power.
Lingua Franca collaborates with celebrities such as Jane Fonda, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Joan Didion, Huma Abedin, Ai Weiwei, Mindy Kaling, Martha Stewart and many more to spread awareness and raise money for causes that are important to them through their memorable sweaters. For example, some organizations they support raise money for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ youth, relief efforts for the recent California wildfires, and making voting more accessible for all Americans.
Photo Credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA
Photo Credit: Hannah Turner-Harts/BFA