Valerian Hughes :“Rêve Éveillé” A Gilded Awakening at NYFW
On Monday evening, February 16th, inside The Prince George Ballroom, Valerian Hughes delivered a moment. Not just a runway show but a full-bodied fantasy. For Fall/Winter 2026, the demi-couture presentation titled Rêve Éveillé (Awakened Dream) unfolded like a cinematic love letter to glamour.
The setting alone felt transported from another era, with ornate architecture, warm golden hues, and an atmosphere that whispered luxury before the first model even stepped out. When the lights shifted, and the music swelled,
It was clear we were entering Hughes’ world, one defined by structure, sensuality, and precision.
Satin gowns poured down the runway in molten gold, espresso, and inky black. Dimensional floral appliqué traced bodices like artwork in motion. Silhouettes were sculpted and intentional, elongating the body while maintaining a softness that felt romantic rather than rigid. The craftsmanship was undeniable; this is demi-couture that understands the female form.
And then came the finale. Celebrity star Dominique Jackson closed the show in the final look, commanding the runway with the kind of presence only she can deliver. It wasn’t just a walk; it was a declaration. Powerful. Regal. Unapologetic. The room shifted when she appeared, sealing the collection with authority and grace. It was the perfect exclamation point to an already opulent narrative.
Behind the glamour was a team that understood vision and executed it flawlessly. Executive Producer and Artistic Director Jamila Sangaré (@janisa_js) shaped the evening’s creative direction, elevating the presentation into a full sensory experience. VIP casting, coordination, and PR were led by Mickey Freeman (@mickeyboooom), with casting management and logistics handled seamlessly by Barbara King (@barbarakinggg). Media Partner Chris Lavish (@nyclavish) amplified the night’s visibility, while painter and artist Ross Pino (@rosspino88) brought an artistic depth that mirrored the collection’s dramatic, painterly detailing, making Rêve Éveillé feel as intentional behind the scenes as it did on the runway.
Front row attendees included a dazzling array of celebrity guests, such as Maiya The Donn, actresses Lilia Buckingham and Odelya Halevi, NFL player Donovan Peoples Jones, FashionBombDaily CEO Claire Sulmers, rapper Leaf, TikToker O’Neil Thomas, Broadway’s Cody Renard, artist Didi J, and actor J Bernard Calloway, among others. Lilia Buckingham turned heads in a chic pink Valerian look, while Odelya Halevi stole the spotlight in an elegant fur ensemble designed by Valerian Hughes.
Prominent media outlets in attendance included Forbes, Claire Sulmers of FashionBombDaily, Lauren Evette from HelloBeautiful, Selena Hill from Black Enterprise, The Cold Magazine, Christ Lavish of FashionWeekOnline, and The Garnette Report, among others, capturing the essence of this remarkable event.
The talented Gil Hayun provided runway photos, and stunning shoes were showcased courtesy of Showroom Seven NYC.
Rêve Éveillé was not about excess for the sake of spectacle. It was about refinement. Control. The quiet confidence of a woman who understands her power. In a season filled with noise, Valerian Hughes chose to glow instead.