For her spring 2026 collection, Rachel Comey was easygoing. Instead of a larger-than-life fête, the designer purposely kept things intimate. She welcomed attendees to Great Jones Alley—a very NYC locale situated behind her studio and showroom—lined with a collection of mismatched chairs for a fashion show that transformed into a casual happy hour once the last model finished her walk. Easy.

When creating the collection, Comey imagined modern woman she designs for—all of her models included. “When you meet them, they’re so interesting and they’ve got so much going on,” Comey says. “They come in for the go see and it’s like ‘Perfect. Don’t change anything.’ Because we design for really self-realized women, I thought, well, maybe they just do their hair and makeup themselves.”

Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Geddes

Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Geddes

When it came to beauty, the only instruction from Comey was to bring your daily favorites.

Backstage, models shared what made them feel their everyday best. “I really like lashes, so I used mascara,” said one model. “I applied the Fenty Beauty powder because it tames the shine,” mused another. Some were a bit more particular: “You have to cover up the little sun spots, a good thin eyeliner, a little tiny bit of mascara, and a little bit of blush.”

And for any women who needed a bit more guidance, there was a professional in the midst. Celebrity makeup artist Romy Soleimani, known to work with the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross and Julianne Moore, was also walking in the show.

Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Geddes

Her biggest piece of advice was to focus on minor tweaks—less is more. “We didn’t want them to lose that integrity, that realness, and the character of the girls when they come in for casting,” she shared. Essentially, it was easy: “Make sure that you hydrate first,” she instructed. “Really work the concealer where you need it. Don’t over-powder or use too many matte products so the skin shines through.”

Remember when you used to get ready with your friends before you went out? That’s what the vibe was like. Advice was given, products were shared, laughs were had. Through all the hustle and bustle of New York Fashion Week, this is a reminder that we really are all in this together.