Tyler McGillivary Dives Into a Modern Mermaid Myth for SS26
By PAGE Editor
Friday, September 12th, the runway was transformed into a sun-dappled shoreline as designer Tyler McGillivary presented her Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “Mermaiden.” In a fitting finale of pure nostalgia, the show was closed by none other than Sara Paxton, the star of the beloved 2006 film Aquamarine, bringing the collection’s theme full circle.
“Mermaiden” is a deep dive into the sparkling, mysterious world of the sea siren. McGillivary and her team went treasure-hunting through old fairy tales, weathered textbooks, and shell shops to collect the ephemera that would inform the season’s textiles. The collection reimagines the mermaid, a timeless symbol of temptation, danger, and pure enchantment, for the present day. It seamlessly pairs depictions from ancient myth with a heavy dose of nostalgic boardwalk glamour, nodding to cult classics like Splash and The Little Mermaid.
The looks themselves were a celebration of this duality. Body-skimming silhouettes were crafted from layers of delicate ruffles and printed with intricate Hans Christian Andersen illustrations from the late 1800s. Plunging necklines were accented with giant, sculptural silver starfish, while delicate fishing nets were dotted with real starfish and seashells. A rich, deep-sea inspired color palette was punctuated with girly, romantic details, creating a sense of fantasy that felt both whimsical and sophisticated.
More than just a fashion presentation, “Mermaiden” is a celebration of shared imagination. The collection serves as a vibrant reminder that storytelling not only reflects the world we see but actively shapes the one we dream of. Through her bold prints, unexpected textures, and artful construction, McGillivary transports the wearer, offering an opportunity for escapism and unapologetic joy.
See full runway:
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