Models dressed backstage for the Cucculelli Shaheen F/W ‘26 show, credit: Zeeshaan Shabbir
A night on New York City’s Lower East Side usually consists of hips bars, dancing and late-night bites. A runway show is the last thing anyone would expect to find, but on September 12th 2026, Cucculelli Shaheen transformed the Bowery Ballroom into exactly that. The designers presented their 2026 Fall/Winter collection, turning the music venue into a psychedelic trance of art deco and cosmic fashion.
Founded in 2016 by married design duo Anthony Cucculelli and Anna Shaheen who met while working in Diane Von Furstenberg’s West Village design studio. After taking a trip to India, they were inspired to work together and start something of their own. The label is known for their embroidered pieces with a “downtown” aesthetic and inspired by the designer’s’ travels around the world.
The collection titled “Electric Cosmos” was inspired by a collection of moments from a trip to Los Angeles, where the couple encountered a Turkish psychedelic band. The show opened with live music from Nashville-based band Calico Mantra. Channeling sounds reminiscent of the 60s and 70’s, the bass and clean vocals set up the tone for the show as saturated lights of magenta and purple filled the venue’s stage. The designer’s love of music is a common theme in their shows, with last year’s Winter collection was set against the indie rock band, The Spyrals. During last season’s fashion week the designers invited rock band The Thing to perform at their Spring 2026 show.
Gold chain halter top and Blue Washed Velvet Wide leg trousers, credit: Zeeshaan Shabbir
A mix of celebrities, influencers and musicians attended the show and showed off their eccentric style. Singer-song writer Laura Lee attended the show wearing a pink set, while Actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan from Netflix’s Never Have I Ever wore a cutout dress with a front laced-up plunge neckline. Actor-singer Taylor Blackburn was seen front row wearing a black fur jacket and shades. Guests were sat in rows of benches. watching as the models glided down the runway to the beat of the bass.
The collection’s first look was a black art nouveau crop top and tulle petticoat skirt paired with a sheer, black cape is draped over the model’s shoulder and clasped at the neck. Floral motifs and embellishments were key design elements of the show. The collection nodded to the silhouettes of the 70s including bell sleeves, wide leg trousers. Oriental influences were noticed on models wearing kaftans closed at the neck and left open for a dramatic effect.
There wouldn’t be a hint of rock and roll without any leather, which appeared on skirts, shorts and a tuxedo jacket embellished with floral medallions. Washed velvet in jewel tones of deep blue and green added a richness to the collection’s color palette. While the designers steered away from lace, the heavy embellished pieces made up for its absence. Sheer tulle tops were embroidered with scallop motifs that, from my seat, were nearly indistinguishable from lace. A rigid tulle dress, fully beaded in a dentelle noir pattern, could easily have fooled anyone into thinking it was lace.
Accessories for the Cucculelli Shaheen F/W ‘26 show, credit: Zeeshaan Shabbir
Every detail of the show reflected an eclectic attitude. The designer duo tapped NYC nail artist Pattie Yankee who gave the models’ nails celestial elements with stars and rhinestones. Romero Jennings from MAC Cosmetics, went for a grunge look. The makeup was lived-in and the he incorporated a taupe-grey eyeshadow finished with a metallic shine. Hair stylist, Mandee Tauber also wanted to go for a lived-in downtown vibe with the help of Oribe products to bring hair to life. Model’s hair were textured and left natural and some had a slicked back look. Gold headpieces with floral motifs Looks with braided styles were adorned with jewels and charms.
Cucculelli Shaheen’s jaw-dropping gowns stole the show. Their Sunset constellation dress stood out with a an ombre-colored skirt that resembled the sun descending on the horizon and hand embroidered glass crystals and beads were arranged to resemble stars in the night sky. The show ended with a white drop-waist, cotton floral lace dress embroidered with pearls, beads and detachable fitted-flared sleeves.
Cucculelli Shaheen’s F/W ‘26 Constellation dress, credit: Zeeshaan Shabbir
Cucculelli Shaheen delivered a night of glamour bold enough to light of the night sky- if not the Lower East Side, but certainly the Bowery Ballroom. With its blend of psychedelic music, celestial embroidery, and richly textured silhouettes, “Electric Cosmos” captured the spirit of downtown New York while showcasing the label’s intricate craftsmanship. In a city known for its constant reinvention, Anthony Cuculelli and Anna Shaheen proved that fashion can still feel transportive, turning a night out on the Lower East Side into something closer to a cosmic experience.
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