Ella Mae’s “Peaceful Way” Shows That Rebel Girls Will Save the World

The collective excitement and anticipation before Ella Mae’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection was heightened by Fiona Apple playing over the speakers, a sparkly, sand-bordered runway, bubblegum-pink curtains atop Ionic pillars, a Rococo art mural, and peace signs decorating the walls. Described as “Where Marie Antoinette and Snooki meet,” Peaceful Way was a standout NYFW debut and show by the designer. Colorfully sanguine and overflowing with fun, the collection was a crucial reminder of the joy inherent to caring.

Written on the show flyers was a mantra that read, “Mother nature’s soldiers. Rebel girls. Save the earth because it is the only place you can buy lipstick. Beauty helps us surrender to the peace. Peace, baby.” Typed in black, bold Old English font and with a fuchsia peace sign in the background, the statement embodied the show to come.

Down the runway walked garments and ensembles that were full of life. An unexpected color palette included neutrals of brown, grey, black, and white alongside bold hues of pink, seafoam green, burnt orange, brick red, pale blue, plaid, and stripes. Bold graphic T-shirts were paired with romantic, frilly tutus; ostrich feathers were growing out of the model’s hair; bras, bloomer-style underwear, and garters were worn with a cheeky, proudly feminine spirit. 

Drawing on 18th-century Rococo design elements and Y2K-beloved trashiness, the collection was as surprising as it was inspirational.

While each look that came down the runway stood strongly on its own, the show, when viewed as a whole, took on another meaning. Each garment came together to prove that the climate crisis is, yes, a depressing and despairing reality, but that attitude doesn’t have to define the movement. Joyful resilience is the peaceful way, the Ella Mae way. 

The fervor to protect Earth and its beings is just that, and Peaceful Way was a radically delightful invitation to lean into that fervor. After all, Earth is the only place one can buy lipstick. Ella Mae Jepson’s creations are a thriving inspiration for all things style and sustenance — she proved that Mother Nature’s soldiers wear lipstick and pink bras. 

At the end of the show, Jepson ran out onto the runway, jumped, and threw up two peace signs. In the designer’s own words, peace on Earth, baby.

Runway photos by Andrea Sabugo. BTS photos by Thandi Roe. Courtesy of And Such NYC.