OC Fashion Week® — Revival of the Runway Throughout the Luxury Market of California®

The international fashion industry is paying attention. From Europe to Asia, global fashion gatekeepers are opening their doors to OC Fashion Week® — recognising The Luxury Market of California® not as an emerging voice, but as an established force on the world fashion stage. Orange County commands an "$86 billion retail market — a figure that places it on par with the spend of the world's most celebrated fashion capitals. The difference? Those capitals are cities. Some are states. Some are countries." Orange County is a county. And they are not Los Angeles. Nor do they require them. The world is looking inward at them.

Orange County, CA — March 25–28, 2026 — OC Fashion Week® — The Luxury Market of California® — concluded its most ambitious and celebrated season to date, delivering a four-night multi-venue production across Catalina Island, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Tustin that redefined what a California fashion week can be.

OC Fashion Week® 2026 is currently approaching over one million views across Instagram — a testament to the cultural resonance of a season that was built not just for the room, but for the world.

This season, OC Fashion Week® made history through a deliberate and groundbreaking decision to open a dedicated category space for reclaimed and recycled fashion on the luxury catwalk — the first California fashion week to do so. International and iconic talent converged on Southern California, collectively creating a viral buzz of produced work that reverberated far beyond the runway. The calibre of designers, partners, and community leaders who chose OC Fashion Week® as their stage sent an unmistakable message to the global fashion industry: Orange County has arrived — and it is not leaving. In 2023, OC Fashion Week® was recognised by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) as a member of the CFDA Connects program — a distinction that confirmed OCFW's standing as one of America's most credible and forward-thinking fashion platforms.

The Season: California Fashion Week's The OC

Positioned at the heart of the California fashion calendar, OC Fashion Week® delivered a season that moved — literally and culturally — across four venues, four nights, and one defining vision.

March 25 — Casino Ballroom, Catalina Island The season opened at the iconic Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island — the breathtaking 1930s historical landmark standing twenty-six miles off the Southern California coast — producing the first runway show of the century held at this storied venue. To step onto that stage is to step into history. OC Fashion Week® became the first to bring the runway there in this century, cementing a moment that will not be forgotten. The night showcased Jesse J Collections (womenswear), the elegant Luna Fashion House, and the rising talent of Vanessa Lozada — three distinct visions united on one historic stage.

March 26 — Surf and Sand Hotel, Laguna Beach The season moved to the iconic Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach for Sunset at Six — a champagne toast and white cocktail affair hosted by the distinguished Dr. Karen Leong (@dr.karenleong) — where emerging designers showcased their work before Orange County's most influential tastemakers. The evening carried profound significance as Dr. Leong made her official announcement of the forthcoming Cup Couture Gala — a landmark fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting women living with breast cancer.

March 27 — My Sister's Closet & Well Suited, Newport Beach For the first time in OC Fashion Week® history, the Newport Beach flagship of My Sister's Closet and Well Suited — part of the Eco-Chic Consignments portfolio — was fully transformed into an official runway showspace. The evening's refined hospitality experience was elevated by the contribution of Brunch House OC (@brunchhouseoc), whose thoughtfully curated offerings set the tone for a night that would become one of the most talked-about of the entire season. Netflix talent and legendary California designer Adolfo Sanchez, presented by My Sister's Closet, delivered a landmark tribute to reclaimed furs to a standing ovation — a moment that confirmed what the industry had been watching: conscious fashion has permanently arrived at the luxury level.

A revival of recycled wear — worn with deliberate intention. A vindication of the norm. To find a style that chooses you, not the other way around. Models left having purchased their favourite looks straight from the runway.

Each season, OC Fashion Week® finds the leaders who truly thrive — not because of their titles, but because of their commitment to community. What differentiates them from the rest is not what they sell, but what they stand for.

"We've always believed fashion should feel inspiring, inclusive, and connected to the community. Hosting OC Fashion Week in our Newport Beach store allows us to celebrate personal style in a truly meaningful way." — Heather Zorge, CEO, Eco-Chic Consignments

March 28 — The final night belonged to Ever Club (@evermembersclub) — Orange County's most anticipated new exclusive luxury membership community — making its official debut before Southern California's most discerning tastemakers. International sensation Max Jenny opened the evening in an explosive burst of colour that set the tone for a night of pure spectacle. Diego Fashions, Kyle Denman in collaboration with Daisy Desert Jewelry, Stefan Miguel, and Kailani Fountaine each brought their singular vision to the runway. Jesse J Collections returned with a commanding menswear presentation. The OC Ballet Theater, featuring the artistry of Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet, graced the stage alongside an exquisite jewelry showcase by VL Cepher — presented by Eco-Chic Consignments — the collision of movement, fashion, and fine jewelry producing one of the most visually arresting moments of the entire season. The incomparable Anna Gupta closed the entire season in an extraordinary standing-ovation finale that left the room without words. The evening transcended fashion when OC Ballet Theater took the floor — ballerina McKinzie Namauleg performing live in honour of VL Cepher Jewelry, the New York house founded by mother and daughter duo Rachel Fogel and Niva Benzino. One a mathematician and AI scholar. The other an artist educated at UC Berkeley, the San Francisco Art Institute, and the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem. Together, they translate their unlikely union into 18K gold and natural diamonds — each piece tracing back to a nested hexagon, deconstructed and rebuilt into forms that are timeless, graphic, and made to be worn every day of a woman's life.

To be rebellious with fashion. To reject the status quo. To find what is authentically yours — and wear it like a statement. That is the spirit OC Fashion Week® brought to the catwalk this season. And the world noticed.

A curated community with a deep appreciation for the arts, the intensity to pursue excellence, and the ambition to succeed in fashion — that is not the backdrop of OC Fashion Week®. That is its message.

Personal styling is just as powerful as a first-born collection.

"Personal styling is just as powerful as a first-born collection. Those with true style will find their way to My Sister's Closet — because individual style and self-validation are more valuable than any pre-marketed trend. There is nothing more vindicating than discovering that inner cause." — Kathryn Marino, President & Executive Producer, OC Fashion Week®

The Designers

OC Fashion Week® 2026 assembled a roster that spanned legacy, emerging talent, international reach, and human purpose.

March 25 — Catalina Island: Jesse J Collections opened with a womenswear collection that set the tone for the entire season. Luna Fashion House delivered elegance and precision. Vanessa Lozada announced herself as one of California's most compelling emerging voices. March 27 — Newport Beach: Adolfo Sanchez (Netflix), presented by My Sister's Closet, delivered the season's most talked-about showcase — a standing ovation tribute to reclaimed luxury.

March 28 — Ever Club, Tustin: Max Jenny ignited the final night with a vibrant, colourful opening that electrified the room. Diego Fashions brought bold vision, featuring Artist Performer Raylee wearing the collection with Make-up by Sarah Hodson and Hair by Jimmy Salazar with Saba Beauty School and Academy. Kyle Denman (Project Runway, OWN) brought his mission of mentoring displaced youth directly to the runway — featuring his students alongside a collaboration with Emma Roberts of Daisy Desert Jewelry. Stefan Miguel and Ikaialani Fountaine each delivered standout moments. Jesse J Collections returned with a sharp menswear presentation. Anna Gupta closed the season in an unforgettable finale.

"I am immensely proud of my students' work. They have accomplished so much while still remaining true to themselves. As young designers, they have created something magical out of nothing. That is what makes them true artists. I am grateful to be their mentor and am grateful to be even a small part of their lives." — Kyle Denman, Designer & Mentor

The Team

The season was hosted and emceed by Jennifer LaBanca (@boosthydration), CEO of Boost Hydration. Friday night ignited with the dynamic duo of Melissa Locke (@iammelissalocke) — reality show hostess, reigning Mrs. California, and passionate supporter of Tree of New America (@treeofnewamerica) — and Simon Polito (@ThePolitoGroup) as co-hosts. Their chemistry, wit, and infectious energy kept the room electric from the first moment to the last. Simon returned on Saturday night to close the final evening with the same commanding presence.

Houri Guldjian (@babethestudio), CEO of Babe Studio — Orange County's premier yoga and hot Pilates destination — took to the catwalk, bringing the world of wellness and movement into the heart of the OC Fashion Week® experience.

Backstage beauty was led with hair by Jimmy Salazar (@jimmysalazar), Master Stylist and Kérastase Educator, alongside Sarah Hotson (@sssnack) of NARS Cosmetics — all under the banner of Aly Rose Beauty (@alyrosebeautyteam). Jimmy also mentored a cohort of students from Saba Beauty School and Academy (@sababeautyschool_ | @sababeautyacademy) — giving the next generation of beauty professionals a world-class runway education alongside one of California's most prestigious productions.

"An impactful community isn't built on proximity, but on purpose — where shared passions ignite collaboration, differences strengthen perspective, and every voice moves the collective closer to something greater than any one person could ever achieve alone." — Henry Nguyen, Saba Beauty School and Academy

Bronzd by Kara (@bronzdbykara) added a luminous finishing touch to the model beauty programme. Entertainment sponsor DJ Word of Mouth Project OC (@wordofmouthprojectoc) closed Friday and Saturday nights with next-level energy that elevated the entire production. OC Fashion Week®'s television series Behind the Seams re-airs in late April on LATV.

OC Fashion Week® as a Business Launch Platform

Beyond the runway, OC Fashion Week® has established itself as one of Orange County's most powerful platforms for new business launches — connecting emerging brands with the region's most influential audiences at the moment that matters most. This season welcomed Face Foundrie Newport Beach (@maral.facefoundrie | @facefoundrie), founded by Maral — entrepreneur, mother, and passionate advocate for accessible luxury skincare.

"As a busy mom of two, I know how rare and meaningful 'me time' truly is. My goal is simple: to create a place where you feel welcomed the moment you walk in, supported throughout your service, and confident and refreshed when you leave." — Maral, Owner, Face Foundrie Newport Beach

Looking ahead

FashionUnited joins OC Fashion Week® as official global media partner — amplifying OCFW's reach to millions of fashion professionals across more than 100 countries. Since 2019, OC Fashion Week® has served as the official California conduit for Athens Fashion Week — and this May, one of OCFW's featured designers travels to Athens to represent California on the global runway, continuing a seven-year tradition of transatlantic fashion diplomacy that remains one of OCFW's most distinguished international credentials. Next up: OC Fashion Week® Swim Week, May 2026 — California's most anticipated fashion moment of the season.

Official 2026 Sponsors & Partners

OC Fashion Week® gratefully acknowledges the following official sponsors and partners whose support made the 2026 season possible: @evermembersclub | @visitcatalinaisland | @boosthydration | @babethestudio | @dr.karenleong | @ThePolitoGroup | @mysistersclosetdotcom | @shopwellsuiteddotcom | @shopwellsuited | @maral.facefoundrie | @facefoundrie | @jimmysalazar | @alyrosebeautyteam | @sababeautyschool | @sababeautyacademy | @sssnack_ | @iammelissalocke | @treeofnewamerica | @bronzdbykara | @luna_fashion_house | @wordofmouthprojectoc | @oc_ballet_theater | @dmitrikulevclassicalballet | @vlcepher | @hauteoc

About OC Fashion Week®

OC Fashion Week® is the official fashion week of Orange County, California — The Luxury Market of California®. Produced by Hauteoc Holdings Global Ventures LLC, OCFW delivers runway productions, television programming, editorial media, and sponsor activations across domestic and international markets. In 2023, OC Fashion Week® was recognised by the CFDA as a member of the CFDA Connects program. Since 2019, OCFW has served as the official California conduit for Athens Fashion Week. Official global media partner: FashionUnited. Behind the Seams airs on LATV.