In a world where every moment is curated for the digital gaze, how much of ourselves do we truly reveal? Belgian designer Julie Kegels tackles this question head-on in her Fall 2026 collection, Auramaxxing, a thought-provoking exploration of image control in the age of hyper-visibility. But here's where it gets controversial: Kegels doesn't just critique our obsession with social media moments; she uses fashion as a tool to dissect the tension between shadow and authenticity, leaving us wondering: can we ever truly escape the curated self?
Set to the haunting melody of discordant violin plucks, Kegels’ show was a deliberate departure from the fast-paced, Instagram-ready spectacle we’ve grown accustomed to. Models moved slowly, their steps calculated, drawing attention not to fleeting poses but to the intricate construction of the garments themselves—a bold statement in an era where fashion often feels like a race for likes.
Titled Face Value, the collection draws inspiration from Andy Warhol’s concept of “aura” and the ethereal, long-exposure portraits of Korean artist Kyungwoo Chun, whose work is itself rooted in the existential philosophy of Martin Heidegger. The result? A cerebral yet surprisingly wearable collection that challenges us to question what lies beneath the surface.
And this is the part most people miss: Kegels’ designs are a masterclass in duality. Capes flow from shoulders, only to discreetly anchor at the ankles, creating a ghostly, billowing silhouette. Jackets transform into dresses, pajama tops inflate into gowns, and a simple white button-down becomes a dramatic cape. Even a skirt appears to unravel at the waist, only to swoop into a theatrical side drape. These pieces aren’t just clothes; they’re visual metaphors for the tension between control and chaos.
To achieve these shapes, Kegels employed a unique process: she photographed garments in her Antwerp atelier, using lighting to distort shadows, then translated those patterns into new forms. Elsewhere, she experimented with what she calls “forced tailoring”—sleeves cut to push arms forward with military precision, shrunken pullovers sliced open at the shoulders to reveal pops of color like tiny wings. It’s fashion as a form of empowerment, but with a twist: even the most assertive stance is imperfect, a reminder of our humanity.
But is the aura a shield or a cage? Backstage, Kegels reflected, “We always have an appearance, but maybe the appearance is not true to what there is inside. The Julie Kegels woman will always want to control something, but it is always imperfect.” This sentiment is echoed in the collection’s exposed seams and unfinished edges, which highlight the beauty of contrast and the irony of striving for perfection.
Speaking of irony, one of the most unexpected elements was the inclusion of jagged, jarring hats that unintentionally recalled the adorable headgear of Calimero, the cartoon bird. Rather than discard the idea, Kegels leaned into the irony, adding childlike references like cozy baby blankets that double as wrap skirts. It’s a playful reminder that even in our quest for control, there’s room for whimsy and imperfection.
As Warhol once observed, our “aura” may vanish the moment we open our mouths, but in Kegels’ skilled hands, the right outfit can prolong that illusion—if only for a little while. Auramaxxing isn’t just a collection; it’s a conversation starter. So, we ask you: in a world where image is everything, how much of ourselves are we willing to reveal? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts.
