As one of the few emerging and young designers on the CFDA calendar, Kate Barton is ahead of the game. Technologically at least, because for her fall 2026 appointments she transformed her space with AR and AI rather than hosting traditional showroom appointments. On the top floor, guests could look at images of her collection on a model against an AR background courtesy of Amazon; downstairs they could virtually “try on” pieces themselves using the technology. Each look came with a QR code, so you could see the description of the piece as well as the materials used. “The goal was to show how we could use technology to help us,” said Barton. “Even though we took away the physical element of seeing the clothing in person on the model, everyone could see the clothes come to life on themselves.”
Despite Barton’s use of AI and AR, her clothes were actually very down to earth. Since last season, the designer has been focused on making her futuristic looking pieces wearable for real people. Her liquid dresses were made of jersey, and her signature metallic emblems were actually made of fabrics that can be tied at the bust, or removed as desired. There was even a great leather jacket and skirt that still looked cool enough to be Barton originals without looking so crazy that only an influencer could wear them. And for the true normies out there, Barton offered some great knits that could be worn with simple jeans.
Barton likes to think outside the box, but also understands that to sell clothes you need to appeal to a certain market. This season she was able to perfect that balance by exploring the unknown through her style of presentation while keeping a focus on wearability in the clothes.