Prepare to be captivated by Julie Kegels’ Fall 2026 collection, Auramaxxing, a thought-provoking exploration of self-presentation in our hyper-visible world. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era dominated by fleeting social media moments, Kegels dares to slow down, inviting us to ponder the tension between shadow and authenticity. And this is the part most people miss—her collection isn’t just about clothes; it’s a cerebral journey into the very essence of identity.
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 itself is rooted in the philosophy of Martin Heidegger. The result? A wearable meditation on how we curate our image, often at odds with our inner selves. Think of it as high fashion meets existentialism—a rare blend that challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface.
Kegels’ designs are a masterclass in transformation. Capes cascade from shoulders, discreetly anchoring at the ankles to create a ghostly, billowing silhouette. Jackets shed their traditional form, reimagined as dresses, while pajama tops inflate into dramatic gown proportions. A simple white button-down becomes a cape, and a skirt appears to unravel at the waist, only to sweep dramatically into a side drape. It’s fashion as theater, but with a purpose.
To achieve these shapes, Kegels employed a unique process: she photographed garments in her Antwerp atelier, manipulating light to create shadows, then used these distorted patterns to craft new forms. Here’s the bold part: she calls this “forced tailoring,” a technique that pushes the body into assertive, almost militaristic stances. Sleeves are cut to thrust arms forward, and shrunken pullovers feature slits at the shoulders, revealing fabric that pops like colorful wings. It’s as if the clothes are challenging the wearer—and the viewer—to confront their own desire for control.
Backstage, Kegels shared her philosophy: “The aura is a shield. We always have an appearance, but maybe it’s not true to what’s inside. The Julie Kegels woman will always want to control something, but it’s always imperfect.” This imperfection is woven into the collection, from exposed seams that highlight contrast to unfinished edges that feel deliberately raw. Even the jarring, jagged hats—initially meant to be unsettling—evoke the charming headgear of Calimero, the cartoon bird. This unexpected irony inspired Kegels to incorporate more childlike elements, like cozy baby blankets that double as wrap skirts, adding a layer of innocence to the otherwise cerebral designs.
Now, here’s the question that might spark debate: Can fashion truly sustain the illusion of our curated selves, or does it inevitably reveal the cracks beneath? As Warhol famously noted, our “aura” often vanishes the moment we open our mouths. Yet, in Kegels’ skilled hands, the right outfit seems to hold that image just a little longer. But is that a triumph—or a trap? Let’s discuss in the comments. What do you think: does fashion empower us to control our narrative, or does it expose the very imperfections we try to hide?
