In anticipation of the forthcoming American Semiquincentennial, designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla has unveiled a distinctive high summer 2026 collection. This array of garments, including a 'lucky penny' tee, vibrant red tap shorts, a Lincoln lantern T-shirt, and complementary centennial dresses and blouses, is a tribute to American heritage. Bode Aujla's deep appreciation for vintage attire and historical references shines through, making this collection a perfect confluence of past and present.
Emily Adams Bode Aujla, known for her reverence for historical clothing, frequently incorporates elements from theatrical productions, parades, and centennial celebrations of the 19th and early 20th centuries into her designs. She maintains a personal collection of these antique pieces, which she and her family don during Fourth of July and Memorial Day parades. Despite their age, these meticulously hand-sewn garments have endured for over a century, a testament to their original craftsmanship and infrequent wear.
Launching on June 26, the collection aims to reintroduce the lost art of traditional craftsmanship while creating enduring pieces suitable for both festive occasions and daily attire. Highlights include a 1776 graphic tee, reminiscent of 1970s fashion with a perfectly aged appearance, and pajama pants inspired by 1930s star-patterned bunting.
Bode Aujla conducted extensive research into historical costumes, exploring early 20th-century Liberty Costumes and the patriotic red, white, and blue outfits worn during past Fourth of July parades and civic events. She then infused these classic designs with Bode's signature modern aesthetic, exemplified by a whimsical Lincoln emblem adapted from an antique children's pullover. The designer cherishes childhood memories of family summer gatherings, where her family enthusiastically participated in parades, often wearing handmade costumes, some of which she still possesses.
Her passion for collecting vintage and antique costumes often leads to delightful discoveries. She recently unearthed a handmade child's top from the 1940s, adorned with applied milliner flowers, accompanied by a photograph of a girl dancing in the very costume. This serendipitous find underscores the personal connection Bode Aujla fosters with her design inspirations.
In keeping with Bode’s ethos, historical tailoring is reinterpreted into wearable contemporary silhouettes. The brand's athletic influence further enriches its interpretation of American style, with new satin gym shorts and track pants drawing inspiration from authentic mid-century designs. The Lincoln's Birthplace tee, for instance, is based on a 1970s souvenir shirt featuring a 'Lincoln's Birthplace; LaRue County, Kentucky' graphic, embellished with decorative beadwork. Another piece, the Lincoln lantern tee, bears the inscription 'Old Abe, Prince of Rails,' reflecting Abraham Lincoln's working-class origins and his youth spent splitting fence rails. The Music of 1776 tee showcases a graphic derived from antique paper lanterns used in Abraham Lincoln’s campaign parades during the 1860s.
The collection seamlessly weaves historical narratives into modern fashion, offering a fresh perspective on American style that honors tradition while embracing contemporary wearability. Each piece tells a story, inviting wearers to connect with a rich tapestry of American history through fashion.