Dreamlike silhouettes from ALEX S. YU’s “Mezzo Melancholies” debut at The Glass House Photo Credit: Bridgett Ezzard
Fashion and Style

ALEX S. YU Returns to New York Fashion Week with “Mezzo Melancholies”

The Vancouver-Based Designer Presents Poetic Silhouettes and Whimsical Femininity at The Glass House

Caroline Dalal

A Poetic Evening at The Glass House

On Friday, September 12, 2025, the Glass House in New York played host to an evening of dreamlike fashion as ALEX S. YU unveiled his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Mezzo Melancholies, presented by Global Fashion Collective. The show offered an exploration of femininity, weaving delicate textures and voluminous forms into an aesthetic that balanced nostalgia with modernity.

Yu’s latest collection stayed true to his reputation for merging the fantastical with the wearable, a philosophy that has guided his decade-long career. Each look embodied his belief in fashion as a bridge between reality and imagination, a sartorial space where creativity thrives.

The Everydaydreamer Philosophy

At the core of ALEX S. YU’s design identity lies the concept of the everydaydreamer—a figure who lives at the intersection of practicality and fantasy. Mezzo Melancholies expanded on this ethos with pieces that allowed wearers to navigate the demands of daily life while embracing individuality and joy.

The collection reimagined staples like tulle, ruffles, bold prints, and voluminous silhouettes into garments that encouraged both movement and expression. The result was a series of ensembles that invited the audience to see fashion not only as clothing but as a language of creativity and freedom.

Backstage moments capture models in sculptural blouses and voluminous skirts before the show

Two Sides of the Collection

Yu’s work is anchored in duality, and the SS26 presentation highlighted this balance through his Everyday and Daydreamer series.

  • The Everyday Series: Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, this line drew inspiration from West Coast ease. Breathable fabrics, understated color palettes, and thoughtful tailoring provided a sense of quiet luxury, allowing the pieces to slip seamlessly into modern wardrobes.

  • The Daydreamer Series: In contrast, this line embraced fantasy through playful prints, vibrant colors, and romantic details. It embodied the essence of imagination, celebrating garments that could transform the ordinary into moments of personal theater.

A model walks the runway in a sheer polka-dot dress layered with a bold blue tulle top

A Designer with Global Reach

Born in Taipei and raised in Vancouver, ALEX S. YU has built an international career rooted in a distinct vision of contemporary womenswear. After completing his studies at the Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver and earning a graduate degree in womenswear from the London College of Fashion, Yu launched his label in 2014 at Vancouver Fashion Week, where he received the Emerging Designer of the Year award.

Over the past decade, Yu has showcased collections in global fashion capitals including New York, London, and Tokyo. His milestone 10th anniversary collection, Prologue 3688, debuted in October 2024, underscoring the longevity and evolution of his brand. With Mezzo Melancholies, Yu reaffirmed his place as a designer who celebrates femininity with a signature blend of whimsy and sophistication.

A Collection to Be Cherished

A striking green sculptural mini dress with harness detail commands attention on the runway

As the audience gathered inside The Glass House, it became clear that Mezzo Melancholies was more than a seasonal statement—it was a continuation of Yu’s pursuit to merge nostalgia, wanderlust, and joy into garments meant to be treasured. In every silhouette and every stitch, the designer invited his audience to step into a world where the practical meets the poetic, reminding us that fashion can still inspire a touch of magic in the everyday.

Inspired by what you read?
Get more stories like this—plus exclusive guides and resident recommendations—delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our exclusive newsletter

Resident may include affiliate links or sponsored content in our features. These partnerships support our publication and allow us to continue sharing stories and recommendations with our readers.

The Metal Moment: Pair Eyewear’s Sleek New Frames Collection

Magnanni Unveils Its Fall/Winter 2025 Collection: Craftsmanship, Color, and Contemporary Elegance

Kate Davis and the Art of Building a Modern Legacy

“Midnight at the Met” Sets a High Bar for Halloween in New York

Francesca Liberatore Explores “Alètheia” at Milan Fashion Week SS26: A Meditation on Truth and the Art of Slowing Down