House of Nova cover story for Raine Magazine NYFW special issue.
Photographed by Vital Agibalow for Hensel.

House of Nova: Woven Dreams

There was a moment during Woven Dreams when the room went quiet. Not because of a dramatic reveal or a closing look, but because nothing needed to compete for attention. The clothes had already settled into the space.

That kind of restraint defined House of Nova’s New York Fashion Week presentation, and it is what made the collection linger long after the runway cleared.

The show unfolded in an intimate setting, close enough to hear fabric shift and see volume respond to breath. From the outset, Woven Dreams moved slowly and with intention. The silhouettes arrived layered, wrapped, and grounded, offering garments designed to hold the body rather than decorate it.

Designer and Creative Director Nova Lorraine has long worked from a place of story rather than trend, and here that instinct felt especially clear. Sculptural forms were softened through hand-crafted textures. Cocooned coats, rope-thick knits, and enveloping shapes suggested protection, comfort, and strength all at once. These were pieces meant to be lived in, not styled for a single moment.

What stood out most was the relationship between the garments and the people wearing them. Models moved with calm assurance, allowing weight, texture, and structure to speak naturally. Nothing felt forced. The pacing was steady, almost meditative, giving the clothes space to breathe.

The palette stayed close to earth and atmosphere. Clouded whites, creams, taupes, and softened neutrals reinforced the sense that Woven Dreams exists somewhere between memory and possibility. The collection felt less seasonal and more personal, like garments chosen for how they make you feel rather than how they photograph.

Models (L to R): Suzanny Munhoz Mendola , Taylor McCloud

There was also a strong sense of collectivity throughout the presentation. From casting to collaboration behind the scenes, House of Nova felt built through community. This was not a singular vision imposed on the runway, but a shared one shaped by many hands and lived experience.

In a week often defined by excess, Woven Dreams chose clarity and stillness. It trusted the work to speak quietly, and because of that, it spoke clearly.

Full Credits

Cover Credit and House Photographer

Vital Agibalow for Hensel

Models

Katia Biassou
Maria Cardim
Michaela Dairsow
Aleksandra Dubrovskaya
Kevin Evangelista
Reiko Hemrick
Abigail Irwin
Taylor McCloud
Suzanny Munoz Mendola
Maximilien Ngbokoli
Nirvana Pichardo
Vera Sakolych
Sydney Sennett
Sofia Suri
Gianna Thimons
Esther Ugwuegbu
Yumi Xhiang
Jiale Zhang

Performers

Dancer: Ayasia Lay
Violinist: Shiann Rose

Nails

Pattie Yankee for Pattie Yankee Nails

Creative Team

Team Lead, Hair: Willa Williams Ferreira
Hair and Makeup: Omega Bullock III, Chingiz Satylganov
Makeup Artists: Karishma Mehta, Amber Taylor
Shoe Designer: John Ashford
Stylists: Aspen Cheye, Nathan Rosado
Runway Coordinator: Sami Jadee

Team Photographer

Jonathan Crespo

Videography

Jace Littlejohn
Jania Sanders
Tobi Loke
Emilia Ramirez
True Jabo
Nena Emmi

Creative Contributors

Nathan Rosado
Bryson Littlejohn
Paris Fenty
Deja Lenée Ellison
Leah Lawrence
Te’Andra Mallett
Emilia Ramirez
Ti-Bria Redd
Uwe Westmeier
Sandy Mekail

Co-Producers

Nova Lorraine
Vital Agibalow
Joe Littlejohn Jr.

Media and Sponsor Relations

Britta Cabanos
Ayana Gordon
Carlotta Harrington

NYFW Show Team

Emmanuel “Nano” Anegbode
Camille Avent
Britta Cabanos
Ayana Gordon
Oksana Gronskaia
Carlotta Harrington
Sage Littlejohn
Aspen Littlejohn
Omna Mulugeta
Ebuka John Okoro
Dr. Wednaud J. Ronelus
Dr. Rasfata Geddes
Denis Hubert
Sally Sultan
Matha Weatherford
Vital Agibalow
Karleen Hemrick

Marketing and Social Team

E. Okoro
Ksenia Gronskaia
Sage Littlejohn
Aspen Cheye
Omna Muller

Investor Relations

Martha Weatherford

Event Assistants

Sage Littlejohn
E. Okoro
Sally Sultan

Security

Ronald Gamble

DJ

DJ Kal$

TRIB Leaders

Emmanuel “Nano” Anegbode
Dr. Wednaud J. Ronelus
Dr. Rasfata Geddes
Denis Hubert

With Gratitude

House of Nova extends sincere gratitude to the partners who supported the Woven Dreams runway presentation and helped bring the collection to life:

Archer Hotel New York, Boutique Luxury Hotel Partner
Yerba Madre, Organic Yerba Mate Beverage Brand
Topo Chico USA, Premium Sparkling Mineral Water
The Doux, Texture-Forward Natural Haircare Brand
Moore College of Art and Design, Fashion Program
Fashion Mingle, Global Fashion Networking Platform
Looking Glass Lifestyle, Culture, and Lifestyle Partner
VR 3D Design, Immersive and 3D Technology Studio
Kim Montgomery, Creative Contributor and Supporter

House of Nova Presents Woven Dreams

House of Nova: Woven Dreams

Full Credits

With Gratitude