Fashion designer Jason Wu has collaborated with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to create a Spring 2026 collection titled "COLLAGE," inspired by the late artist's work and presented during New York Fashion Week. The collection draws on ten works from the foundation's holdings, including pieces from Rauschenberg's "Hoarfrost" series (1974–76) and "Airport Suite" (1974), with Wu granted rare access to study the artist's use of fabric and collage. The collection will be shown alongside a major Rauschenberg piece on September 14, 2025, and will be available for purchase in February 2026.
This collaboration matters because it bridges the visual art and fashion worlds, marking the centennial of Robert Rauschenberg's birth and highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary design. By translating Rauschenberg's experimental use of textiles and collage into wearable art, Wu extends the artist's legacy to new audiences, while the partnership underscores how fashion can serve as a platform for art historical engagement. The collection also coincides with the exhibition "Robert Rauschenberg: Fabric Works of the 1970s" at the Menil Collection, further amplifying the artist's relevance.