At New York Fashion Week, Markarian’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection unfolded as a luminous ode to seaside living, weaving together floral exuberance with an increasingly assured offering of separates. Alexandra O’Neill leaned into a Maine-inspired mood, where tiger lilies, embroidered, beaded, and appliquéd, bloomed across looks, anchoring a collection that felt equal parts holiday fantasy and everyday summer ease.

Signature frocks appeared in airy poplins and crisp seersuckers, while relaxed trousers, gingham skirts, and boat-neck blouses grounded the lineup with wearable versatility. A white poplin shirt and pant set, its chest marked by a beaded tiger lily, epitomized O’Neill’s growing emphasis on separates, re-styled with tweed for a more polished take. Silhouettes embraced movement and composure: calf-grazing skirts, off-shoulder blouses, and ankle-skimming dresses that suggested femininity without veering toward twee.

Eveningwear carried the season’s couture-minded flourish. A strapless white gown strewn with sculptural tulle blossoms reimagined bridal codes, while the standout seashell beaded dress shimmered with coastal whimsy, its tactile surface evoking tide pools as much as dance floors.

Color radiated warmth: the fiery oranges and corals of tiger lily petals, offset by crisp whites and soft pastels, created a cheerful palette that stayed refined. Fabrics balanced breathability and structure cottons and tulles for day, tweeds and jeweled textiles for night, while embellishments highlighted focal points rather than overwhelming.

In SS26, O’Neill distilled her brand’s DNA into a cohesive, sunlit narrative: a wardrobe that captures the lightness of a Maine summer, where artisanal florals and seaside shimmer coexist with practical construction. Markarian offered not only occasion wear but also the promise of repeated wear, reinforcing the house’s growing space in both romance and reality.