PALMWINE IceCREAM SS26
PALMWINE IceCREAM’s new collection felt honest from the start. SS26 was made with care, not for effect. You could sense it in the air, the fabric, the silence between the looks.
What stood out most was how it spoke about women. The women around Kusi Kubi were part of the work. They were real. The clothes reflected them. Strong, soft, warm, focused.
There was less fabric this season, but more feeling. Shorter pieces, tighter fits. Nothing overdone. It just made sense for the time, the place, the heat. Craft stayed central. Leather was dyed using tree bark and sun. Cotton was woven by hand. Mesh, organza, deadstock. Each material chosen with care, not just to look good, but to carry weight.
The chainmail dress, the corset built over two days, the hand-painted boots. All of it came together without needing explanation. Outside, the space felt calm. Plants all around. You could hear the sounds of the city in the background. It reminded us how fashion can slow things down, if you let it.
How have your roots influenced the way you express yourself?
In some ways - yes. Growing up in a traditional Ghanaian home, you're surrounded by vibrant colours, intricate headwraps, and attention to detail. That naturally becomes a foundation for me to build on.
Leather is the main material in this collection, what led you to choose it?
My very first collection was created by repurposing vintage finds from flea markets and dead-stock. During a research trip, I discovered the artistry behind upcycled leather. It felt different , it required time, patience, and real dedication. That discovery ultimately led to the use of upcycled leather for MUSE SS26. A way not only to give old items a new life but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Where did your main inspiration for the colors and prints come from?
PWIC SS26 is a celebration of Women, Craft, and Nature ,a luminous tribute to women and their fundamental role in life, creativity, and community. Inspired by the powerful presence of women in my life, I wanted the collection to feel joyous, expressive, confident, and sensual. These intentions shaped the foundation of my early design process.
These outfits seem to bring out primordial instincts quite naturally, do you see them as being mostly suited for nighttime wear?
I'd say some pieces are best suited for nighttime because of the material and design process, others are everyday ,anytime, depending on how you feel.
PALMWINE IceCREAM
Words and interview by Donald Gjoka
