New Zealand-based designer Rory William Docherty drew inspiration from a visit to Scotland's Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis and Harris for his fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection. The line emphasizes craftsmanship through Harris Tweed and other traditional materials. Docherty aims to balance practicality and poetry in his durable designs.
Rory William Docherty, a designer with Scottish roots based in New Zealand, developed his fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection following a trip to the British Isles. After presenting a previous show in London last September, this collection reflects influences from the windswept Isle of Lewis and Harris. There, Docherty connected with Harris Tweed, a traditional fabric known for its regulation and protection. "We established a connection with Harris Tweed," he stated.
Observing the hand-weaving of single-origin wool on looms inspired him. "It was really inspiring to see that level of craftsmanship that’s been around for centuries," Docherty added. He began his design process with pastels and oil paints to abstractly render the fabric's herringbone chevron pattern. These motifs appeared on silk shirts, ties, a dress featuring tiered bubble skirts, and a silk velvet coat with a shawl collar and exaggerated shoulders reminiscent of past seasons.
Supporting local artisans, Docherty incorporated 100% New Zealand wool for stuffing, glass-blown beads, Scottish cashmere, and knitting from India. The collection evolves gently each season for longevity, much like his own 47-year-old blue velvet jacket inherited from his father. Shapes draw from the 1970s and 1980s, including draping and broad shoulders, while adding warmth through loose funnel necks, brushed wool stoles, balloon trousers in purple heather, and cotton pinstripe shirting that folds into a hood.
As a tactile designer, Docherty used crushed silk velvet in a black tunic dress and under suiting to evoke a human touch. Taffeta pieces in champagne, dusky pink, amethyst, and sky blue draw from iridescent sea foam colors. A standout item features trapezoidal panels of ebonized wood from Aotearoa, crafted by his partner Jordan Draffin, who shares Māori and Scottish heritage. The pattern echoes traditional Māori tukutuku woven art and Harris Tweed herringbone. "This is a very unique pattern, but it’s kind of like there’s a similarity that links all cultures. And I felt that’s a really lovely thing, especially at the moment," Docherty said. He seeks to amplify craftsmanship in practical, durable clothing. "That’s sort of what I want my clothes to be: a balance of both the practical and poetic," he explained.
