Bode SS26 Is a Poetic Tribute to a Musical Legacy

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Summary

  • Bode’s Spring 2026 collection, titled “The Expressionist,” is a tribute to the American composer Morris “Moose” Charlap (known for Peter Pan), conceived as a “visual songbook of a life in music”
  • The collection was unveiled at a Paris theater where the entire line was showcased on miniature puppets
  • Designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla shared personal anecdotes about her inspiration, tying the collection deeply to Charlap’s legacy and family memories

During Paris Fashion Week, Bode unveiled its Spring 2026 collection in a private event held at a theater. The collection was crafted as a heartfelt homage to the esteemed American composer, Morris “Moose” Charlap.

Stepping into the theater, I found myself captivated by an extraordinary presentation style: a miniature fashion show featuring Bode’s latest collection, meticulously crafted on tiny puppets. As spectators, we were granted an intimate view of these intricate designs as the dolls paraded in two neat rows.

Remembering Moose Charlap, the brilliant composer who graced Broadway with his timeless score for “Peter Pan,” I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to his legacy. Although he left us too soon at just 45 years old, his influence continues to resonate through his scores and family, including his talented son, Bill Charlap – a two-time Grammy nominee and one of the most distinguished jazz pianists of our era.

Emily Adams Bode Aujla gathered us to celebrate some of Moose’s most treasured pieces. Before Bill Charlap’s enchanting performance in tribute to his father, Bode Aujla shared her personal memories of being captivated by Moose’s “Peter Pan” score and the heartwarming moments she spent with Bill in her Connecticut home, reminiscing about their shared love for “Moose.

The theater showcased four small sections that illustrated pivotal moments in Moose’s life. One was set in Central Park, a place he often visited before and after Broadway shows with his wife, another at his childhood camp where he got the nickname “Moose.” In contrast to a standard Paris Fashion Week presentation, Emily Adams Bode Aujla expressed her creative ideas by discussing them. Billy sang three songs as a tribute to his father, explaining the symbolism behind “Some Summer Day” from Alice Through the Looking Glass, “I Won’t Grow Up” from Peter Pan, and “Please Let Me Die in Paris” from The Expressionist. The collection was named “The Expressionist,” inspired by Moose’s last, unfinished musical co-written with lyricist Eddie Lawrence. Bode’s designs embody the colorful world of music as portrayed by Moose Charlap and give it visual form through fashion.

 

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2025-06-28 05:25