(the data says yes!)

What’s happening at Mestiza?
Quite a lot, and in the best way.

We’ve officially launched our Spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection, one of our favorite moments of the year. It’s always rewarding to see a collection evolve from sketches and fabric swatches into pieces worn and styled by women in real life. And we’re just getting started…additional product launches are on the horizon.

But beyond newness, something else stood out when we reviewed our latest data.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a clear uptick in evening gown sales. In a fashion landscape that has leaned increasingly casual, and where daytime dressing typically leads, this shift has been both notable and exciting.

So, what’s driving it?

The Spring Gala Effect

Now through April marks peak charity gala season across many of our key markets. Think:

• Fiesta season in Texas
• Mardi Gras–related events in Louisiana
• Museum, hospital, and school fundraisers in New York
• Silent and live auctions, benefit dinners, and black-tie soirées returning to the social calendar

Historically, spring is the busiest season for nonprofit fundraising. Many organizations host their largest galas and auctions early in the year, before summer travel begins and after holiday giving slows. The result? More formal invitations and more opportunities to dress up.

Across cities, spring charity gala season is in full swing, driving demand for evening wear that balances elegance with impact. The gowns resonating most right now tend to share a few key qualities:

• Appropriate for formal and black-tie settings
• Photogenic for social and society coverage
• Distinct enough to feel memorable and conversation-worthy

While casual dressing continues to dominate everyday wardrobes, there’s a renewed enthusiasm for glamour when the occasion calls for it.

One additional trend we’re seeing clearly: sleeves.

Gowns with sleeves are consistently outperforming sleeveless styles. The appeal is practical and aesthetic offering coverage, comfort, warmth, and polish without sacrificing elegance.

The Top 3 Mestiza Evening Gowns Right Now

The Nereida Drop Waist Gown

The Nereida was initially introduced as a test—a full-skirted, drop-waist jacquard gown designed to feel dramatic, architectural, and timeless.

The response exceeded expectations.

Demand was so strong that we quickly reordered the style, and most sizes are now back in stock. What’s been especially notable is how customers are wearing it: not only to charity galas, but also as a standout choice for mothers of the bride, drawn to its structure, presence, and classic elegance.

It’s a reminder that when a piece feels truly special, women will find the occasion.

The Katherine Gown

Debuting with our Spring 2027 collection, the Katherine Gown made an immediate impression.

This sleeved column gown, crafted in a drapey stretch twill, features original Mestiza artwork down the center panel. The result is a silhouette that offers coverage while still feeling elongated, modern, and confident.

The Katherine resonates with women seeking something refined but expressive, an evening gown that feels understated at first glance and unforgettable in the details.

The Ophelia Gown

The Ophelia Gown continues to be a favorite.

Offered in three colorways, each version has developed a devoted following. Customers consistently highlight the sleeve coverage, which makes it especially appealing for cooler evenings and formal settings.

We’ve also seen growing interest in the Ophelia as a bridesmaid option which is a testament to its versatility, flattering fit, and ability to be worn well beyond a single event.

Evening Dressing, Reimagined

For years, evening wardrobes often relied on a single “safe” option: a classic black gown pulled out for every formal occasion. What we’re seeing now feels different.

There’s a growing appetite for bold colors, meaningful prints, and statement-making silhouettes—gowns that aren’t just worn, but remembered. Pieces that become part of a story, tied to moments, milestones, and celebrations.

And sometimes, the moment really does call for a gown.