COLLECTION VIII ‘MY DREAMS ARE LOVED’
SOMNIIS | PARIS DEBUT | OCTOBER 2026
Our dreams are loved.
We are beyond excited to present our eighth collection, My Dreams Are Loved, marking the Paris debut of SOMNIIS.
This collection, and our journey to Paris, serves as a testament to the belief that dreams, when nurtured, valued, and consistently pursued, eventually bear fruit. Our Paris debut is a reflection of that conviction—a celebration of perseverance, creativity, and the beauty of seeing a vision come to life.
Presented at the esteemed Hôtel Le Marois in Paris's 8th arrondissement, the venue provided an artistic setting that complemented our vision for the season.
For Collection VIII, we sought to return to the roots of SOMNIIS, drawing inspiration from floral beauty and the art of femininity in its purest expression. Characterized as "Romantic Femininity" by ELLE UK, the collection explores the delicate yet expressive nature of femininity through a softer, more poetic visual language.
Spring-inspired colors, including radiant sun yellow, breathe life into the collection, while lush textures create unexpected contrasts. Laser-etched velour meets leather, fur trousers, and sculptural silhouettes, bringing together softness and structure in a harmonious dialogue. Every garment reflects influences gathered throughout our decade-long creative journey, reimagined through the perspective of who we have become today.
At the heart of My Dreams Are Loved is a deeply personal story. Stanton's dream of presenting a collection in Paris began years ago during a conversation with his father about what they believed was possible. This collection represents a full-circle moment—the realization of a dream once spoken, now brought to life on an international runway.
Floral elements extended from the sleeves of several garments, appearing to take on voices of their own as models moved down the runway. These details became living extensions of the garments, expressing the beauty, movement, and emotion woven into the collection.
In collaboration with Arrem Fragrances, we introduced an additional sensory dimension to the runway experience. Each look was paired with a distinct fragrance, allowing the audience to experience the collection beyond sight. As the models walked, scent became an invisible extension of the garments, reinforcing the beauty and individuality of each design. It was an intimate experience reserved for those in attendance, adding another layer of storytelling to our Paris debut.
My Dreams Are Loved is more than our eighth collection. It is a reflection of ten years of creative exploration, the people who believed in our vision, and the dreams that continued to grow even when their realization seemed distant.
A dream nurtured in love. A vision realized through perseverance. A moment we once imagined, now lived.
SOMNIIS — Collection VIII, Paris 2026.
RUNWAY
LOOK 1
LOOK 2
LOOK 3
LOOK 4
LOOK 5
LOOK 6
LOOK 7
LOOK 8
DETAILS
COLLABORATIONS
SOMNIIS x ARREM FRAGRANCES
An Experience Beyond the Visual
In collaboration with Washington, D.C.–based Arrem Fragrances, SOMNIIS introduced an additional sensory dimension to our Paris runway debut for Collection VIII. Rooted in our desire to create an experience that transcended fashion, this partnership allowed us to explore the relationship between scent, emotion, and visual storytelling.
Each runway look was thoughtfully paired with a distinct fragrance, carefully selected to complement the garment's aesthetic, character, and overall expression. As models graced the runway, their presence was accompanied by captivating aromas, creating an atmosphere that invited the audience to experience the collection beyond what the eye could see.
Fragrance became an invisible extension of each garment, adding depth to the silhouettes, textures, and romantic femininity that defined the collection. The scents created a sense of intimacy and curiosity, encouraging guests to lean closer, engage their senses, and become more immersed in the world we envisioned.
Through this collaboration, Arrem Fragrances helped bring our creative vision into greater harmony. What began as a presentation of garments evolved into a multisensory expression of beauty, where fashion and fragrance existed together to tell one cohesive story.
A collection not only to be seen, but to be felt, remembered, and experienced.
Rob of Arrem Fragrances and SOMNIIS designer Stanton Ridley reflect on their Paris runway collaboration and how fragrance brought a new sensory dimension to Collection VIII.
SOMNIIS x DOSSO BEAUTY
Where Beauty, Heritage, and Creativity Meet
Our Paris debut for Collection VIII was made even more meaningful through our collaboration with DOSSO Beauty, founded by fellow Hampton University alumna Kadidja Dosso.
Our relationship extends beyond the fashion and beauty industries. Having both attended Hampton University and earned recognition as Black Ambition Prize winners, Kadidja and SOMNIIS designer Stanton Ridley share a foundation rooted in entrepreneurship, creativity, and the pursuit of building something meaningful.
Known for its commitment to natural hair care and celebrating the beauty of textured hair, DOSSO Beauty brought its expertise to the runway by creating the hairstyle for Yemi's closing look. Their artistry beautifully complemented the collection's exploration of romantic femininity, bringing an added dimension of elegance, individuality, and cultural expression to the final presentation.
There was something particularly special about bringing together two Hampton University alumni, each pursuing their own creative vision, on an international stage. What began as a shared educational foundation became an opportunity to celebrate one another's growth and accomplishments.
It was an honor to have Kadidja and the DOSSO Beauty team contribute to such a defining moment for SOMNIIS. This collaboration represents more than beauty and fashion coming together. It is a celebration of shared roots, Black entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating opportunities for one another as we continue to grow.
Two creative journeys. Shared roots. One unforgettable moment in Paris.
SOMNIIS x BIZU JEWELRY
The Art of Adornment
For our Paris runway debut of Collection VIII, SOMNIIS collaborated with BIZU to bring an additional layer of artistry and expression to all eight runway looks.
Jewelry has always held a unique place in fashion, possessing the ability to transform a silhouette, accentuate its details, and bring a sense of individuality to the wearer. Through our collaboration with BIZU, we explored the relationship between clothing and adornment, allowing each to complement and elevate the other.
Each runway look was thoughtfully styled with jewelry that enhanced the collection's exploration of romantic femininity. From the delicate interplay of accessories and fabric to the balance of structure and elegance, BIZU's pieces became an extension of our creative vision, adding depth and character to every ensemble.
Together, we celebrated the beauty of thoughtful styling and the importance of collaboration in bringing a collection to life. It was an honor to have BIZU contribute to all eight looks of our Paris debut, helping us create a cohesive visual narrative from the opening look to the final walk.
An expression of beauty where
fashion and adornment become one.
