For her Fall 2025 Bode collection, Emily Adams Bode Aujla found inspiration in the life and work of American composer Moose Charlap, best known for his contributions to Broadway’s 1954 Peter Pan and NBC’s 1966 live musical Alice Through the Looking Glass. This connection wasn’t random—Moose’s son, jazz pianist Bill Charlap, is married to the aunt of Bode Aujla’s husband, Aaron. Through Bill, a gifted storyteller, the designer and her husband began exploring Moose’s world, which led to this season’s look book featuring miniature dolls instead of models.

“Bill painted such a vivid picture of Moose’s life through his stories,” Aujla explained. “Emily and I were captivated by the idea of bringing those scenes to life physically, using them to frame the clothing.”

The collection reflects four key moments in Moose’s life: summers at a Poconos camp as a child, strolls through Central Park before or after shows, the Winter Garden Theater where Peter Pan premiered, and the Paris studio of painter Fernand Léger. Moose’s final, unfinished project—a musical about an artist’s life, co-written with lyricist Eddie Lawrence—was, as Bill describes it, a kind of precursor to Sunday in the Park with George.

True to Bode Aujla’s signature style, the collection blends nostalgia and craftsmanship. Think chunky vintage knits, ultra-soft souvenir tees, and standout pieces like a floral corduroy suit, a green patchwork suede jacket, and a gray wool suit embroidered with delicate blooms. While the menswear leans classic, the womenswear embraces theatrical flair—imagining what Moose’s wife, actor Sandy Stewart, might have worn onstage or to a glamorous opera night. Think lace-bodiced ball gowns, beaded flapper dresses, and hand-appliquéd velvet gowns with gradient stripes. A standout? A hammered-silk dress with Léger-inspired prints and fringe, ready for its red-carpet debut.