Up and Coming Fashion Designers Everyone Should Know
In an industry saturated with instantly recognizable logos and familiar names, it’s easy to forget that new fashion designers are always emerging. And one of the best incubators for these creative talents is New York City.
Fashion is deeply woven into the fabric of this city, which hosts not only bi-annual Fashion Weeks, but is also home to the Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons School of Design, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and the appropriately-named Garment District.
And so it’s no wonder this city is constantly producing, fostering, inspiring and launching the careers of the next need-to-know designers. From graceful, androgynous menswear to political runway shows and even Rihanna’s costume designer, these are the names and labels we’re watching right now.
Selman landed on the industry’s radar when he bedazzled pop star Rihanna in an unforgettable, barely-there frock fitted with more than 200,000 Swarovski crystals. That was in 2014. Today, Selman—a graduate of New York’s Pratt Institute—is working on his eponymous line and regularly showcasing ready-to-wear looks at NYFW.
If you weren’t already familiar with the husband and wife team behind Brock Collection, 2016 was the year their success in the industry was immortalized. Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, landing them $400,000 as well as a business mentorship from Michael Kors. Their designs contrast ultra-luxe fabrics (brocade, fox fur, embroidered silk) with perfect, everyday jeans and timeless leather jackets.
New Yorkers know there is absolutely nothing as necessary as an effortless, comfortable shirt dress that somehow feels high fashion. That’s what Agnes, the designer behind Mariañes, promises to bring to the table. Her relaxed and monochromatic line focuses on conscientious textiles (like sustainable silk and organic cotton) produced here in the Big Apple with non-toxic, low-impact dyes.
Brandon Capps and Shane Fonner
Just launched in 2015, the duo behind Palmiers du Mal has captured New York City’s incredible diversity and global perspective with whimsical caftans and distinctive Japanese denim. Their line is exciting, unusual, and full of bohemian tie dyes and silk.
Last year, Hasibuan made her presence known in the fashion world when she unveiled the first-ever fashion collection to feature a hijab in every look. Beautiful headscarves served as the crowning accessories for richly textured and embellished gowns, tunics, and runway-sweeping jackets.
