The Emerging New York Fashion Brands You’re About To See Everywhere
With the changing of the season comes a new beginning. For us, it’s a reassessment of our signature look. Do we like that shirt anymore; is that dress we lived in last summer worth keeping for this year? Are those trousers really doing us any favours? Call it a seasonal identity disorder of sorts. Whatever it is, it causes us to evaluate whether there’s room in our closets for some new fashion friends. Spoiler: There always is. And who best to welcome to the wardrobe family than these emerging New York labels. Poised to be the next wave of ‘It’ brands, these designers are about to be on every influencer and editor.
THE BRAND:
THE BIO:
Each season Ryan Lobo and Ramon Martin use staple separates as the starting off point for their striking lines. The New York-based designers oft feature bright, bold tones and block colour for shock impact, and their defined vision is what earned them a place amongst finalists in the 2013 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Oh, and their #madebywomen initiative makes us love the label even more.
THE AESTHETIC:
Layered wardrobe classics with ties, frills, and floaty silhouettes.
THE TOME WOMAN:
Fashion conscious conscious consumers akin to Vogue’s Tonne Goodman and Leandra Medine of Man Repeller.
THE BRAND:
THE BIO:
Ali Hewson and Bono founded New York label EDUN in 2005 with the primary purpose of supporting African artisans and creating a truly sustainable clothing brand. With the majority of materials sourced from the continent, EDUN’s mission is to promote community-based initiatives and encourage trade in Africa.
THE AESTHETIC:
Graphic, fun, polished street wear.
THE EDUN WOMAN:
Cool girls such as activist and model Adwoa Aboah or blogger Patricia Manfield.
THE BRAND:
THE BIO:
Sandy Liang and her label is for the ultimate New Yorker: The Lower East Side resident creates ready-to-wear that is both armour and clothing that demands a double-take. As if made for reformed rebels, this cult brand has become the go-to for women who don’t colour inside the lines.
THE AESTHETIC:
DGAF statement coats, tomboy cuts blended with luxe fabrics, all topped off with elements from children’s clothing that somehow work.
THE SANDY LIANG WOMAN:
Painfully cool powerhouses you want to be and be friends with. Think: Soo Joo Park, Tove Lo, MØ, Always Judging’s Courtney Trop.
THE BRAND:
THE BIO:
Darlene and Lizzy Okpo started William Okpo in 2010, with their father and family’s Nigerian heritage central to the brand’s identity. This fusion and juxtaposition of their parents’ style with American fashion results in collections of feminine yet functional pieces bearing African design elements.
THE AESTHETIC:
Luxury minimal, sporty styles in classic prints and interesting colourways; hardware used for impact.
THE WILLIAM OKPO WOMAN:
The Solange Knowleses and Eva Chens who want to look good and be comfortable while they take over the world.
THE BRAND:
THE BIO:
For designer Arianne Elmy art is as important as design. Whether it’s sculptural details, an emphasis on line, or experimentation with texture, the Pratt Institute graduate’s collections always possess a strong graphic quality. Oh, and a 90s hip-hop vibe – natch.
THE AESTHETIC:
Sophisticated boujee-meets-elegant magpie fodder.
THE ARIANNE ELMY WOMAN:
Bad bitches like Dua Lipa or Zara Larsson who aren’t afraid to toe the line between trashy and totally awesome.
THE BRAND:
THE BIO:
Five to Seven: This is the core concept behind Cinq à Sept. For this New York brand, the magical time between late afternoon and early evening is the main inspiration for every collection; the time when ‘anything is possible.’ Cinq à Sept captures this feeling in wearable form.
THE AESTHETIC:
Feminine, romantic silhouettes mixed with unexpected elements and frilly and delicate embellishments.
THE CINQ À SEPT WOMAN:
Modern-day Sophia Lorens and Audrey Hepburns.
