Where to Discover Emerging Fashion Designers This Year
The fashion world is a bustling hub of creativity, constantly evolving with new talent and visionary ideas from emerging fashion designers. Each year, a fresh crop of exciting emerging designers steps into the spotlight, and 2024 is no different. From Berlin to Paris, and New York to London, a global array of fashion capitals are fostering the next generation of style icons.
This article will serve as your ultimate guide, showcasing the most promising emerging designers to watch this year. We’ll dive into the key trends they’re championing, their unique inspirations, and the must-know labels that are shaking up the industry. So, buckle up, fashionistas, as we embark on a journey to discover the fashion designers of tomorrow, today!
Key Takeaways
- Anne Isabella’s upcycled designs draw inspiration from the 1960s and 1970s.
- Nicklas Skovgaard brings a bold, party-ready vibe to Scandinavian design.
- London-based Torishéju Dumi infuses Nigerian-Brazilian heritage into their aesthetic.
- Central Saint Martins graduate Feben is known for their twisted, woven creations.
- Maxhosa Africa showcases Xhosa textile heritage with stunning beadwork.
Emerging Designers to Watch in 2024: A Global Overview
The fashion industry is an ever-changing tapestry, with new designers emerging from across the globe to showcase their unique visions. This year, the trendspotter’s gaze lands on several international hubs, where the next generation of talent is setting the stage for the future of fashion.
From the eclectic styles of Berlin to the chic sophistication of Paris, here are the emerging designers you need to know about in 2024.
Anne Isabella: Eclectic Upcycling
Berlin-based Anne Isabella is a force to be reckoned with in the world of upcycled fashion, making her one of the top emerging female designers. Her namesake brand, anneisabella.com, is a haven for vintage lovers, reimagining styles from the 1960s and 1970s into contemporary must-haves. Think swanky go-go boots, playful bellbottoms, and groovy prints that will make you feel like you’ve time-traveled to a cooler era.
Isabella’s designs have an ethereal quality, often featuring floating silhouettes and a dreamy color palette. Her expertise in repurposing deadstock fabrics makes each piece an environmentally conscious choice, giving pre-loved materials new life. Imagine a 1970s maxi dress, reimagined with a modern twist: billowy sleeves, a daring thigh-high slit, and a bold, contemporary print.
You can find her collections at anneisabella.com, where each item is crafted with love and care, ensuring every wearer feels like they’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem, making Anne Isabella one of the top 10 emerging female designers.
Nicklas Skovgaard: Scandinavian Sensuality
There’s a new wave of Scandinavian designers taking the fashion world by storm, and at its forefront is Nicklas Skovgaard. Based in Copenhagen, Skovgaard presents a bold, unapologetic vision that challenges the minimalism typically associated with Scandinavian aesthetics, making her one of the most exciting emerging fashion designers. His designs are a celebration of opulence, drawing inspiration from Renaissance portraiture, pop culture, and the occasional art-world reference.
His ready-to-wear collections are a feast for the senses, with dramatic silhouettes, punchy colors, and statement-making details. Think oversized sleeves, dramatic collars, and unexpected cutouts that are perfect for a night out on the town. Available at nicklasskovgaard.com, his pieces will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a high-fashion version of a paint-splattered studio.
But Skovgaard’s appeal extends beyond the runway. His designs have a wearability that translates into everyday life, offering a touch of luxury and a confident attitude. You’ll be turning heads at the office or cocktail hour in no time!
REV: Parisian Innocence Meets Rebellion
Brother duo Laurent and Arik Bitton have combined their creative talents to launch REV, a Paris-based label that’s turning heads in the fashion capital. Their unique vision blends a mood of “innocence and rebellion,” creating an aesthetic that’s both captivating and enigmatic. Think of it as the fashionable love child of a 90s grunge concert and a high-end fashion gala.
Their collections feature sleek, tailored pieces with a rock’n’roll edge, often incorporating unexpected details like bold zippers, daring cutouts, and edgy studded accents. And it doesn’t stop there—the bitton brothers collaborate with iconic 90s designers, adding a layer of vintage cool to their already covetable creations.
Find their collections at the official REV website, revofficial.com, or at 10corsocomo.com for a truly unique fashion experience.
Talia Byre: Intimate Homespun Chic
Another London-based designer making waves this year is Talia Byre, whose intimate apparel line is taking the city by storm. Byre’s aesthetic is a delightful blend of whimsy and sophistication, crafting garments that exude a charming brand of “clever sexiness.” Think cozy knits, playful peplum dresses, and unexpected fabric combinations that will make you feel both comfortable and chic.
Byre shuns the traditional runway in favor of a more intimate setting, choosing spaces like Tenderbooks to showcase her collections. This approach adds an element of exclusivity to her brand, creating a sense of discovery for those in the know.
Talia Byre’s website, ssense.com, is your go-to for a unique and captivating shopping experience, featuring collections from top emerging fashion designers.
Emerging Designers Shaking Up the Industry in 2023
While we’re swooning over the latest designs from established hubs like Berlin and Paris, a new crop of talent is rising across the fashion landscape, shaking up the industry with their fresh voices. From West African inspiration to twisted woven art, these designers are making waves in 2023.
Agbobly: Bold Colors and West African Craft
Based in London, Agbobly is a brand founded by designer Agbobly in 2020, specializing in vibrant, colorful creations that pay homage to West African craft. Their Fall 2024 collection is a masterpiece of expressive prints, a collaboration with artist Harlan Hue that celebrates diversity and cultural fusion.
The pieces are a delightful interplay of unexpected textures and patterns, combining traditional motifs with a modern, urban vibe. Think bold dashiki tops, flowing maxi skirts, and statement earrings that echo the vibrant hues of the collection, perfect for a vogue editorial. Each garment is carefully crafted to showcase the beauty of West African culture, while also being a stylish addition to any contemporary wardrobe.
Marie Adam-Leenaerdt: Belgian Deconstruction
From Brussels, home to many emerging designers to know. comes Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, a designer who’s making waves with her uniquely deconstructed aesthetic, and has quickly become a name among the top 10 emerging designers. Her collections are a masterclass in oversized proportions and playful deconstruction, often featuring unexpected details like asymmetric hemlines and deconstructed sleeves.
Adam-Leenaerdt’s previous stints at Balenciaga and Givenchy have clearly influenced her distinctive, humorous point of view. Her designs are a celebration of individuality and self-expression, meant to empower the wearer with a confident, edgier charm.
Germanier: Maximalist Upcycling
Central Saint Martins graduate and London-based designer Germanier is a force to be reckoned with in the upcycling movement. Their signature aesthetic embraces a maximalist approach, combining unexpected textures and a “showgirl” vibe that’s both captivating and unique.
The brand’s signature look is a mix of bold, colorful prints and intricate embroidery, often upcycled from vintage garments. Imagine a 1980s power suit, reimagined with a modern twist: exaggerated shoulders, a colorful floral print, and a playful ruffle detail. Germanier’s collections are a reminder that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Their designs have attracted a dedicated following, with fans appreciating the brand’s commitment to reducing waste while staying fashion-forward.
Taottao: Acid-Washed Denim and Pastel Lace
Taottao is a London-based brand founded by designer Yitao Li in 2022. Li’s unique vision combines acid-washed denim with soft pastel plaid lace, creating unexpected juxtapositions that tantalize the senses. Imagine pairing a rugged, distressed denim jacket with a delicate, blush-colored lace skirt—the ultimate fusion of toughness and romance.
Taottao’s collections offer a fresh take on vintage classics, giving them a modern upgrade while retaining their retro charm. It’s like diving into a time machine, emerging in a stylish, revamped era, reminiscent of vogue archives.
Emerging Designers Making Waves at Paris Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week has long been a cornerstone of the industry, and this year, several emerging designers made their mark on the City of Lights. From stunning beadwork to avant-garde silhouettes, these labels turned heads and left a lasting impression.
Maxhosa Africa: Xhosa Textile Heritage
South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo debut his label, Maxhosa Africa, in 2011 at the age of 24, and it has since become a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. Ngxokolo’s creations are a living testament to over 100 years of Xhosa textile heritage, showcasing magnificent beadwork and intricate patterns that will take your breath away.
His collections feature elegant, flowing silhouettes, with traditional beadwork adorning everything from dresses to accessories. The intricate craftsmanship involved in each piece is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that inspires them. Imagine strolling down the street in a Maxhosa Africa beaded gown—a work of art that turns heads and sparks conversation.
Julie Kegels: Balancing Beauty and Ugliness
Julie Kegels is a Belgian designer who presents a unique vision that walks the line between beauty and ugliness, seriousness and ridiculousness. Her eponymous brand, launched after stints at Meryll Rogge and Alaïa, is a celebration of diverse aesthetics.
Kegels’ collections are a kaleidoscope of unexpected elements, combining crisp tailoring with whimsical details. Think oversized blazers paired with playful, colorful skirts, topped off with a quirky hat. Her designs embrace a quirky charm, ensuring you stand out from the crowd in the best possible way.
Ones to Watch at New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week has long been a launchpad for emerging talent, and this season’s showings were no exception. From upcycled puffer jackets to futuristic, sculptural designs, these are the labels that had everyone talking.
Nigel Xavier: Upcycled Puffer Jackets and Limited-Edition Drops
Nigel Xavier debuted their “Tapestry Collection,” a showcase of unique, upcycled puffer jackets that have taken the fashion world by storm. The collection also includes stylish trousers, using deadstock fabrics to create a one-of-a-kind look. Xavier’s aesthetic is an intriguing blend of eco-consciousness and fashion-forward design, making them a must-watch designer.
With a focus on limited-edition drops and a burgeoning home decor line, Xavier’s fashion brand is one to keep an eye on. Their pieces are a delightful fusion of form and function, ensuring you stay stylish and warm during the harshest of winters.
Kate Barton: Futuristic Ready-to-Wear
Kate Barton is a designer who’s honed a futuristic, sculptural aesthetic that’s both captivating and intriguing, marking her as one of the emerging designers to know. Her collections feature innovative, architectural silhouettes, with garments that seem to defy gravity. Barton incorporates cutting-edge technology, including AI try-ons, blurring the line between digital and physical fashion, underlining his credentials as an innovative creative director.
Imagine wearing a Kate Barton ensemble to your next black-tie event—a sleek, form-fitting gown with an oversized, structural sleeve and a bold color palette. Her designs are a bold statement of confidence and an ode to the power of future fashion.
Colleen Allen: Witchcraft and Femininity
Colleen Allen presents a unique vision that explores femininity through the lens of the “archetype of the witch.” Her debut womenswear collection is an enchanting blend of enigmatic silhouettes and unexpected fabrics, with a focus on elevated, sartorial pieces, showcasing her as an emerging fashion designer to know.
Allen’s designs often feature rich, vibrant colors and intricate embroidery, adding an element of mystery to her aesthetic. Think of strolling down a moonlit lane in a flowing, velvet gown, adorned with intricate threadwork and a hint of sparkle, perfect for a couture moment. The collection is a reminder that femininity is a powerful force, not to be messily with.
Conclusion
The fashion world is continually refreshed by the talent and creativity of emerging designers, and this year is no exception. From Berlin’s upcycled vintage scene to the bold, diverse voices of London and Paris, the global fashion landscape is a thrilling tapestry of style and innovation.
Supporting these new designers is crucial to the industry’s evolution, as diverse perspectives bring a rich array of experiences and aesthetics to the runway—and beyond. Each designer showcased in this article is a reminder that the fashion industry is a vibrant, ever-changing entity, always open to fresh voices and visions.
As we look to the future of fashion, it’s exciting to consider what new trends and talents will emerge. For now, these are the designers to watch, the ones setting the pace for the industry’s next chapter.
So, stay stylish, fashion lovers, and keep an eye out for these visionary creators. Who knows what exciting trends they’ll dream up next!