10 Emerging Designers to Know Ahead of New York Fashion Week

March 2024 · 4 minute read
1

Maisie Wilen

maisie wilen fall winter 2021Maisie Wilen

Yeezy protégé Maisie Wilen (whose real name is Maisie Schloss) quickly rose to fame after Kim Kardashian was seen sporting her psychedelic striped dresses and skirts—in several different colors—back in 2019. The L.A. based designer has become known for her poppy, sugary approach, so spring 2022 is sure to include ample color and lots of fun fabrics.

2

Theophilio

theophilio black fashion fairTheophilio / Jean Philipe

Championed by industry insiders like T.A. luxury boutique owner Telsha Anderson and Black Fashion Fair founder Antoine Gregory, Theophilio is quickly becoming a household name. Jamaican-American designer Edvin Thompson makes contemporary clothing with an island feel and a Brooklyn heart. Between the brand’s one-of-one Family Reunion tees that made waves this summer and his selection of carefully woven knits, Theophilio has pieces for everyone.

3

House of Aama

house of aamaHouse of AAMA

Founded by mother-daughter design duo Akua Shabaka and Rebecca Henry, House of Aama creates timeless pieces that are inspired by the Black experience. The brand is produced entirely in Los Angeles, and in keeping with the West Coast lifestyle, the look is undeniably laid-back: Think effortless pieces like billowy tops and wrap skirts with polished details.

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4

Kim Shui

kim shui runway checked fall 2020Kim Shui

With more than 180,000 followers on Instagram, Kim Shui has attracted some pretty high-profile admirers. Her super-sexy party attire has been worn by Hailey Bieber and both Gigi and Bella Hadid. The Y2K-meets-Bratz doll aesthetic and form-fitting silhouettes will undoubtedly propel the brand to the next level.

5

Private Policy

privacy policy fall winter 2021Private Policy

As inclusive as it is fashion-forward, the New York– and Shanghai-based brand Private Policy offers everything from sportswear to relaxed tailoring to party dresses. The brand’s founders, Haoran Li and Siying Qu, have put sustainability efforts at the forefront of the brand’s ethos, with a focus on genderless silhouettes and high-quality fabrics. Look for tactile finishes (like open mesh overlays) to amp up the overall sensory experience of each collection.

6

Social-Work

social work mohair sweaterSocial Work

Social-Work is a New York–based brand founded by Chenghui Zhang and Qi Wang that specializes in cool clothes with a distinct downtown feel. Combining Chinese elements like utilitarian silhouettes with Western details, each collection brings a human touch to the design and production process. The brand also offers a level of much-needed transparency with a database on its e-commerce site that charts who makes the pieces and how many hours each one takes from start to finish.

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7

Barragán

barragan fall winter 2021Barragan

Inspired by designer Victor Barragán’s version of Mexico City, Barragán represents the future of fashion in the best way. The unisex label draws attention to the Mexican capital's status as a burgeoning style hub, while incorporating elements of the nation's history in the process. A prime example: Its popular leather spiral pants are inspired by an ancient petroglyph symbol that represents evolution. The brand has become a fan favorite among underground fashion fans looking for something with a bit more edge.

8

Puppets and Puppets

puppets and puppets fall winter 2021Puppets and Puppets / Jordy Rogac

As the name suggests, emerging brand Puppets and Puppets designs clothing that presents a playful take on doll-like silhouettes. From Marie Antoinette–inspired minidresses with Baroque prints to accessories like its viral cookie and pomegranate bags, the brand doesn’t take itself too seriously (aside from its focus on using upcycled deadstock materials). It's putting the fun back in fashion for the new season.

9

A. Potts

a potts fall winter 2021A. Potts / Gregory Wikstrom

A. Potts is a unisex brand with clean-cut lines and pristine tailoring. Designer Aaron Potts was born in Detroit but raised in Brooklyn, and like many other BIPOC creatives in the industry, he discovered his love for fashion thanks to well-dressed members of his church in their Sunday best. The designer’s pieces are meant to transcend seasons and trends, meaning you'll want to wear them again and again.

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10

LRS Studio

lrs fall winter 2021LRS /

A prime example of how fashion and art coincide, contemporary label LRS is all about concepts coming to life. From the bold motifs directly inspired by art photography to unexpected takes on classics like the jean jacket and blazer, each piece is designed to stand out. The brand was created by Mexican designer Raul Solis, who has strong industry experience—he created denim for Proenza Schouler—under his belt.

Headshot of Shelby Ying Hyde

Shelby Ying Hyde is a Brooklyn-based shopping and fashion contributor BAZAAR.com, with bylines on The Zoe Report, Teen Vogue, Essence, Nylon, Elite Daily and more. Prior to entering the editorial space, she worked at luxury e-commerce giants Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi on the product editorial team, where she gained an extensive understanding of the luxury market as it pertains to shopping and engaging customers in a digital space. Follow @theshelbyying on Instagram for shopping advice, sale updates, and tips for building a well-rounded wardrobe.

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