See Ya Later, Retail Conglomerates...
All the small designers & brands you should be keeping an eye on.
Last week’s gloomy weather meant I spent most of the day huddled up inside getting less than glamorous cleaning tasks done. Rainy days also drain me of a lot of creative inspiration, so I spent the rest of the time when I wasn’t scrubbing the bathtub or organizing the sewing closet putting this list together. What better way to get myself out of a funk than to look at pretty things made by talented people? I already spend a lot of time looking for up-and-coming designers to feature in my styling work. I also spend a lot of time browsing for my own closet. So I’ve rounded up my current favorites - both small designers and independent brands. Have you seen the video of the two girls celebrating their first sale in their own shop? That’s the effect I imagine (and hope) we have when we place an order for a brand built with love and intention. As they say, money talks. So if you have the budget and a little bit of time to sort through and find what fits your style, I encourage you to put your money towards quality, well designed pieces.
La Veste - started by fashion moguls Blanca Miró and Maria de la Orden, they have mastered the art of the collar (among many other things).
Grace Ling - Grace studied at both Parsons and Central Saint Martins, so she has honed her craft to perfection.
H-andover - Boxers, but make it hot.
Materiel - Started in Georgia (no, not the state) this brand does tailoring to perfection. And in a lot of eco-leather.
Ashlyn - An LVMH Prize 2022 Finalist, Ashlynn has quite the resume to back up her name. Her brand is a little bit The Row, a little bit Sandy Liang.
Alainpaul - Founded in 2023, get in on this action before he blows up.
Madeline Marie - Did someone say volume? All of her pieces are made to order according to your measurements, and come with a lifetime tailoring promise.
Damson Madder - The perfect place to start your spring shopping.
Tae Park - This Brooklyn based brand initially blew up because of this top, but they have great pieces for minimalists who don’t want just another t-shirt.
Nurrk - Ethically designed in Spain, this is for the girls who like a little bit more color.
SBA Label - Made to order, they have a small but solid collection. I’m currently eyeing this shirt.
LGNC - Made 90% from deadstock fabric, this brand aims to blend past and future.
Lauren Manoogian - Neutrals done to perfection.
Dusen Dusen - I have been on the hunt for a really good robe, and I might have just found the one.
Colbo NYC - A store, but they also have their own in-house label. And just look at these - are they the perfect trouser?
Luisa Et La Luna - Summed up: Nensi Dojaka for grown-ups, with a dash of La Perla. But that doesn’t really do it justice, so please click the link to see for yourself.
Allina Liu - Another brand with similar ethos to Sandy Liang, but with more tailored elements.
T Label - My bucket list now includes a release of their patterns, because their shapes are stunning. Truly wearable art.
A—Company - “The label seeks to undo prescribed codes of dress with subtle, yet purposeful disruptions through sensitive and exact tailoring.”
JC The Label - An influencer favorite after the release of her first drop.
Apoc Store - Not a brand, but a marketplace for small designers on the more avant-garde side.
Dauphinette - The creator of the viral baguette bag. A legit baguette. They also do absolutely stunning hand embellishments and quirky pieces, like a spoon dress. It's whimsy, elevated.
@n_e_r_e_j_a - The chicest fur coats, all made of upcycled materials.
Eseili - One-of-one upcycled tops.
Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen - Search her account on Instagram and you won’t find anything except a photo of a black fly. Go to her website though, and you’ll be in awe. She has presented two collections, one called ‘Saturn Return’ and the other ‘Petite Mort’. It’s ethereal in a grungy way, if that makes sense. She takes inspiration from Victorian body-modifying undergarments, medieval silhouettes, and pagan earth-centered spirituality.
WARDROBE.NYC - This direct-to-consumer brand launched in 2017 and has been delivering beautifully tailored capsule wardrobe pieces ever since. They even take it a step further and make shopping for a capsule as easy as it gets - they sell entire wardrobe sets so you can get the most bang for your buck.
DIDU - Using sustainable fabrics, Di Du focuses on techniques and shapes to create modern garments that help to convey emotion.
LIBEROWE - Masters of the jacket. They have brought back the peplum in a way that feels fresh, and their Raja Signature Jacket is military done chic.
CHAVARRI - This young designer hand makes her one-of-one pieces in NYC, and takes inspiration from her Latin culture, as well as nature, the street of New York, and vintage objects.
And with that, I am signing off. I’ve been staring at this screen for too long. But I hope you enjoyed and maybe found a brand or two to keep an eye on.