A large part of my job as a digital fashion editor involves being introduced to dozens of new brands all the time. On any given day, my email inbox and DMs are flooded with pitches, not to mention the amount of time I spend discovering these up-and-comers on my own (it’s become a hobby, at this point). But what does it take for any of these names to stick out in my mind? Is it a big splash on the influencer scene or spotting an A-list celebrity wearing the brand?
For the following seven emerging talents, it’s something a little less obvious but way more important when it comes to ensuring long-term success—the kind that goes beyond social media–fueled hype. The key to their success isn’t how many Instagram followers they’ve amassed or who’s worn their pieces yet. It actually lies on the pages of their résumés. From Gucci and Oscar de la Renta to The Row and Yeezy, this new guard of fashion designers is comprised of graduates of some of the most iconic houses.
It seemed obvious to me why the wealth of experience they gained would translate into really strong collections of their own, but I was curious to know more about how they see their backgrounds playing a role, so I chatted with each of them about what they learned from their past positions and what prompted them to launch collections of their own. Below, discover why these seven new fashion designers are names you’ll definitely want to know and shop our picks from each line.
Next, discover the L.A. brands all the coolest Angelenos are keeping secret from their NYC friends.
Source: Who What Wear – Anna LaPlaca