Fashion heavy hitters like Dior, Versace and Prada have become household names — thanks in part to Sex and the City — but there was a time when only those in the industry knew who they were. So, which designers currently have the fashion mags and industry pros buzzing? Here are a few of the names you should know…
L.A. DESIGNERS:
Whitley Kros: Designers Sophia Coloma and Marissa Ribisi (artsy / casual chic — L.A. and Australia).
Zachariah Bryant: Designer Zachariah Bryant (global chic).
NEW YORK DESIGNERS:
Coley Claire: NYC Designers Amy McCormick and Kate Hayes (vintage).
Vena Cava: NYC-based designers Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai (classic, elegant).
Erin Fetherston: NYC designer Erin Fetherston (urban chic).
Rogan, Loomstate and EDUN: All three headed by designer Rogan Gregory in collaboration with other designers (Eco-friendly).
Day: Designers Justin Thornton [ from Preen ] and Thea Bregazzi (classic bohemian).
Nikka: NYC-based designer Kanika Saluja (classic / hippy chic).
ITALIAN DESIGNERS:
Carta E Costura: Italian Designers Alessandra Carta and (slightly androgynous yet feminine / elegant).
Moka Ultra Pop: Designers Fabio Molinaroli and Marco Turella (pop art apparel).
LONDON DESIGNERS:
Antipodium: Designers Ashe Peacock and Geoffrey Finch (London and Australia).
AUSTRALIAN DESIGNERS:
Whitley Kros: Designers Sophia Coloma and Marissa Ribisi (artsy / casual chic — L.A. and Australia).
Lover: Australian Designers Susien Chong and Nic Briand (vintage).
Manning Cartell: The designers are sisters Cheryl, Gabrielle and Vanessa Manning (classic, feminine).
Antipodium: Designers Ashe Peacock and Geoffrey Finch (affordable, functional-chic — London and Australia).
Therese Rawsthorne: Designer Therese Rawsthorne (edgy).
Gail Sorranda: Designer Gail Reid (feminine).
Thurley: Designer Helen O’ Connor (classic-chic).
Carl: Designer Carl Kapp (flirty, feminine but known for his masculine tailoring).
Whitley Kros: Designers Sophia Coloma and Marissa Ribisi (artsy / casual chic — London and Australia).
JAPANESE DESIGNERS:
Shimada: Designer Junko Shimada ( quirky, fun Japanese designs).
Rei Kawakubo: Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (heavily constructed / avant-garde).
Junya Watanabe: Japanese designer (edgy Japanese designs).
RUSSIAN DESIGNERS:
Kira Plastinina: 15 year old Russian designer Kira Plastinina (teen / tween — Russia, L.A., New York).
Many a new designer has said they were inspired by the classic / sleek lines of Elsa Shiaparelli’s designs; check out these designers to see which fashion heavy-hitters influenced them and which old-school design houses are looking to the newbies for ideas.
For more information on these designers, their new lines, how to purchase their clothing and boutique locations, visit the designers websites.