We all watch with baited breath when luminaries like Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy—to name a few—debut their most recent collections at New York Fashion Week. But these fashion headliners aren’t the only shows worth catching thanks to a talented crew of up-and-comers (we use that term loosely, as many of these brands are established in coveted retailers, have big collaborations under their belt or already host a slew of celebrity clientele) who are gearing up to present their latest and greatest in a few short weeks. Here, 10 collections to keep on your radar that are bound to make a big splash among the fashion week veterans come September.
Sandy Liang
The 23-year-old design ingenue fuses girly details with edgy, downtown vibes (reflective of her NYC home base). Known for her colorful fur confections, Liang's pieces have been seen on several of fashion's heavy hitters such as Kate Foley.
Photo: Courtesy of Sandy Liang
Adam Selman
Fun fact: Selman got his start designing costumes for pop-music greats Britney Spears and Michael Jackson, plus he's dressed Rihanna on numerous occasions. His playful collections harken back to the '60s and '80s, with sporty influences and colorful hues making regular appearances in his pieces.
Photo: Courtesy of Adam Selman
Baja East
A label that's only two years old, Baja East has experienced explosive growth straight out of the gate. Taking a unisex approach to designing, the collection (helmed by longtime friends Scott Studenberg and John Targan) boasts global-inspired prints and patterns that center on laid-back luxury. Despite its early age, the label has been nominated for prestigious honors including the LVMH Prize for emerging designers and a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award.
Photo: Courtesy of Baja East
Brock Collection
Designed by couple duo (and new LA transplants) Kris Brock and Laura Vassar, Brock Collection centers on highly wearable, sleek silhouettes that prove timeless and elegant in any woman's closet. Though only in their third season, the collection has already caught the attention of mega-models Karlie Kloss and Lily Aldridge.
Photo: Courtesy of Brock Collection
Brother Vellies
A line of standout footwear inspired by traditional African styles, Brother Vellies shoes are handmade in South Africa, Kenya and Namibia to support local artisans. The ethically minded collection, designed by Aurora James, is now stocked in major US retailers including Madewell.
Photo: Courtesy of Brother Vellies
Hellessy
Founded in 2012 by Sylvie Millstein, Hellessy focuses on chic, streamlined silhouettes ideal for day-to-night dressing. Boasting a versatile, pared-back color palette, the collection is synonymous with minimalist luxury.
Photo: Courtesy of Hellessy
Ryan Roche
Renowned for romantic, luxe knitwear, Ryan Roche's eponymous collection focuses on sustainable, low-impact production of her yummy cashmere wares. A co-runner-up in the 5th season of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Roche collaborated with J.Crew this spring on ethereal pullovers rendered in her signature hue (pale pink).
Photo: Courtesy of Ryan Roche
Self-Portrait
London-based designer Han Chong (previously of popular contemporary line Three Floor) has made quite a splash in a few short years with his mid-priced label Self-Portrait—specifically in the celebrity realm. Seen on the likes of A-listers ranging from Jennifer Lopez to Reese Witherspoon, Chong's creations center on wearable, romantic dresses that boast beautiful sheer lace detailing.
Photo: Courtesy of Self-Portrait
Tome
Australian design duo Ryan Lobo and Ramon Martin waited thirteen years after graduating design school to launch their label Tome; the time was thoughtfully spent as they gathered their bearings individually within the industry before coming together to bring this dream collection to fruition. The CFDA-nominated line focuses on well made, everyday staples for the modern woman—think: modest silhouettes, great tailoring and classic patterns.
Photo: Courtesy of Tome
Ulla Johnson
A go-to brand for the modern bohemian, Ulla Johnson's namesake collection is inspired by her penchant for travel, boasting ethnic prints and ethereal silhouettes aplenty. Based in NYC, her line has been steadily on the up-and-up since 2000, retailing everywhere from Barneys New York to online shopping mecca Shopbop.
Photo: Courtesy of Ulla Johnson
