As Haute Couture ends and New York fashion week dawns, the fashion industry and its calendar are slowly clawing (although with care for its acrylics) back to normality.
The world of fashion is forever evolving and, we are graced with fresh new faces who come with a whole new world of ideas and their unique design philosophy. But, as we know, fashion week is an exclusive and prestigious event-not to mention impossibly busy. It can be hard to watch every show (even if you do stream most of them on YouTube) as life gets in the way and, not even the most avid fashion lover has the time to sit through every catwalk.
It can be hard to whittle down the designers who are or aren’t worth the time, so we have done the busy work for you with our list of five up and coming designers to watch this year. Not only do we love their distinct styles, but we will be very excited to brag about how we knew them before they blew up.
LaQuin Smith – New York
One of Smiths delicious designs. Photo from Alamy images
Having been rejected from Parsons and The Fashion Institute of Technology, Smith debuted his first collection in 2010, with the show attended by fashion giants such as the late Andre Leon-Talley. His work has taken inspiration from Marie Antoinette to Cruella De Ville. His collections ooze with sensuality and style, sported by celebrities such as Winnie Harlow and Rihanna.
Daniel W. Fletcher – London
Fletcher’s spring summer 19 collection. Image from Alamy images
Fletcher, the runner-up of Netflix’s Next In Fashion, is a genius with tailoring and classic cuts. The British designer graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2015. He recently ventured into womenswear and the brand is currently on its eighth season. With Mod inspirations and a rich neutrally geared palette, his work channels casual luxury and modernity.
Miss Sohee – Milan
Image of Gemma Chan in A Miss Sohee gown on the red carpet, from Alamy images
As seen on Bella Hadid, Ariana Grande and Naomi Campbell Sohee Parks voluminous and elegant gowns are inspired by escapism and the female form, with her first collection titled ‘girl in bloom’. She describes her work as demi-couture and has featured in publications, such as Vogue, Elle and W. Her work is perfect for lovers of modern femininity. As a 2020 graduate of Central Saint Martins, this year will be Park’s first showing at fashion week.
Weinsanto – Paris
Weinsantos work is camp and full of colour. Photo from Alamy images
Victor Weinsanto’s work is heavily inspired by cabaret and futuristic themes. Having worked for Chloe, Jean Paul Gaultier and Y/project, his collections are joyous and vibrant. The brand was launched in 2021 and will be showing its fourth collection this fashion week.
Yuhan Wang – London
Wang’s spring summer collection. Image from Alamy images
Starting in 2018, Yuhan Wang focuses on a rebellious and fluid aesthetic with a penchant for layering. As with others on the list, she is a graduate of Central Saint Martins but worked under the brand Marni for three seasons before committing to her brand. Wang has described her work as Beauty with weirdness, softness, delicacy and sensibility”.
Which designers will you be watching this month? Tweet us @Fashion_North.
