Names To Know This Fashion Week

Fashion: obsessed with the new but determined to root it all in the past to give us context. All designers — icons, scions, eponymous couturiers — had to start somewhere, so we’ve rounded up 5 newcomers this fashion week who are stealing the show.

Each designer brings a newcomer’s flair, while paying homage to the legends who have come before them. Now, it’s time to get inspired by the next generation of fashion greats.

Consider this your New York Fashion Week cheat sheet.

@jonathancohenstudio

Design careers start one of two ways: fresh out of school, or after years of training under the industry experts. Jonathan Cohen smartly chose the latter path, working at Oscar de la Renta after graduating from Parsons in 2011.

What closet void will he fill? Comfortable yet tailored dresses in luxe fabrics.

Followers: 2,665

Founded: 2011

@carolineconstas

The Canadian left behind a pre-med career to focus on the human form in another way: designing incredibly wearable clothes that highlight a woman’s best features and natural curves. The woman’s not afraid of a ruffle in a men’s shirting fabric, and we’re loving it.

What closet void will she fill? Dresses and tops sure to be conversation starters, thanks to their playful, feminine cuts.

Followers: 2,657

Founded: 2013

@hrbsn

His time spent at Michael Kors and Billy Reid clearly taught Charles Harbison, the North Carolina-born womenswear designer, about creating something investment-worthy and timeless. His aesthetic is streamlined with an emphasis on rich, unexpected fabrics. Example? A silk dress of cascading ruffles, mixing pinstripes and florals, or a felted and collarless wool opera coat.

What closet void will he fill? The space you’d typically fill with Proenza.

Followers: 8,917

Founded: 2013

@staud.clothing

Stylists often make the best designers, and proof positive is Sarah Staudinger. Her style formula is refreshingly simple: body-lengthening shapes (like a tight t-shirt dress) and incredibly simple shapes (crewnecks, cropped trousers, fitted turtlenecks, zero nonsense adornment). Is it ’90s? Is it ’70s? One thing’s for sure—her collection feels truly fresh. Current fans include Harley Viera-Newton, Emily Ratajkowski, and jewelry designer Alison Chemla.

What closet void will she fill? Clean shapes that all play together, right for work or play.

Followers: 13.2k

Founded: 2015

@monsemaison

The same women who wear and love Oscar—everyone from Amal to Selena Gomez—have been turning up in Monse, launched by (shock: Oscar vet) Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim. It’s all the urban whimsy and artful tailoring that an intelligent woman wanting to make a statement will enjoy. Excellent for when you’re a plus-one at a wedding and know no one.

What closet void will they fill? For when the invitation reads “cocktail” or “black tie”—a younger Oscar de la Renta, some have said.

Followers: 4,745

Founded: 2015

@jonathancohenstudio

@carolineconstas

@hrbsn

@staud.clothing

@monsemaison

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