There really is no such thing as an overnight success, even in fashion where things can move at lightning speed. While new designers may seem to emerge out of nowhere, in reality they spend years honing their craft and building their brands. I love following up-and-coming designers, some whose brands are currently underrated, seeing how they bring fresh perspectives to the industry, and how they blend creativity with wearability.
These five in particular are part of a growing trend of designers that are quietly reshaping how we think about style. While some may still be relatively unknown, they’re quickly on their way to becoming names every editor and fashion enthusiast looks to. Some of these collections may be a bit pricey, but they are also a great source of inspiration…and you never know when an amazing piece might go on sale! In no particular order, here are five of the latest brands to have on your radar.
Kallmeyer
KALLMEYER
If you’ve been paying attention to what so many editors were gravitating towards during New York Fashion Week, chances are you’ve seen Kallmeyer pop up again and again. Daniella Kallmeyer’s eponymous label which launched in 2012 is becoming something of an insider favorite, known for razor-sharp tailoring, clean lines, and that elusive mix of downtown ease with uptown polish. (one of my favorite combos!) It’s the kind of brand that fashion editors and stylists quietly slip into their own wardrobes…you may even say they gate keep. Think sleek suits, easy slip dresses, perfectly cut trousers: the kind of wardrobe staples you end up wearing on repeat.
In a city that never slows down, Kallmeyer has nailed the uniform for women who want to look pulled together without trying too hard. Kallmeyer has proven she can hold her own among even the best quiet luxury brands. Her elegant Madison Avenue store sits firmly in a neighborhood where old money and stealth wealth reign, and her timeless elegance perfectly complements the storied fashion houses that surround her.
Nour Hammour
NOUR HAMMOUR
If you know, you know…and right now, the buzz is all about this Paris-based luxury leather brand that has garnered significant attention among the fashion-obsessed. Think Parisian style with major New York appeal. Founded in 2013 by Nour Hammour and Erin Conry Webb, the label began by creating bespoke leather jackets and has since expanded the collection to include a range of meticulously crafted outerwear pieces and tailored pants & skirts. Nour Hammour’s collections feature supple leathers and suedes made with exceptional quality and cool, coveted designs. Their pieces feel elevated yet effortlessly wearable, perfect for anyone looking for investment pieces that you can actually wear on a daily basis. Their leather goods come in blacks, browns and earthy tones mixed with their timeless design put this French clothing brand on our radar as a favorite for years to come.
I’ve personally been eyeing the Briar cropped bomber jacket. Now if only I choose between black and brown! Could high-end handbags be next on their list to conquer? One can only hope!
Róhe
RÓHE
Think of Róhe as part of the new guard redefining minimalism…like a younger cousin to The Row or Totême, but with its own Scandi-esque viewpoint. The Amsterdam-based label has been steadily gaining traction for its subtle details and play on tailoring, sculptural knitwear, and elevated staples that feel just as effortless as they do directional. I love that their clothing feels timeless and ageless; clothes that you can have forever and grow old with. Some stylish pieces that stand out to me this season are the double layer wool tank/ turtleneck that you can wear together or separately and this sculptural peplum top. I am also obsessed with their outwear like this oversized trench, this leather jacket, this wool coat and this shearling style.
RÚADH
RÙADH
If you’re interested in the more sustainable corners of the fashion world, RÙADH is one of those labels quietly catching fire. Founded by Jac Cameron (a veteran denim and tailoring designer with stints at Abercrombie & Fitch, CK, Madewell, and more) RÙADH blends quality craftsmanship with a modern, wearable edge. She launched this brand with an 11-piece denim capsule, but has since expanded into organic knits, classic shirting, boxy tees, and structured jackets, all made in small batches with regenerative, sustainable materials. But what makes RÙADH feel like New York’s latest downtown favorite is how it hits that sweet spot: clothes you want to wear every day, but made with thought, integrity, and careful attention to detail.
While this brand quietly expands, I’ll be over here quietly obsessing over The Henderson Jacket, The Finlay Shirt and The Russell Pant. Right now, RÙADH feels like it could be the next big name in contemporary fashion with coveted designs and reasonably-priced luxury pieces.
DIOTIMA
DIOTIMA
Rachel Scott, who founded New York-based brand Diotima in 2021, blends crochet and artisanal handwork (often made in her native Jamaica) with sharp tailoring in a way that feels fresh but also grounded. Her pieces hit that sweet spot between artful and wearable with a unique twist on innovative design and intricate details. What really turned heads recently? She was just tapped as the new creative director at Proenza Schouler, stepping into the role after founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez moved on to Loewe. While Scott continues to build her beloved indie label, she’s also now poised to steer this New York legacy design house into what comes next.
To discover more, here are 10 of the best designer denim brands you should also know!
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