Up And Coming Designers To Watch This LAFW Season
This season of the LAFW once again promises to inspire and to set the stage for the future of fashion in the U.S. We are thrilled to monitor what the emerging designers have to offer. Here’s a little round-up of the names that we believe should be on your radar.
• Tribute Brand
This Croatian label seamlessly merges the realms of fashion and technology, presenting a radical vision for the future of clothing. Founded in 2020, Tribute Brand is recognized as the world’s first direct-to-consumer fashion brand, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in both physical and digital realms.
Their digital offerings, described as Instagram Couture, allow consumers to purchase and wear virtual garments in social media and gaming environments. On the physical side, their collections, such as the PUNK tracksuits and the recent UNIFORMA line debuted at LA Fashion Week, showcase a commitment to waste reduction and durability.
The label will debut its newest collection inspired by the American idea of selling the dream at LAFW on November 13th.
• Rio
Rio Uribe, the creative force behind the label R!O, is redefining the boundaries of fashion with a unique, gender-fluid, and pan-ethnic aesthetic. After successfully relaunching R!O at New York Fashion Week in September, Uribe returns to his roots in Los Angeles to unveil his Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
The R!O collection showcases a vibrant palette and combines flowy, sporty streetwear with baggy silhouettes that celebrate both unity and individuality. Each piece reflects Uribe’s commitment to inclusivity and self-expression, making a bold statement in today’s fashion landscape.
• Bruce Glen
Design duo Bruce and Glen have carved a unique niche in the fashion world, starting their careers by launching celebrity brands for icons like Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. They launched their own sustainable clothing line in 2021, which emphasizes eco-friendly practices and ethical production.
Their collections are known for being colorful, bold, and inclusive, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility and fair labor practices. On their website, you can even read a warning: May cause extreme joy! Wear on repeat.
For their SS25 presentation at LAFW, Bruce Glen is set to deliver a fashion experience inspired by an American Sunday Service. This innovative showcase will feature a gospel choir alongside a spectacular Cirque du Soleil performance, blending fashion with artistry in a way that celebrates community and culture.
• Theophilio
Founded in 2020 by Jamaican-American designer Edvin Thompson and based in Brooklyn, New York, this contemporary fashion label is celebrated for its bold designs that intricately weave together Thompson’s Jamaican heritage with the vibrant urban culture of New York City.
Drawing inspiration from Jamaica’s dancehall scene, Theophilio’s collections showcase lively colors and innovative silhouettes, embodying a celebration of culture, community, and diversity. In recognition of his talent, Thompson was awarded the CFDA Award for American Emerging Designer of the Year in 2021.
He is known for exploring themes of migration, identity, and pride through sustainably crafted garments. His SS25 collection at LAFW is set to reflect Thompson’s personal experiences growing up in New York and promises to be a vibrant showcase of his unique aesthetic.
• Ed Hardy
Don Ed Hardy, often referred to as The Godfather of Modern Tattoos, is an internationally recognized artist who has played a pivotal role in elevating tattooing to a legitimate and expressive art form over the past fifty years.
As a master of traditional ink craft, he is celebrated for merging art with fashion. Now, Ed Hardy is making a vibrant comeback at LAFW, showcasing the brand’s iconic Y2K tattoo-inspired designs on the runway. The collection features bold graphics and a vintage streetwear aesthetic that appeals to a new generation of fans, including celebrities and trendsetters.
• 424
Founded in 2015 by Guillermo Andrade, 424 has quickly established itself as a pioneering force in the streetwear fashion scene based in Los Angeles. The brand is celebrated for its avant-garde approach, seamlessly merging high fashion with street culture to create bold, norm-defying pieces that resonate with a global audience.
The label offers a unique shopping experience that reflects its cutting-edge ethos, and it has garnered acclaim from fashion-forward individuals and celebrities alike, including Kanye West.
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