7 On-the-Rise Fashion Brands That Always Earn Me Compliments
Whether they’re brand-new labels that have just landed on the fashion scene or up-and-coming brands that are beginning to become household names, I always have my eye on emerging designers. Very often, I’m reporting on them for Who What Wear—sharing with readers which labels on the fashion scene are the must-knows at the moment. In addition to writing about the fashion brands, I’m testing driving them for myself, and there are some that always garner compliments.
Which fashion brands are they? They’re as varied as the pieces they design. It comes down to labels with inventive silhouettes that make a statement, original prints that feel unique, and forward brands that are shaping the trends. From designers based everywhere from Paris and L.A. to Copenhagen and Budapest, these are the seven fashion designers are fit in perfectly with my personal style—ones I always recommend to Who What Wear readers as well as my friends. Go on to shop my picks from each brand.
Nanushka
With beautiful pieces that range from satin dresses with side cutouts to minimal vegan leather jackets, all of Nanusha's designs feel destined for the modern woman's wardrobe.
Rowen Rose
French designer Emma Rowen Rose launched e-commerce for her label Rowen Rose earlier this year, and I'm telling everyone to invest in it. I've been a fan since day one.
Staud
L.A.-based label Staud has a range of cool-girl pieces that have a vintage-meets-modern feel. Everything—including bags and shoes—is priced under $500.
By Far
By Far is the accessories label everyone should know about. The brand started with shoes but last year launched bags as well. You'll be sure to find their pieces in every fashion insiders' closet.
Rotate
Scandinavian brand Rotate launched last year, and I immediately gravitated toward its pieces. It has very strong dress designs with details like puffy shoulders or metallic finishes.
Saks Potts
Another Scandinavian brand, Saks Potts designed the It coat we saw everywhere this winter. Slightly avant-garde, and 100% cool, Saks Potts is another label to watch closely.
LHD
If you want to instantly feel like you're on vacation, slip on a dress from LHD. The pieces bold prints are reminiscent of Miami where French designer Laure Heriard Dubreuil is based.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.