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Every season, dozens of young designers set out to introduce themselves to the industry's top editors, buyers, and, yes, bloggers, hoping to become the next big thing. Add to that a revolving door of creative directors at design houses in the past year, and our heads are truly spinning. So, we've edited down six important names we can't get enough of.
Mercedes Castillo
Born and raised in Spain, accessories designer Mercedes Castillo designs for women with the confidence to "be their own muses." After studying fashion design in Madrid and Milan, Castillo worked with Italian designer Gianfranco Ferré before relocating to New York. Now, she's branched out on her own to launch a contemporary shoe (and jewelry and handbag) label that focuses on bold, architectural shapes (inspired by her love of sculpture), and rich hues.
Clockwise from top left: Mercedes Castillo Spring '17 lookbook shot, Mercedes Castillo Delphia Sandal, $495, nordstrom.com; Mercedes Castillo pump, similar style at nordstrom.com; Mercedes Castillo Spring '17 lookbook shot, Mercedes Castillo pump, similar style at nordstrom.com.
Jonathan Saunders for Diane von Furstenberg
Now that British-born designer Jonathan Saunders first collection for Diane von Furstenberg is hitting stores (Saunders joined DVF as chief creative officer in Spring 2017), all heads are turned to see what he'll send down the runway for Fall/Winter 2017. His debut collection was lauded by the industry for its bright, clashing patterns and daring silhouettes, both of which are a world away from Furstenberg's traditional wrap dress.
Clockwise from top left: Diane von Furstenberg top, similar styles at nordstrom.com; Diane von Furstenberg Spring '17 lookbook shot, Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress, $698,nordstrom.com; Diane von Furstenberg Spring '17 lookbook shot.
Claudia Li
Parson's graduate Claudia Li has a rich history—she was previously head womenswear designer for UK wunderkind J.W. Anderson, in addition to working with designer and stylist Brandon Maxwell at the House of Gaga. With a preference for generous silhouettes like super wide denim shorts and oversized sleeves on white cotton button-downs, Li'a avant-garde style is sure to garner attention.
Clockwise from top left: Claudia Li dress, $732, claudiali.com; Claudia Li Spring '17 lookbook shot, Claudia Li jeans, $936, claudiali.com; Claudia Li bag, $995, claudiali.com.
STATE Bags
Combining functional sensibility with trend-based designs, STATE was created to address the immediate needs of American children living in challenging – and in some cases critical – circumstances. For every bag purchased, STATE hand-delivers a backpack (including other essential items) to an American child in need. And with a variety of innovative designs and color-ways, they're making their mark on the fashion-meets-philanthropy stage.
Clockwise from top left: STATE lookbook shot, STATE bags, similar styles on nordstrom.com; STATE Williamsburg Kent backpack, $52.48, nordstrom.com.
Beaufille
Created by Canadian sisters Chloé and Parris Gordon, Beaufille seeks to combine ultra feminine details with masculine tailoring—both aspects of fashion that the sisters enjoy
experimenting with. With a background in fashion and art (their mother is a fine artist specializing in painting), the sisters studied in a remote part of Canada, allowing for their imaginations and original ideas to flourish. Think ultra wide sleeves and hems, innovative design details and unusual fabrics.
Clockwise from top left: Beaufille top, $750, modaoperandi.com; Beaufille Spring '17 Lookbook shot, Beaufille dress, $730, modaoperandi.com; Beaufille Spring '17 Lookbook shot.
Glassing
With a penchant for high-tech designs and unusual materials, Milan-based sunglasses label Glassing is a collaboration between Alessandro Forte and Stefano Ottone. They focus on innovative materials, believe in young designers, and are committed to designing and creating cutting edge glasses. Coupled with their ingenious design elements are the knowledge and skillset of the best Italian factories, which they use for the production of their handmade products.
Clockwise from top left: Tango cat eye sunglasses, $220, nordstrom.com; Glassing editorial shot, Eddy round sunglasses, $390, nordstrom.com; Paul round sunglasses, $390, nordstrom.com; Glassing editorial shot.
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