As the summer comes to a close and the warm months slowly fade away, there’s only one thing that makes fashionistas all over rejoice and that’s New York Fashion Week. From exclusive luncheons and networking events, to fashion shows and after parties, September is a month that brings out the top movers and shakers in the industry.
While some of our favorite veterans will showcase lines at Lincoln Center in the official Mercedes Benz Fashion Week roster, it’s the newcomers who have us eager and excited about what their creativity will bring to the industry.
Take a look at our picks of the hottest designers who’ve got next in the fashion game on the next page.
As the winner of Project Runway season 12, Streater (@DomStreater) is the first black designer in the show’s history to win the competition. Now with a monumental win under her belt and a foot in the industry, Streater is ready to show just what she’s made of.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, this young creative debuted her clothing line’s first collection called “Prima” at New York Fashion Week this past February. With great reviews and feedback from her 27-piece Fall/Winter 2014 collection, we can’t wait to see what the 25-year-old has up her sleeve for her Spring/Summer 2015 Collection debuting on Sept. 8.
Hassan Pierre
A Parsons School of Design graduate, Pierre (@HassanPierre) is definitely making a name for himself in the fashion industry. Launching his first demi-couture collection in 2009, Pierre’s “Way It Should Be” line has garnered lots of national attention, with his brand even being featured in the pages of America’s fashion bible, Vogue.
In addition to his own clothing line, Pierre is the founder of the traveling luxury boutique Maison De Mode, which brings ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, and accessories from leading ethical brands to some of the most highly recognized cultural events including film festivals, fashion events, and art fairs.
Known as a favorite among stars like Kerry Washington, Veronica Webb, and Selita Ebanks, this Haitan-American designer is sure to leave a lasting mark on the industry.
Launching his clothing line, Harbison (@HarbisonCollection) in 2013, this North Carolina native got a young start in the fashion game.
Between studying fine arts, painting, and textiles at North Carolina State University, Harbison held internships at Michael Kors and Jack Spade before spending a year abroad studying Central Asian textiles.
After enrolling in the fashion program at Parsons School of Design, Harbison went on to work at Michael Kors, Luca Luca, and Billy Reid, helping to produce both women’s wear and accessories. Now with his own collection under his belt, Harbison brings his own spin of luxury and femininity to the runways.
When first lady Michelle Obama wore a custom blue Azede Jean-Pierre (@Azede) frock for a magazine cover, it was clear that the young American designer was the one to watch in the fashion industry.
Making her New York Fashion Week debut last year, Jean-Pierre‘s namesake collection has caught
the attention of many celebrities, including fashionista Solange. With former work experience at Ralph Rucci and Ohne Titel, this Atlanta-bred designer with Haitian roots is sure to be on the radar of fashion insiders for a long time.As a former contestant on Project Runway‘s season 9, Goldson is continuing to make her name and brand relevant in the evolving world of fashion.
As a graduate of the Fashion Merchandising Management program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Goldson first began her career on the business side of the industry. After teaching herself how to design, this Brooklyn native then began designing custom pieces for clients in the Atlanta area, leading her to be recognized by Rolling Out as an emerging designer to watch.
Queen Enidiok
Launching her Queen E. Collection in 2012, Queen Enidiok (@QueenE4Naija) is bringing a unique twist to fashion patterns and African prints that are inspired by her Nigerian roots.
After leaving the healthcare field to follow her creative passion, Enidiok made
her first debut into fashion alongside many well known and established designers at the 2014 Africa Fashion Week London held in Lagos, Nigeria. Her fashions have been worn by film, entertainment and business leaders across the globe.Adding her own urban flare to her designs, Enidiok is sure to make a name for herself in the industry as a designer of both menswear and womenswear. She held her Queen E. Collection showcase in Brooklyn on Aug. 30th and launched her Website, setting the foundation for bigger boss moves to come.