Emerging fashion designers you need to know about
The fashion industry is always looking to the future: What’s trending? What are the current influences? Here are a selection of feted designers who are becoming ‘known’ for a signature style or approach to their work. And they’re making waves!
Tia Adeola
Starting out as a teenager in College,
Tia Adeola founded ‘Slashed by Tia’ (now known as
Tia Adeola). The brand was a favourite with celebrities like Gigi Hadid. Tia’s current focus is on a refined take on ruffles and see-through organza. Adeola has developed strong partnerships with Global brands such as Nike, who sponsored her show in College. The relationship enabled her to recreate an outfit worn by Serena Williams during the US Open in 2012.
Adeola is focused on celebrating her Nigerian heritage by showing her collection at Lagos Fashion Week. She’s a designer poised to break down barriers with dignity while embracing her vision with a deferential nod to her heritage.
Standing Ground
Michael Stewart started his label
Standing Ground in 2021. With a focus on
slow fashion, the Irish designer’s creations reference a bygone era of made-to-measure couture.
Stewart is focused on creating unique pieces that highlight the natural body shape: ‘At the end of the day I want to cut from scratch to someone's body and really consider their proportions. You have to cut beautifully for everyone’, he explains. Inspired by the natural world, Stewart’s work is characterised by draping fabric which accentuates the curves of the body.
Tokyo James
British-Nigerian label
Tokyo James, founded by Iniye Tokyo James has a growing cult following for his modern take on traditional Saville Row tailoring.
The label is known for melding traditional techniques with bold fabrics. It fuses African and European influences to create an exciting nod to modern thinking. James was keen to turn the stereotypical views of ‘African design’ on its head, creating a modern menswear aesthetic. He’s been featured in a number of global fashion publications and his star continues to rise. “There is a beauty in balance and as a brand we are rooted in the philosophy of aiming to push the boundaries of tailoring by manipulating its core principles,” he said in discussion with
American Vogue.
Like to know about other up and coming designers? Speak to the team at
Permanser Consulting.