After a global pandemic put the world into a creative slump, the resurgence of the fashion world post-lockdown has been fierce, with the UK fashion scene coming back bigger and better than ever before. With fashion weeks back up and running around the world, emerging designers are stepping up to make a name for themselves on the global stage.
With the rush of all things new, it is easy to get lost in the new faces and names that are quickly becoming the bigwigs of the British fashion world. From avant-garde designs to fresh new ways of styling old favourites like Dr Martens, the new wave of designers creating.
Tia Adeola
Originally born in Nigeria but raised and educated in London, Teni “Tia” Adeola launched her namesake fashion label in 2017 while a student at Parsons School of Design. Since the launch, she has become well-known for her ultra-feminine and body-conscious designs, made to celebrate and accentuate the female body with all its curves and edges.
Now based in New York, she has gained a highly profiled following, dressing the likes of Gigi Hadid, Sza, and Cara Delevigne. But, it is only the beginning for this bright young talent.
Chopova Lowena
After a whirlwind 2023 London Fashion Week debut, Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons are designing what is arguably the hottest high-fashion label right now. Having dazed and drawn in the glitterati during the summer/Spring London shows, the duo have firmly set the tone for what is coming next; punk teenage angst and camp flair.
While still observing the traditional ideas of ‘male’ and ‘female’ divides, their creations show that you can stick to some traditions without being boring and predictable. Their use of bright colours without gimmicks only adds to their bright futures.
Feben
Feben, based in London and goes only by her first name, has already found herself on the radars of celebrities like Beyonce and Janelle Monàe. The Central Saint Martins Graduate has been described as multi-cultural, with recognisable signatures like technical fabric dresses and delicate, sought-after shades.
Olly Shinder
If you look beyond the surface level of design and instead at the finer details and subtle nuances of the industry, you will quickly see why Olly Shinder is a designer to watch closely. The Central Saint Martins alum uses the art of deception to stand out from the crowd and develop his brand.
Turning tech wear into lingerie and revealing shorts and shirts into clothes that feel suitable for a Sunday hike, his pieces maintain a sense of familiarity that blurs the lines between menswear norms and the daring side of fashion.
Tokyo James
This Nigerian-British designer perfectly combines Savile Row tailoring with traditional African designs and techniques to create stylish, gender-fluid suiting.
Their clever use of colour alongside an incredible collection of textures and fabrics set them apart as one to watch.
HYO-ISAK
Considered to be one of the most prominent emerging artists out of manchester, Isak’s unique blend of abstract art and streetwear has allowed him to create a series of off-the-cuff garments not seen before.
Taking inspiration from his favourite childhood anime cartoons and the Star Wars franchise he watched as a teen, his brand s known for consistently exploring the world of knitwear and including his abstract paintings on clothing and skateboards.
Sinead O’Dwyer
This Dublin native, now based in London, toiled away at the RCA before launching her own brand in 2019. Her approach to fashion is somewhat unique, as she uses concepts usually considered as negatives to inspire her pieces.
By channelling the ideas of body dysmorphia into her fashion line, she is able to create garments that are just as uniquely conceptual as they are sculptural.
Charlie Constantinou
If you are looking for clothes different from anything you have seen, Charlie Constantinou is someone you want to follow. Taking inspiration from Inuit clothing that is specifically designed to withstand the harshest temperatures, the 24-year-old uses bright colours and stretchy quilted nylon to create outerwear pieces.
Rich greens, beautiful mauves and deep blues dominate his line, all prime to tackle the great outdoors. In addition, his clothing pieces make a massive statement, firmly cementing him as one of the biggest names in menswear in the UK. ’
Aaron Esh
Aaron Esh is leading the way in ushering in the new wave of gender-fluid fashion in the UK menswear scene with his sexy and grown brand. With his pinpoint tailoring and attention to detail deliberately geared towards a more romantic feel, Esh has described his pieces as ‘being in your late 20s and early 30s and falling in love.’
The designer uses multiple different techniques to achieve his vision, from 3D printing to leather manipulation and metal casting, ensuring that his brand is as sustainable as possible. His pallet of moody greys and teals gives the distinct feel of London town, and his tongue-in-cheek approach to fashion is allowing him to carve a bright future for himself.
