The 2021 Round-Up: Designers
The fashion industry is such that designers are always bringing more and more unique innovations into the public eye. Some of those designers are new and eager to test their prowess, while others are traditionally trained with years of experience under their belt. Both are necessary for the industry to continue moving forward and showcasing its beauty. With the past year being one of hopeful recovery, fashion teams have done their best to express a desire for a brighter future. While some aren’t new to the game, certainly everyone involved has needed to change their approach to this world of art. 2021 - even with the unfortunate restrictions at work - has produced various talented and fresh visions of what the next step of fashion will look like.
Peter Do, Peter Do
Ever since his first collection in 2019, Peter Do has acquired a cult following for his work. After studying under Pheobe Philo, Do has a strong understanding of garment construction and an ideal of timeless functionality which has won him awards like the LVMH prize. Though he prefers not to show his face on camera, his personal and cultural identity is clearly visible in the influences he uses for his garments - such as the recent inspiration he took from his Vietnamese background to create a line reflective of their traditional clothing.
Sohee Park, Miss Sohee
Also a new contender in the growing wave of new designers, Sohee Park uses her background as an illustrator to bring into reality beautiful sensory garments. Her feminine and glamorized concepts don’t detract from the ethereal nature of their originality, and already celebrities are clamoring to wear the brand’s clothes. The vibrant escapism of her designs is informed by a sense of artistic fantasy, and her most recent collection was a tale of womanhood told through the lens of flowering aquatic imagery.
Odèly Teboul, Lou De Bètoly
Odèly Teboul is a designer who works with chaos in mind to create deconstructed and vintage-inspired clothing. Many of her collections feature unique knitwear creations and garments composed almost entirely of upcycled materials. Her influences come from the concept of anarchy and rebellion while still keeping up a high-class aura and can easily be dressed up or down to be wild or put-together alike. Though the designs are based on timeless concepts, the duality and extravagant idiosyncrasies of her clothes make them one-of-a-kind pieces.
Daniel Lee, Bottega Venetta
In spite of his recent departure from the Italian brand, Daniel Lee still brought a new life to the traditions of Bottega Venetta. A successful designer prior to joining their team, Lee’s work created a different identity for the fading establishment and made clothes that became a face of high-end youth. He turned trademarks of the brand - such as their leather knotwork - into trendy clothing and accessories for a more modern crowd. With the lasting craftsmanship of Bottega, and Lee’s creative direction, his designs have easily become a household name.
Ellen Hodakova Larsson, Hodakova
Another champion of the sustainability movement, Ellen Hodakova Larsson uses deadstock garments and vintage materials to create functional new garments. Through creative shapes and the unique purposing of materials for different designs, Larsson seeks to tell the story of both individuals and the community they are in - especially through the new and resurfacing problems of COVID-19. Through traditional concepts, Hodakova makes offbeat and fun renditions of the classics which cater to personal ideas of beauty.
Telfar Clemens, Telfar
Although the brand has been around since 2005, Telfar has recently been thrust front and center into the fashion world’s eye in 2021. Telfar Clemens works to create unisex or androgynous garments informed by the idea of sportswear to expand the fashion world in a more inclusive direction. Something as simple as the cult-favorite embossed shopping bag was made for ease of the user in mind and has become the new It-Bag for its sustainability and simplicity. Easily one of the most popularity-grabbing brands of the year, Clemens preppy and sustainable designs have become a staple in both high and low-end markets.
Anthony Vaccarello, Yves Saint Laurent
Anthony Vaccarello’s approach to the iconic YSL style has perfectly kept up the tradition of its edgy-chic image, with skinny pants, tall boots, and a distinct penchant towards rock-and-roll. Once again, YSL is at the forefront of fashion expectations with Vaccarello’s show productions and improvement on the legacy left by Hedi Slimane. His designs take some inspiration from the house’s origin but ultimately work as a sort of fantasy of sleek, sexy rebellion.
Virginie, Viard, Chanel
Taking on the reigns of such a house as Chanel is inevitably difficult, and Virginie Viard is certainly leaving her touch on one of the ultimate fashion houses. The tweedy, classic, and very French brand was revived in the 90s, and now, once again through Viard’s collections. With her most recent collection bringing back the frisky excitement of fashion shows, and her clothes reinventing those timeless designs of Coco herself, Viard is providing a new Chanel — one for younger audiences.
Tremaine Emory, Denim Tears
Tremaine Emory uses one of America’s most iconic materials - denim - to tell the stories of different cultures in an accessible way. In his collaborations and collections with other all-American brands, Emory weaves the unspoken narrative about the black community through the use of his various collection themes. With hands in many pots, he is a trend creator and influencer of style for celebrities and fashion moguls whom he hopes to use to inspire the new generation of creators and youth.
Shop our picks below.
Peter Do
Combat Boots With Metal Tip
Combat boots are a staple for both chilly weather and an edgy style. Add a touch of metal lining to the sole, and you have the perfect shoes for any occasion.
Peter Do
Cropper Peter Sweater
An ode to Do’s personal line tattoo down his arm, this sweater is functional, cozy, and professional.
Miss Sohee
Ombre Two Piece
Feeling festive? Miss Sohee’s two-piece pant set has you covered. Glitzy enough to wear to any party, but clean-cut enough to look put together - the perfect outfit for any bash.
Miss Sohee
Stone Encrusted Headpiece and Skirt
While not the easiest to find a venue for, the beautiful headpiece and skirt are certainly statement pieces that flatter. Together they show off Sohee Park’s vision of womanhood.
Lou De Betoly
Cashmere Color Block Top
As always, cashmere is the ultimate cozy fabric. What could be better than feeling comfortable in an uber-trendy and colorful turtleneck that you can pair with any outerwear?
Lou De Betoly
White Bead Weaving Tank Top
Knitwear is always trending in different ways, but none so nearly as unique as this. The white beading and asymmetric patterns make the tank top a summer necessity for anyone who likes to stand out in a crowd.
Bottega Venetta
Scarlet Knitted Fringe Dress
From red carpet events to family gatherings, this dress is so versatile that you can wear it year-round in different situations. The knitted fringe flatters every body shape and is easy to style with casual trainers or some high-end pumps.
Bottega Venetta
Lightweight Hooded Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are essential in many people’s closets, and the lightweight cut and hood of this piece gives it a more casual vibe.
Hodakova
Sheer Checked Dress
A styling quandary for one person is a gold mine for another. This floor-brushing dress definitely leaves an impression with its sheer checked paneling and distinguishes the wearer among their peers.
Hodakova
Belt Bodice
Wearing belts around your waist? So passé. Instead, this belt-made bodice became the perfect garment for both the clothing experimenters and the fashion-forward frenzy.
Telfar
Heather Grey Camo Hoodie
We all crave a warm hoodie after a long day, and what better choice than this patchwork camo zip up from Telfar?
Telfar
Large Chocolate Shopping Bag
The absolute boom of this bag has made it a near essential in any fashionista’s wardrobe. Even if you’re not one to search for the latest accessories, this capable shopper is sturdy and will last the test of time while remaining chic.
Saint Laurent
Sherpa Cropped Hooded Sweatshirt
We can never get enough of these reinvented matrix moments. Want to look sophisticated in public? Do you have a penchant for sleek glasses? Simply need something to keep the sun out of your eyes? What better choice than these angular YSL sunnies.
Saint Laurent
Dixon Buckled Boots in Crocodile-Embossed Patent Leather
YSL isn’t known for their rocker aesthetic for no reason. Though they’re not the typical Chelsea booty, these kicks will 100% make you look and feel like you can step into the limelight at any moment.
Chanel
Printed Silk Crepe Dress
Not everyone can rock a printed maxi, but this dress will certainly make you want to try it. With its silky fabric and preppy-boho vibes, this dress is as equally comfortable as it is eye-catching.
Chanel
Grey, White, and Tweed Cropped Jacket
A good cropped jacket is always appreciated, and in a beautiful tweed, it’ll be hard not to throw this over every chilly-day outfit.
Denim Tears
Empire Windrush Sweater
Sweaters are - of course - absolutely essential to anyone who feels the slightest smidgen of cold weather. This cream-knit pullover is a versatile option for people who want simplicity with a little pop.
Denim Tears
Air Hammons 70 Hi
In process of their many collaborations, Denim Tears have created some unique pieces alongside popular brands such as Converse. While this isn’t your typical high-top shoe in color scheme, it certainly has a charm just waiting to be tested.
Edited by Kieryn Alexander
