New York Fashion Week's fresh guard

Seven emerging designers are reshaping the industry with bold creativity and diverse perspectives. From upcycled materials to biomaterials and cultural storytelling, they're proving the fashion calendar is better than ever.

Conner Ives: from Met Gala to viral activism

The Bedford, NY native studied at Central Saint Martins in London, where model Adwoa Aboah asked him to create her Met Gala dress in 2017. Rihanna called the next day, launching his career in upcycled luxury.

Pipenco Lorena: Eastern European folklore reimagined

Drawing on her Romanian heritage and childhood fairy tales, Pipenco Lorena creates vibrant, exaggerated silhouettes. Her mom and grandma still source fabrics from Romania for the brand she launched in 2023.

Mel Usine: romantic mystery in silk and tulle

Stephen Biga launched Mel Usine in 2024 after working at Gabriela Hearst, Proenza Schouler and Rodarte. Named after the medieval water nymph Mélusine, his clothes feature voluminous sleeves, dramatic silk taffeta and hand-pleated collars.

Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen: quilting meets fashion

Whalen transforms deadstock fabrics, old tablecloths and stained linens into deconstructed apron dresses and tea-stained bloomers. Her New England quilting heritage and theatrical Fashion Week happenings set her apart.

Caroline Zimbalist: nature-inspired biomaterials

Zimbalist experiments with biodegradable bioplastics made from cornstarch, seaweed and pea powder. For Spring 2027, she embeds custom biomaterials into cotton and silk, creating nature-inspired sequin-like formations.

Amir Taghi: Iranian heritage meets Texas craft

Taghi learned tailoring at his grandfather's shop and interned at Oscar de la Renta at 17. His Spring 2027 collection draws from kilim rugs his grandfather brought from Iran, blending family memory with craftsmanship.

TTSWTRS: tattoo art meets sci-fi fashion

Anna Osmekhina's Kyiv-based brand collaborates with tattoo artists on nude bodysuits and molded anatomical forms. For Fall 2025, she's presenting a virtual reality film imagining a future where AI reshapes fashion.

“It will be an 'Alice in Wonderland' experience.”