DESIGNERS TO WATCH OUT FOR THIS YEAR

2022 was such a monumental year in terms of innovation and creativity for many up and coming designers and brands. People seem to be gravitating away from the usual big brands that we always look to, and towards many emerging designers that stepped up to the platform of exposure. As many new brands continue to pop up on our feeds, here are just a few of the designers that are predicted to make their mark on 2023.

TIA ADEOLA

Many could argue that the brand Tia Adeola definitely leveled up in 2022. Going from a plethora of beach wear and accessory pieces to full blown looks during a NYFW show covered by Vogue Runway, the brand beautifully blossomed into refining its essence as well as the house codes of ruffles, feminine silhouettes and thoughtfully placed mesh elements. Her adamance for creating a space where fellow black creatives can thrive has also made her a huge interest to many. She then took the brand a step closer to home and put on a fashion show for Lagos Fashion Week in Nigeria. Possessing a huge stamp of approval from the likes of Flo Milli, Ebonee Davis and Jayda Cheaves, Tia has 2023 as her oyster and we predict even more ingenious looks on the way.

MAYA AVERY (INSIGNIA MSA)

Maya Avery is quickly and steadily making a name for herself in the fashion world. In 2022 Insignia MSA saw many accomplishments, from runway shows to being featured in a documentary at Howard University. The brand has been garnering fans from all over, with looks being worn by Chantel Jeffries, Kali and Juliana Nalu. Supporters relate to her position as a dedicated college student who is simultaneously hand making every garment and running an entire business. The brand prides itself on being a slow fashion brand, appealing to those who believe in the power of sustainability. The pieces consists of entirely handmade cyberpunk and dystopian inspired clothing that is on par with the rising popularity of asymmetrical subversive clothing. There is definitely no doubt that 2023 will come with even more success for the young brand and designer.

RAUL LOPEZ (LUAR)

Raul Lopez originally created his brand Luar with his upbringings, the queer Latinx community of Brooklyn, in mind. And judging from the major successes Raul saw in 2022 such as being named one of the 100 people up next by TIME Magazine and winning the CFDA American Accessory Designer of the Year, it's more than safe to say that he has made his community proud. People love that he is constantly crediting his neighborhood of Williamsburg as his inspiration and drive in pushing the brand forward. His sexy and sleek handbags matched with a unique handle design has made the brand a longed for addition to everyone’s closet. Raul's newest venture into full fledged looks was received with positive feedback as well, which lets us know there is much more in store to come for the brand this year.

CHRISTOPHER JOHN ROGERS

You can't discuss designers who made their mark on 2022 without mentioning Christopher John Rogers. The eponymous brand has grabbed the attention of tastemakers all over, like Gigi Hadid, Tracee Ellis Ross, Madonna and Beyonce herself. His bold colored stripes and color theory savvy clothing has color lovers going crazy and all black lovers heavily reconsidering their wardrobe. Where many would say less color, Rogers says more. He has taken a spin on such usually classic and arguably boring patterns like stripes and dots and transforms them into pieces that are young, modern, fun, and bright. Being named one of the Business of Fashion 500 last year, this year absolutely seems to be Christopher John Rogers' for the taking.

FELICIA NOEL (FE NOEL)

Felicia Noel is a designer who has made it clear that she's afraid to make her voice heard and thoughts known. In 2022 Fe Noel was named one of the 10 finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, putting her on the radars of many fashion lovers. Her resort/vacation like pieces are breathable and feminine and her audience appreciates her Grenadian culture being infused into the clothing, which is evident by the warm color palettes and nature inspired patterns. The brand also notably has a thing for netting which is incorporated stylistically in dresses, pants and tops. The closing couture look of her SS23 NYFW show sparked a big and important conversation around the income gap between men and women, something she feels strongly about. We are waiting in excited anticipation to see what statements she makes this year.

DENZEL DION (NOID)

Social media sensation Denzel Dion has been no stranger to showcasing his thoughts for all to see, as well as having to receive everyone else's thoughts on his thoughts. Nothing changed regarding his fashion brand Noid, which launched in 2020. Many on the Internet were quick to criticize the brand and its designs and like any designer who values criticism rather than runs from it, the designer came back even stronger than before. His label made a notable comeback in 2022, with brand new designs and editorials that flooded our "For You" pages. We saw glamorous winter wear of fur coats with imprinted designs, flattering bodysuits and even the debut of a unique handbag design. Many loved the new direction the brand has started to head in and are eagerly waiting to see what else will come from the new designer's mind.

THEBE MAGUGU

There are few brands that constantly seem to outdo itself every year, and Thebe Magugu is undeniably one of them. There are so many elements to love about this brand: the prints, the silhouettes, the technique, the colors, the execution, the story. In 2022 the brand saw a great amount of collaborations like ones with Dior, Valentino and Adidas. His designs are a beautiful marriage of traditional inspired prints and colors plus modern, elevated and unique designs. Some notable lovers of the brand include Rihanna, Kylie Jenner and Naomi Campbell. Not only is the brand very determined to incorporate Thebe's South African culture, but it also makes a point to work with collaborators in Johannesburg itself. This is a brand that is constantly pushing its own boundaries and we look forward to seeing where Thebe heads to next.