As a business that centers around textile arts and design, we make it our business to stay in the loop when it comes to the new designers and brands who are making noise within the industry and just plain killing it. We are inspired by those who see beauty in the seemingly ordinary and who can transform something practical that is used everyday into something innovative that is worth talking about. From clothing and activewear to jewelry and home decor, these are the new kids on the block that you need to know about.
ACTIVEWEAR
Photos via P.E. Nation
Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning are the creative masterminds behind this bold line of sweat-wear. This Australian label specializes in creating activewear that is not only durable and functional but unbelievably stylish. We love the brand's in-your-face aesthetic, unabashed use of colour, and urban, hip-hop meets the Olympics sensibility.
Photos via Stone Fox Sweat
California-based designer, Chelsea Bell, grew up in the outdoors which makes her decision to launch a line of swim and fitness clothing seem so perfectly natural. We love this line's modern and youthful aesthetic, streamlined shapes, and playful fabrics and patterns. Sure, these clothes may be designed to be covered in sweat, but they are so lovely they could easily be incorporated into one's everyday wardrobe. The best part? Everything is designed and made locally in Los Angeles, California.
WOMENSWEAR
Photos via Merlette NYC
When a piece of clothing is beautifully designed and constructed to perfection, it doesn't need a lot of extra fuss or hoopla. That is precisely the attitude that Brooklyn designer Marina Cortbawi has when it comes to this ethereal line of loungewear. Something of a fashion veteran, Marina sharpened her fashion claws at major couture houses like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera before launching Merlette. Drawing inspiration from style icons such as Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy, Merlette is designed with the escapist in mind. Think simple, breezy shapes and solid colours that are easily accessorized and pack easily into an itty bitty suitcase.
Photos via Spire The Label
The fashion industry is often dominated by fads and trends, which makes it so refreshing when a brand shows up on our radars that prioritizes wardrobe staples, without being , well, boring. Spire The Label is a Texas-born label created by designer Chelsey Nordyke. Chelsey aimed to create a line of clothing that took the guesswork out of getting dressed with easy to pair separates and elevated basics. Sleek lines, flawless tailoring and an affinity for neutrals are a few of this brand's signatures.
MENSWEAR
Photos via Bristol
1. Bristol
This Los Angeles label celebrates contrasts and juxtaposing elements. Launched in 2014 by fellow designers and lifelong friends (and former college basketball players) Luke Tadashi and Tommy Nowels. In the two years that the brand has been in business, it has been steadily gaining traction and is now sold by various retailers across the United States. Bristol combines old-world class with elements of urban streetwear. Think cuffed joggers and crisp tees paired with luxe button downs and plush jackets. Bristol proves that, when it comes to clothing, opposites really do attract.
Photos via Frère du Nord
When you look at a Frère du Nord garment, see the quality of its construction, and feel the substantial, plushy fabric that they use, it's hard to believe that this is a label that has been around for less than a year The brand places such a high emphasis on quality that one would think that they have been operating, and honing their skills, for years! Powered by a dynamic and talented team of three (Milena, Dusan, and Valentina), the designers draw inspiration from Canada's wild and beautiful landscape, as well as the fascinating manufacturing history of Oshawa. Look to this brand for warm, high-quality hoodies and sweatpants that are as perfect for lounging around the house as they are for hiking through the woods.
JEWELRY
Photos via Olivia Kane
1. Olivia Kane
Do you remember mood rings? Those gaudy little rings with a stone that would change colour (allegedly) in response to your mood? We loved them as children but never expected to want to wear them as adults. Enter, Olivia Kane, the designer who launched her line of high-end mood rings in August of 2015. Today she also makes simple, modern jewelry using conflict-free precious and semi-precious gemstones. We love this free-spirited designer for combining nostalgia with luxury in such a refreshing way and for always channeling a little bit of the oh-so-groovy 70s into her collections.
Photos via J. Hannah Jewelry
2. Jess Hannah
Inspired by vintage jewelry pieces she received from her grandmother, popular fashion blogger Jess Hannah launched her own line of jewelry on Etsy, to the delight of her followers and everyone else who appreciates her classic yet minimalist approach to design. Her pieces are understated yet striking with an artful sense of simplicity that is perfect for every day.
HOME DECOR
Photos via Pat Kim Design
Furniture designer Pat Kim is something of a globetrotter and this sense of culture undoubtedly bleeds into his work and into his eclectic approach to design. Pat was born in Virginia, went to school in New York and Germany and now works and resides in artsy Brooklyn. We love his quirky pieces which combine rustic elements such as wood, with sleek, futuristic shapes and eye-catching details! Pat creates beautiful objects that prove that the little details are what really make a space extraordinary.
Photos via Phloem Studio
Phloem is not exactly new (the brand has been running very successfully since 2010) but is still one that we wanted to mention. Rustic and timeless are two words that could be used to describe the line of furniture created by Benjamin Klebba. We love Phloem Studio for creating such beautiful, functional items that draw inspiration from history and nature. Benjamin's attention to detail is impeccable and each piece has a sense of character as if it comes with a story that is hundreds of years old. Phloem's signature flair has not gone unrecognized and items from the line have won prestigious awards such as the Architizer A+ Award and the Best in Show award at ShowPDX. If all that isn't enough to impress, pieces from Phloem have been housed at the Museum of Contemporary Craft and the Bellevue Arts Museum. That's no small potatoes!
Do you have any questions or comments? Are there any other designers you feel we should have mentioned? We would love to hear from you! Chat with us in the comment section or send us a message at sales@njeffersonltd.com.
