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Shop like an editor is a Who What Wear column that our lead editor is in Kristen Nichols shares her latest fashion finds.
For me, discovering something new is something that has always drawn me to fashion. When I was growing up, I combed Style.com for the latest runway shows, gobbled up Tim Blanks videos that looked behind the scenes of Fashion Week, and spent my entire Saturday reading magazines and tearing pages out to get them on Staple mood board in my room. Not much has changed since I became a fashion editor.
I am constantly inspired by developments in the fashion world and always have an eye for aspiring designers. At the moment I think more than ever that it is important to promote emerging talents and to support small brands. I consider it a vote on my dollars for what I want to see more of. Here I would like to highlight some up-and-coming brands that have just impressed me and that you can find in my wardrobe. From labels that design everything from affordable everyday jewelry to reimagined clothing to modern suits and more – check out the 11 emerging fashion brands I'm supporting.
A.W.A.K.E MODE came on my radar last year and my love for the brand only grew when I took part in their S / S 20 Runway Show during London Fashion Week. The brand takes a modern approach to classic tailoring with details such as uneven hems that make it look both elegant and conceptual.
If you're looking for expertly tailored pieces that are available at a great price, contact Frankie Shop. The brand is a favorite in the street style set, so I kept an eye on them and recently ordered my first piece from them – the faux leather shorts here that look a lot more expensive than their $ 119 price. Your collection is full of modern suits, like this short suit that I also keep an eye on.
While Gauge81 offers a range of designs that span everything from ripped bodysuits to satin evening wear, I particularly love their suits. Can you say that I can't get enough of the right trend right now? This tuxedo-style jacket and matching cigarette pants feel as if they had been picked directly from the 90s.
I always keep an eye on emerging jewelry brands and was thrilled to discover Young Frankk, who is based in LA, where I am based. The minimalist, sophisticated designs are modern classics that I know I will wear for years to come. And the pieces are not only breathtaking, but also affordable.
Nanushka was founded in 2005 and is not exactly new, but in recent years the brand has gained popularity in the fashion set and it is easy to understand why. They design clothes like ankle-grazing trench coats and matching rock sets that I want to wear every day. They also master vegan leather parts that look and feel like real.
Stockholm-based Totême designs the type of clothing I want to wear season after season – and I do. The brand really stands out for taking your work pieces like a shirt with a collar and adding details like a puff sleeve to make them feel updated.
When it comes to pieces that I know I want to have in my closet forever, I look at the Australian Matteau brand. They bring effortless style with timeless pieces like simple dresses and this swimsuit that just never goes out of style.
If you're looking for stunning evening wear, Michael Lo Sordo should be at the top of your list. The Australian designer is a master at designing beautiful, elegant pieces like this matching set of satin camisole and pants. This black one that I'm wearing here is already sold out, but is still available in white.
Creative director Tommy Ton has an eye for newly invented classics with designs that breathe new life into our everyday uniform basics. Check out this trench coat with a cape-like detail and removable sleeves.
With a cruelty-free ethos and a focus on vegan clothing, Apparis specializes in faux fur and leather. They have a particularly strong collection of outerwear items like this belted coat and the trench coat inspired by the 80s.
I admire Esse Studios for their unique approach to the essentials of the wardrobe. "Esse" is actually short for the essential, and the brand aims to create innovative interpretations of the basics that you wear every day – and that really deliver. Just take a look at the classic white button-down shirt that can be worn open from the waist and gives the piece a cool, sculptural shape.
Next, discover the fashion finds on my radar.