7 Emerging Designers to Know From London Fashion Week FW24
From Japanese-inspired brand JU-NNA to London-based label Amber W. Smith.
The next iteration of London Fashion Week is just around the corner, following a star-studded series of events at New York Fashion Week plus a few off-schedule shows. As always, big-name designers like Simone Rocha and JW Anderson are set to make their welcome runway return, but what’s truly inspiring is the ongoing roster of incredibly talented creatives and emerging designers showcasing fashion week presentations and making their runway debuts.
This season’s line-up seemingly favours experimentation and unique approaches to craftsmanship, with some of our favorites including Fashion East’s newest recruit, SOS SKYN — created by artist Samara Scott — alongside Japanese label JU-NNA.
Alongside our fashion week faves like Molly Goddard, Sinead O’Dwyer and Ahluwalia, some of our emerging designers from last season will also be making their LFW return, including Sinead Gorey, Kazna Akser and Tolu Coker. As always, the forthcoming showcase is set to include a multitude of presentations from NEWGEN designers and first-time runway shows so we’ve collated an extensive list of our ones to watch and keep an eye on this season.
Read on to find out more about the seven emerging designers to keep on your radar this FW24 season.
KGL
KGL, also known as Kanika Goyal Label, focuses on showcasing a “non-traditionalist” point of view through its garments, touching on heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary design. Founded in 2004, the label has predominantly showcased at New York Fashion Week, before finally making its LFW debut this season. Its founder has since been named on Forbes’ notable 30 Under 30 list, with the brand also amassing a cult following of celebrity fans, including MIA, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone.
SOS SKYN
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Fashion East just announced SOS SKYN as the latest designer to join its roster, described by founder and artist Samara Scott as “post-industrial low-fi couture.” Seemingly drawing inspiration from glitchy digital prints, natural forms and the human body, the vibrant new label is most certainly going to be one to watch this season.
JU-NNA
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Founded back in 2019 by Jun Nakamura, JU-NNA draws inspiration from traditional Japanese design and revitalizes it through a playful “Nihon poi” aesthetic. Tapping into the art of Shibori, the brand achieves its contemporary aesthetic through collaborations with Asian artisans and creatives.
KYLE HO
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Kyle Ho is a London-based designer hailing from Hong Kong. With a masters in Menswear Design, he aims to disrupt the industry by shifting towards a more progressive and inclusive approach to styling. Utilizing tailoring as a means to deconstruct and explore, Ho’s designs aim to reject restriction, looking at how male physiques can be “distorted and enhanced” through his unique designs. Described as “an artistic rebellion,” Ho aims to redefine masculinity as “a canvas, not a cage.”
Nyland Studio
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Rising brand Nyland Studio was created by Danish-Norwegian designer Lea Nyland and aims to celebrate the female silhouette. With a view of “evoking curiosity,” Nyland’s designs utilize distinctive colors and prints to represent femininity, juxtaposed by traditionally masculine shapes and silhouettes.
Amber W. Smith
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London-based designer Amber W. Smith takes a personal approach to femininity, fusing “themes of disintegration with sharp tailoring.” Drawing inspiration from a background of fashion history and theory, the designer takes influence from cult cinema alongside her midwestern hometown. Presenting a contemporary lens on modern-day womanhood, Smith’s collections offer a juxtaposing presentation of delicate textiles with edgy details.
Ala Tianan
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Described as a “streetwear concept,” Ala Tianan was founded by Royal College of Art graduate Tianan Ding and since aims to offer a critical exploration of the fabrication, cost and function of clothing. Drawing inspiration from “the controversial issues of value and affordability” of fashion, the brand aims to push the limits and break boundaries through innovative, no-waste techniques.
