With the coming of a new season, autumn is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and what better way to do so than shop the freshest emerging talent? We’ve got the run-down of the top up-and-coming labels for your perfect autumn looks fit for every occasion to keep you looking hot even when temperatures drop.
Conner Ives
Just two years after graduating from Central Saint Martins, the London-based American designer Conner Ives holds an impressive host of celeb fans including Rihanna, Charlie XCX and Dua Lipa as well as a devoted following for his reclaimed patchwork dresses. Recently part of NET-A-PORTER’s Vanguard initiative for emerging talent, the creative focuses on eco-responsibility using deadstock fabric and recycled vintage clothing to create his offbeat collections inspired by streetwear and American youth culture, drawing inspiration from American female archetypes such as Jackie Kennedy and Kamala Harris. We love the use of bright colours and prints for a laid-back look.
Connor Ives Tie-Dye Midi Dress
Connor Ives Paneled Mini Dress
Sukeina
Designer Omar Salam drew inspiration from his personal history, having been born in France
and adopted by an American woman, for his signature panelled dresses and separates made using intricate West African braiding techniques. Experimenting with new origami tailoring, his autumn collection is perfect for office wear with a preppy-chic aesthetic and his label also includes statement dresses for evening wear.
SUKEINA Chandelier Dress
SUKEINA Mini Jacket Dress
SUKEINA Midi Dress
SUKEINA Baguette Dress
Jawara Alleyne
Channelling the punk-rock spirit and DIY aesthetic, the London-based Jamaican-born designer Jawara Alleyne used deadstock fabric and safety pins for his eco-conscious, skin-baring, edgy streetwear collection including ripped tees, neons, patchwork designs and baggy jeans that will have you fiercely standing out from the crowd.
Jawara Alleyne Jeans
Jawara Alleyne Neon Tee
Saul Nash
The British designer and movement director Saul Nash focuses on hybridising tracksuits and tailoring to create the ultimate sporty streetwear aesthetic. Not short of success, the talented creative won the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, just a week after winning the International Woolmark Prize in May. His autumn Rituals collection, featuring shell jackets, comfortable hoodies and joggers, is inspired by family traditions and the culture of community.
Ahluwalia
Although not new to the fashion scene, London-based female designer Priya Ahluwalia is changing menswear as we know it. The winner of the 2021 Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, incorporates elements of her Nigerian and Indian heritage into her designs through beading, embroidery, and bright colours. Having previously launched a capsule collection with Ganni, so many women were shopping the menswear garments last year that she is now incorporating womenswear looks into her own line, including laser-printed denim and ruched dresses made with recycled fabrics. From going out-out to heading to the office, there are fire fits for every occasion this autumn.
Puppets and Puppets
With a label named after her Chihuahua-terrier rescue, Puppet, the artist-turned-designer Carly
Mark doesn’t come from a conventional fashion school background but she certainly doesn’t lack talent. The collection includes quirky looks perfect to nail the weird-girl aesthetic trend such as show-stopping hoop skirts, lace logo pants and fruit-printed blazers.
Diotima
Named after an ancient Greek priestess, Diotima centers around female artisans as designer Rachel Scott partners with native Jamaican artists to create her label’s signature pieces including web tops and hand-crocheted garments, often styling them with sleek tailored
separates. The collection has you covered for all occasions including twill blazers and tailored trousers for workwear and crochet dresses and tops for partywear.
Private Policy
Private Policy Mini Barrel Bag
Private Policy Harness Jeans
Nensi Dojaka
The London-based Albanian designer Nensi Dojaka has been on our fashion radar for a while but her unique perspective on the Y2K aesthetic is a must-have for your autumn wardrobe as the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Our favourite celebs Rihanna, Beyonce, Zendaya, and Bella Hadid are all fans of the LBDs and going-out tops with daring cutouts and delicate strap details that will have you looking hot af even on a chilly night out.
Nensi Dojaka Bra Mini Dress
Words by Emily Hemsley
Header Image – @jawaraalleyne
