Emerging Designers news and archive

From California to Europe: How Calle Del Mar is scaling a handmade brand without sacrificing craft

In today’s fast-evolving luxury market, Calle Del Mar is betting that craftsmanship – not speed – will win over the next generation of European consumers. The Californian knitwear label is entering the market not simply to reach new retailers, but to tap into a region that still protects and invests in craft. For Calle Del Mar, Europe thus...

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Fashion |Interview

Footwear designer to watch: Annie Purdy

British footwear design is undergoing a revival, and it is being led by a new crop of designers looking to place innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability at the core of their designs. Leading the resurgence is recent London College of Fashion (LCF) and Royal College of Art graduate Annie Purdy, who was awarded the Sustainable Development...

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Fashion |Interview

LFW SS26: Homegrown talent offers a renewed sense of energy

There was an energised and optimistic feel to London Fashion Week amongst designers, brands, media and buyers this season, as the bi-annual showcase started a new chapter under the British Fashion Council’s new chief executive, Laura Weir, whose ambition is to make LFW “fashion's most magnetic exposition of excellence, in the world”. At the...

Fashion

Fashion East announces line-up for 25th anniversary

Talent incubator Fashion East, led by Lulu Kennedy, which has kick-started the careers of designers such as Kim Jones, JW Anderson, and Roksanda, is celebrating its 25th anniversary during this season of London Fashion Week. To mark its landmark milestone, Fashion East will be creating a London Fashion Week Hub, in partnership with Dazed and...

Fashion

Paul Smith extends Fashion Residency programme to US with CFDA

British designer Paul Smith has expanded his brand’s existing Fashion Residency programme to students in the US. In partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), for the initiative’s second edition the Paul Smith Foundation will be selecting one American designer to join the residency at Studio Smithfield in London. The...

Fashion

The Swedish School of Textiles' EXIT25: A new vision for fashion design

The Swedish School of Textiles at the University of Borås presents "EXIT25," an exhibition where graduating students in Textile and Fashion Design challenge the status quo, redefining the contemporary designer through innovative exploration and personal narratives. This year's showcase emphasizes a blend of traditional craftsmanship and...

Fashion

Maximilian Raynor selected as UK winner for R|Elan Circular Design Challenge

Emerging British designer Maximilian Raynor, who made his solo debut at London Fashion Week in September 2024, will represent the UK in the final of the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge (RCDC), from smart fabric producer Reliance Industries Limited. Raynor, who was tasked with presenting a collection “rooted in circular design principles,” is...

Fashion

Emerging designers shine at IED Barcelona’s Fashioners of the World 2025

IED Barcelona recently held its 21st annual Fashioners of the World show last month at the Palau Reial de Pedralbes, showcasing the final collections of its graduating fashion design students. This year's event was the largest in the school's history, featuring 25 collections from both Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and BA (Hons) in Fashion...

Fashion

Video: Polimoda graduate show 2025 explored identity through fashion

The Polimoda Graduate Show 2025 will showcase the exceptional work of final-year Fashion Design students, revealing the visionary talents of tomorrow. This event marks the culmination of their intense developmental journey at Polimoda. The graduate collections this year are a testament to this generation's constant connection and symbiosis with...

Fashion |Interview

Graduate to Watch: Sarah Ajayi from Manchester Metropolitan University

Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) has been showcasing BA degree design talent for more than 30 years and kickstarting the careers of many successful designers, including Christopher Bailey, the winner of the first-ever Gold Award, Stella McCartney, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson and Julien MacDonald. At this year’s GFW, Sarah Ajayi from Manchester...

Fashion |Interview

Graduate to Watch: Kitty Carr-Lake from Leeds University

This week the 34th edition of Graduate Fashion Week, the world’s largest showcase of BA degree talent, took place in London, celebrating the work of more than 3,500 of the very best fashion graduates. One of those graduates honoured at the annual showcase was Kitty Carr-Lake, a graduate from the BA Fashion Design Innovation course at the...

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Fashion

Petra Fagerström wins Challenge the Fabric 2025

Swedish-born, London-based designer Petra Fagerström, who graduated with an MA in womenswear design from Central Saint Martins this year, has been named the winner of the Challenge the Fabric 2025 competition. The annual award, which was founded in 2018, promotes and encourages the use of bio-based and recycled materials while establishing...