2013 was the year of the brand: Kenzo, Celine and Co. have all been omnipresent especially in the fashion blogging scene. But what else does fashion have to offer this year? Let us take a look at promising new design talents for 2014.
Vladimir Karaleev: Based in Berlin Bulgarian born Karaleev has made three things his own, in Berlin´s fashion terms anyway: draping, layering and unsewn edges, that make his designs look elegant and urbanely cool at the same time.
Amongst the new talents of Berlin his shows are often more highly anticipated than big commercial events such as the Michalsky Style Night.
Currently, no one understands how to flatter the female figure quite like Karaleev, whether a size 6 or a 10.
Karaleev chooses colour carefully, blacks and blues in the former winter season, complemented by light nudes and pastel tones the following summer. His most recent collection “Superposition” saw the comeback of a safari-like vest that is safe yet city for urban Berlin adventures
TOME: Currently for Australians Ryan Lobo and Ramon Martin seem pointed towards success: since January they can call an important “Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation” award their own, which in previous years has honoured well-known designers such as Derek Lam, and “Rodarte”. On top of that they will show their spring collection at New York Fashion Week in a few days. In the past layering, feminine, yet simple cuts and colour blocking have been amongst the keywords for “TOME”. So expectations are running high, whether they´re going to stick to their “clean routine”. Fashion Blogger and Social Media persona Susie Bubble is one of the labels supporter´s and their designs are highly wearable. So maybe soon, “TOME” might come to you.
Jackie J S Lee: Central Saint Martins Graduate Jackie JS Lee has just recently been announced one of the winners of this year’s “Fashion Forward” prize by the British Fashion Council. Lee, a native Korean, wants to take Asian minimalism to a new level, for the “modern woman who is concerned with looking sharp in a uniquely feminine way”. The Futuristic designs and materials are paired with straight cuts, bold colours and simple blacks and whites to help realise her vision. The looks are very wearable and are reminiscent of a high-ended COS or ACNE look promising ingredients not only for a reputation in the fashion world but also compatible with the high street buyer.
Stine Goya: This Danish designer is what you would call a design “staple” when it comes to that urban, sophisticated and slightly playful Scandinavian look. She offers a complete brand package, designing everything from clothes, to accessories and shoes. It is the last, which have maybe sparked the loudest outbreak of social media enthusiasm for the Danish designer, in the blogosphere her last year´s platform sandals with a golden sole made many fashionistas go barefoot. Though not quite in the same league as H&M or Zara, Goya´s products are actually affordable, so her filigree black and white patterned designs for next season won´t just be filling the pages of a fashion magazine.