Aknvas
After working for some of today’s leading luxury labels, such as Oscar de la Renta, Ninna Ricci, and Christian Dior, Danish-born designer and founder Christian Juul Nielsen was able to hone his craft and launch Aknvas in 2019. Designed to move seamlessly between desk and dinner, this luxurious women’s and menswear line is all about ease of wear with flattering silhouettes, innovative knits, and elevated palettes. Designed and predominantly made in New York City, the collection focuses on well-constructed clothing for discerning fashion lovers. Inspired by his Danish roots and New York sensibility and by artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Helen Frankenthaler, the collection features bright pops of color, bold prints, and exquisitely draped sculptural fabrications – most pieces have a decidedly unisex aesthetic and can be worn interchangeably among genders.
LAVI NYC
A family brand created by brothers Cedric and Cedel in 2016, this Bronx-based contemporary menswear label encapsulates the Uptown New York spirit. Relaxed but elevated athleisure channels a 70s flair with styles such as the brand’s Elsewhere satin tracksuit. Other offerings from the brand include cool statement tees and sweatshirts mixed with more structured pieces like the brand’s Compass work jacket. Growing up around design and creativity, the designer’s father was heavily involved in show business and worked with the now closed Black Fashion Museum in Harlem, which instilled a love for fashion among the brothers. After seeing a void in brands that speak to the real essence of the city, they created a brand focused on experimental and classic silhouettes with unwavering quality.
Private Policy
Founded on the idea of rebellious style and bringing a fierce free spirit to the world, creative directors Haoran Li and Siying Qu curated Private Policy. Designed and modeled after newspaper outlets, each collection centers around a social topic, such as bringing awareness to enslaved fishermen in the SS17 collection or uncovering the dark side of American big pharma in FW20. This year’s most recent theme channels the idea of exploring a harmonious future between nature and metropolitan lifestyles. With sustainability as the constant pursuit, the duo believes fashion is their outlet to express diversity, build community and inspire meaningful conversations.
Raquel Orozco
Mexican designer Raquel Orozco began her career in graphic design, where she learned to harness the power of vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and textures. It was this love for art and design that led her to a career in fashion. Launched in 2011, Orozco wanted to create a slow fashion line committed to helping local communities in Mexico through formal training and community development. Now the brand splits its time between Mexico and New York with a showroom down in the lower east side. Orozco’s brand features bright, punchy colors and big statement silhouettes perfect for the fashion lover that wants to stand out and create a statement.
Terry Singh
Designer Terry Singh has been creating waves ever since he launched his namesake label. His approach shows that fashion can be a means of breaking down barriers between cultures and promoting inclusivity while also providing a platform for personal expression and identity. By creating gender-inclusive designs such as his New Suit silhouette, Singh shares the importance of valuing and preserving cultural heritage, incorporating elements of his Indian ancestry into his clothing line. With the desire to share that fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression and for sharing our inner world with others. By creating garments that reflect personal evolution and unique experiences, we can inspire others to do the same and promote a sense of freedom and empowerment.
