Haus Alkire
Haus Alkire is the partnership between designer Julie Haus and artist/photographer Jason Alkire. The duo launched their first flagship store in New York’s SoHo district in 2010 featuring their latest collection with collaborative accessory pieces, as well as custom artwork in their home collection. Haus designs are known for their craft-work and hand-painted prints. The abstract symmetrical patters create a modern edge which we hope to see more of on the runway this season. Carving out a unique path in the fashion industry by way of creative quirk, Haus Alkire was granted the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation award for womenswear for 2012. Celebrity fans of the label include Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes and moonlight rocker, actress Leighton Meester.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Bibhu Mohapatra moved to New York City from Orissa, India and enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology. While working on his degree, he honed his design skills as an assistant designer for the iconic American fashion label, Halston. Bibhu’s career launched after showing his first collection during New York Fashion Week in February 2009 and was later awarded the Women’s Apparel 2010 Rising Star Award and the Young Innovator Award, as well as becoming a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Known for his glamorous gowns, the designer incorporates his Indian background into his design aesthetic, favouring bold prints and vibrant colours such as yellow — a favourite shade on the runways at the recent Paris Fashion Week. On trend with his asymmetrical cuts, showcased in his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, this Fall/Winter season wouldn’t be the same without them.
Nomia
29-year-old designer Yara Flinn’s Nomia label launched its first collection in the Spring of 2007 and now boasts being coveted by the young and stylish for its girly take on sexy. Since perfecting her draping and tailoring at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Flinn has spent her career dedicated to creating collections artistic, directional pieces with an edge that leave the wearer feeling strong, chic, sophisticated and empowered. In February 2010 Nomia was selected to participate in GenArt’s “The New Garde” fashion showcase at Drive in Studios alongside designers Sophomore, GAR-DE and Wesfeld. Flinn’s preferred cut out designs and mesh fabrics create a sexy, feminine silhouette on point with the peek-a-boo trend seen at Paris Fashion Week.
Suzanne Rae
Suzanne Rae Palaez lives and designs out of Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from Parson School of Design, The designer began her career in an art gallery, which led to a career turning heads on the runway. Rae’s collection incorporates traditional garment construction and unique draping and patterns inspired by the modern woman. Enamoured with her Spring/Summer 2012 collection’s asymmetrical hems, here’s hoping for more of Rae’s hi-lo skirts and dresses on the runway this season.
Rochambeau
Rochambeau (French for the popular game rock-paper-scissors) was formed by Joshua Cooper and Laurence Chandler in 2007. This menswear label — renowned for its finely tailored blazers and vests — has received critical acclaim since its launch in 2008. Accolades include a 6-page spread in Interview Magazine worn by supermodel Natasha Vojinovic. Since presenting their Fall/Winter 2011 collection at New York Fashion Week, the label has found a home in prestigious boutiques around the world and left the public itching to see what they have in mind for the progressive dandy during the chilly months of 2012. Black is the new blue in menswear this season and we’re anticipating an unmatched modern take on the classic suit by Rochambeau.
