The new season is upon us, and with it comes a host of exciting labels to discover. Take yourself out of your shopping comfort zone and check out ELLEs guide to the new names set to become your wardrobe favourites
Anthony Vaccarello: The model for Anthony Vaccerello’s A/W 2010 look book is Lou Doillon, which basically tells you everything you need to know about how cool the label is. The Belgian designer behind the label that bares his name won the Hyeres prize in France with his graduate collection, has worked for Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi and set up his own brand in 2008. His latest collection of graphic, panelled pieces in contrasting textures is cutting-edge and super sexy. We love.
Clarissa Labin: Berlin-based designer Clarissa Labin is causing quite a stir with her debut collection. Having honed her talents with a 12 year stint at H&M, she has just launched her eponymous label with a range of cool and colourful knitwear and jersey pieces. From her geometric-patterned jumper dresses and leggings to her tough-girl leather jackets and beautifully draped skirts, invest now - she’s sure to be a big name of the future.
Stine Goya: We’ve had our eye on Stine Goya for a while now and we think it’s about time that everyone else caught on. The Danish model-turned designer captured our imagination with her summer collection of vintage-style printed pieces. For autumn she’s taken a less whimsical stance, with masculine tapered trousers, over-sized capes and chunky knits, not to mention a clutch of photo-printed dresses that are sure to be sell-outs.
Kat Maconie: Over the past few seasons shoe designer Kat Maconie has been gently building a reputation for creating cool, wearable (no longer a dirty word) footwear. Her pieces are classics with a twist - simple ankle boots, ballet pumps and court shoes with just enough stud, ruffle and rope detailing to make them stand out without being outlandish. Her latest collection fits neatly into autumn’s grown-up, womanly vibe so hunt it out.
Smythe: It’s fair to say that the new season is all about the jacket, so Canadian label Smythe is in the perfect spot to be autumn’s hottest label. Whether you’re on the hunt for a camel coat (trust us, you will be) a tweed jacket or a military trench, Smythe has it covered. The label has already caught the eye of Kate Hudson and Blake Lively, and a host of UK fashion fans look set to follow suit.
VPL: Want to makeover your underwear drawer? Head straight for the coolest lingerie label on the block, VPL. The graphic, minimalist pieces created by stylist Victoria Bartlett are far too stylish to keep under wraps, and stateside they’ve earned themselves a cult following - Victoria Beckham, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Aniston are all fans. This season the label has finally reached UK shores and is certain to be a sell-out.
Raoul: Hailing from Singapore, high-end designer label Raoul is currently taking the fashion world by storm. Its signature style is modern and polished and perfect for nailing your working wardrobe - chic tailoring, silk blouses, great coats and accessories to die for. Plus it regularly teams up with other designers too - this season Tom Scott has collaborated with the label on a collection of knitwear.
U: U (which stands for the Universal Clothing Company) is the latest luxe, sporty brand to make the leap across the Atlantic. The creation of Rafal Antos, a former designer at Gap, it’s all slouchy jersey dresses, cropped sweaters and comfy vests. With a laid-back, sexy vibe, its pieces are just what you need to layer your way through the colder months.
Michael Lewis: Shoe designer Michael Lewis is currently taking the fashion world by storm. Not only is his label gaining fans left right and centre, he’s also been snapped up by Tom Ford to consult on his much anticipated women’s collection and he designs men’s shoes for Versace. We don’t know where he finds the time, but we do know that he’s set to join the ranks of Nicholas Kirkwood and Jonathan Kelsey as one of the UK’s most loved shoe smith.
The Only Son: Combining beautiful cut with a tough-girl edge, The Only Son is an Australian label soon to be loved by London’s cool crowd. Created by Au Ekbutr Udomphol, a Thai designer who cut his teeth working at Ksubi, Sass & Bide and Imitation of Christ, it offers up elegant tailoring with a twist. Its deconstructed coats, detailed leather jackets and printed dresses have all shot to the top of our wishlist - and we have our eye on the men’s collection too.
Riller & Fount: Currently flying under the radar, Riller and Fount is soon set to become one of your staples. The label is the brainchild of Susie Crippen, co-founder of J Brand and friend and fellow designer Marlena Ruiz, and it offers up a much-wanted selection of luxe basics - draped vests, simple jersey dresses and perfect T-shirts. Snap them up and they’ll form the basis of your new season wardrobe.
Chinti and Parker: We fell for Chinti and Parker as soon as we set eyes on it and have since become quite obsessed. The knitwear brand – full of jumpers with leather-patched elbows, slouchy cardigans and cosy bobble hats - is your new go-to for winter staples and luxe jersey pieces. Not only are its designs super stylish, they’re also ethical wherever possible, so you can shop with a clear conscience.
Jason Wu for TSE: America’s designer-du-jour has teamed us with luxe knitwear label TSE this season on what are surely going to be the most coveted winter woollies around. We’re not just talking cashmere sweaters here - Wu has created soft and cosy tailored coats, miniskirts, ruffled jerseys and draped dresses that we’re itching to get our hands on. Trust us, you’ll want it all.
Lama Peach: If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of winter boots then head straight for Lama Peach. Its vintage-inspired footwear has earned the label a cult following, and this season its leather work and biker boots is sure to gain it a swathe of new fans. These are boots to buy now and wear forever - so what are you waiting for?
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