Get There First: 12 Up-and-Coming Indie Designers You Need to Know Now
If you've ever had the experience of walking down the street and noticing someone else in the exact same outfit, you know the pain that can come from fast fashion. As much as we love the H&Ms, Zaras, Forever 21s, and Urban Outfitters of the world (hey, they make up about 75% of our wardrobes), the point is that sometimes we crave a little something different...like a lovingly designed piece from an emerging indie fashion brand that—bonus—we know no one else will be wearing.
Here's the great thing about shopping smaller independent lines: Aside from gaining some serious street cred by rocking a few-of-a-kind piece from a designer you found first, you're also supporting a small business that will benefit directly from your purchase. Pretty cool, right?
Today, we're lifting the curtain and showing you 12 seriously cool indie designers and our favorite pieces to go along with them, from a mix-and-match bikini to wooden eyeglasses to a killer statement necklace handmade in South Africa. Get ready to discover the next big thing.
Photos: Courtesy of Giejo and Horace & Mae Photography for Tradlands1/13Nothing feels better than being ahead of the curve.
Photo courtesy of tradlands.com2/13<a href="http://tradlands.com/" target="_blank">Tradlands</a>
Whether you’re a tomboy at heart or just need a new tailored shirt, Tradlands is about to be your favorite one-stop button-down shop. Currently on its third season, this brand focuses on menswear-style shirts tailored to fit women.
Our pick: Vacationland button-down, $174. tradlands.com.
Photo courtesy of shopgiejo.com3/13<a href="http://store.shopgiejo.com/" target="_blank">Giejo</a>
We’ve always been big fans of mixing and matching our swimsuits. But now, Giejo is doing the work for us with their line of coordinating swimwear separates. Whether you prefer a matchy-matchy style or want something a little more unexpected, this fresh new bikini line has you covered.
Our picks: Multi tie in palm, $120. store.shopgiejo.com. Mid back ruche in gingham, $96. store.shopgiejo.com.
Photo courtesy of etsy.com4/13<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YuSquare?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">YuSquare</a>
If the bold color combinations and crazy-interesting patterns in this Taipei-based knitwear line don’t stop you in your tracks, the craftsmanship will. Everything sold by YuSquare is completely handmade by the line’s owner and designer, Ringo Yu. Better yet, the wares are sold on Etsy and shipped worldwide, so you can easily get your own handmade YuSquare creation.
Our pick: Summer festival top, $80. etsy.com.
Photo courtesy of etsy.com5/13<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kertis?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Kertis</a>
If you consider yourself to be more of a minimalist, then you’re sure to love Kertis, a line of clothing and leather accessories with simple, elegant designs and plenty of palm tree prints.
Our pick: Tropical leather clutch, $68. etsy.com.
Photo courtesy of datterindustries.com6/13<a href="http://datterindustries.com" target="_blank">Datter Industries</a>
Statement necklaces can be a lot to handle, but sometimes overly simple jewelry just feels a little, well, boring. Allow us to introduce you to Datter Industries. From cats to tiny hands to arrows to skulls, the brand’s pieces are all drawn and designed by the illustrator and owner, Kaye Blegvad.
Our pick: Tiny cat earrings, $74. datterindustries.com.
Photo courtesy of capitaleyewear.com7/13<a href="http://capitaleyewear.com" target="_blank">Capital Eyewear</a>
Ditch your ordinary eyewear for something interesting—like, say, wooden frames handmade in California by Capital Eyewear. Created by a former retail video producer, Capital’s mission is based around fair manufacturing practices and quality craftsmanship...and a very high sense of style.
Our pick: Morgan sunglasses, $135. capitaleyewear.com.
Photo courtesy of kordalknitwear.com8/13<a href="http://www.kordalknitwear.com/" target="_blank">Kordal</a>
After working with brands like J.Crew, Trovata, and doo.ri, designer Mandy Kordal discovered her love for knitwear and started her own line. In addition to selling her finely knit pieces, she also hosts workshops and classes to educate others on the craft of knitting.
Our pick: Striped pocket short, $195. kordalknitwear.com.
Photo courtesy of rennes.us9/13<a href="http://www.rennes.us" target="_blank">Rennes</a>
In need of a new linen dress or the perfect leather handbag? Meet Rennes, a Boston-based line that designs and produces all of its handmade clothing, leather accessories, and homewares out of its studio.
Our pick: Alexi tank, $170. rennes.us.
Photo courtesy of pierreponthicks.com10/13<a href="http://pierreponthicks.com/" target="_blank">Pierrepont Hicks</a>
Though originally a menswear line formed around creating the perfect tie, Pierrepont Hicks has plenty to offer the ladies as well—particularly those with a tomboy streak or a passion for the outdoors. Think heavy parkas, down vests, and the perfect pair of loafers. Who’s up for camping?
Our pick: Dunoon parka, $475. pierreponthicks.com.
Photo courtesy of pichulik.myshopify.com11/13<a href="http://pichulik.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Pichulik</a>
Inspired by travel and the intimate relationships women have with their jewelry, designer Katherine-Mary launched her line of statement accessories in 2012. All are designed and handmade in Cape Town, South Africa. Be sure to check out Pichulik’s Brave Women feature if you want some real inspiration.
Our pick: Entrea necklace, $119.98. pichulik.myshopify.com.
Photo courtesy of carolinezhurley.bigcartel.com12/13<a href="http://carolinezhurley.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Caroline Z Hurley</a>
We love multi-purpose items, and Caroline Z Hurley must have heard our cries because her graphic scarves/bags/throws are all kinds of versatile.
Our pick: Jules Linen Throw, $140. carolinezhurley.bigcartel.com.
Photo courtesy of sarabarner.bigcartel.com13/13<a href="http://sarabarner.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Sara Barner</a>
Sara Barner’s simple and chic bags are timeless pieces we look forward to wearing everyday—now and for years to come. The geometric shapes guarantee that while the designs are classics, they’re anything but boring.
Our pick: Ruby bag, $385. sarabarner.bigcartel.com.
