We're happy to announce our Teen Vogue Generation Next 2023 class of designers. Each year, Teen Vogue puts out a call for young fashion designers as a way to support their careers, help elevate them in a competitive industry, and provide the mentorship they need on their journey. More than 100 designers ages 18+ from all over the United States submitted their work in hopes of snagging a spot in the class of 2023, and six exceptionally talented creatives were selected as the winners by our panel of judges.
This year's judges included designer and entrepreneur Elena Velez; Theophilo designer Edvin Thompson; stylist and creative director Brittany Howard; Studio 189 cofounder Abrima Erwiah; and global head of fashion and beauty at Snapchat, Rajni Jacques.
Each designer will receive a $1,000 prize and a professional consult with one of the judges to provide guidance as they pursue a career in fashion.
“We're so excited about the winners of this year's Generation Next competition,” says Teen Vogue executive editor Danielle Kwateng. “With so many conversations happening right now about the need for diversity in fashion — particularly representation in major fashion house creative director roles — this new generation of designers gives us hope that change is coming. Each of the six winners draws from their rich cultural backgrounds to create clothing that highlights the beauty of style across the diaspora. We're sure they are future stars and will shake the industry up for the better."
Congratulations to the Teen Vogue Generation Next, Class of 2023! Meet the winners below.
Layla Wan, 22 | Savannah College of Art and Design
“Being a womenswear designer with a strong sense of style and creativity, I have an identifiable design aesthetic," says Layla Wan. "My designs thrive at the intersection of modern elegance and innovation while keeping it fun, honest, and contemporary. Growing up with my grandmother who is an antique textile restorer, I had access to learn about diverse textiles from a very young age. Therefore, I understand the characteristics of different kinds of fabrics and materials, which enables me to do less to the fabric, but make it still show the satisfying effect.”
Ahmrii Johnson, 23 | Parsons School of Design
Ahmrii Johnson draws inspiration from her Bahamian American background, fine art, and nature. Her designs “seamlessly blend elements of modernity, tradition, and novelty.” She is deeply committed to craftsmanship with an artistic sensibility, as well as sustainability and reducing environmental impact across her line. Johnson has been honored as a Virgil Abloh Post Modern Scholar, Runway of Dreams Scholar, Gucci Changemaker, Tommy Bahama featured artist, Met Design finalist, and a Research Award recipient of the New School, among other honors.
Mel Corchado, 26 | Parsons School of Design, The New School
Mel Corchado is a “Brooklyn-based, Boricua fashion designer” and CFDA Scholar whose designs explore how “fashion might confront narratives and shift consciousness in service of decolonization.” Corchado is currently focusing on “building alternatives to the fashion industrial complex through participatory research and design methods.”
Alisia Medina, 21 | Art Institute of Chicago
“I fell in love with fashion when I realized that I could build stories with the pieces that I was creating,” Alisia Medina explains. “I am not a writer, but I morph into one when it comes to designing. I walk around with my notebook and every single word that pops into my head is scribbled down as I piece together the next concept. My designs are a celebration full of color and texture.”
Medina continues, “I am a multidisciplinary Latina artist currently based in Chicago. I’ve noticed that my experience has been different from my peers; my reality has been working twice as hard to get to the same starting line. I am a first-generation, low-income Latina attending a predominantly white and private institution, and this unique experience has made me extremely grateful for what I do have and an advocate for those in similar positions. My work has become a way for me to honor my experiences.”
Says Medina, "My current collection, Te Reconozco, is a collection that, on its own, stands as a way to honor and celebrate the visual culture that exists within the diaspora of the Latinx community. The collection captures the moment of connection — the I see you, you see me, we understand each other — a feeling that is almost indescribable. With my work and explorations, I have found the courage to grow."
Anyssa Merlini, 22 | Savannah College of Art and Design
“I’ve always known I wanted to create clothes that could transform an ordinary person," says Anyssa Merlini. "Growing up, I worked at my family's dance studio. Initially, I was first drawn to the world of costume design. In the end, I felt that costume design limited how big of an impression my designs could have and I have focused my concentration on fashion design. Considering fashion design as a wearable art form, I aim to create a lasting impression on those who wear and view my creations.”
Felisha Rose Santana, 23 | Savannah College of Art & Design
“I'm originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, but I moved to Savannah, Georgia, to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer," Felisha Rose Santana says. "Being back at home during the pandemic forced me to look within for inspiration. I remembered the days when I was a young girl, and how fascinated I was by the theatrical wardrobe and my mother's closet. In my thesis collection, I explore a tradition that has lived through the generations of the women in my family: the flower corsage. The collection is a celebration of femininity and reminiscent of traditional silhouettes.”
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