For the fashionista, February isn’t about Valentine’s Day — it’s about fashion. With the “Big Four” fashion weeks — New York, Paris, London and Milan — taking place in February, it’s a big month for style enthusiasts. While Marc Jacobs, Burberry and Missoni are household names, fashion week season is a time for us to discover new designers, so here are five you may have never heard of!
Basso & Brooke
Founded by Brazilian Bruno Basso and Brit Christopher Brooke, Basso & Brooke produced their first collection in 2004. Described as the “masters of fantastical digital print” by Vogue, the designers are best known for their loud prints, which are major this season. Plus, Michelle Obama wore a piece from the SS09 collection, so you know the label is a big deal.
Les Copains
Founder Mario Bandiera had been following in his father’s footsteps in the antique business when his talent in knitwear — which is now key to the brand — led to his foray into fashion. Les Copains carries a series of lines for men and women, as well as sportswear, cashmere, the more affordable Trend Les Copains, among others.
Wren
Named after Jenny Wren, a “sadly winsome little creature who makes dresses for dolls in Dickens’ “Our Mutual Friend,” according to the label’s website, designer and founder Melissa Coker is dedicaed to perfect imperfection. The company was founded in 2007 and captures a casual chic the everyday girl can embody — this season’s looks pair girly dresses with more industrial accessories such as shoes.
Les Néréides
Jewelry designers Pascale and Enzo Ammadeo fell in “love at first sight” at the Academy des Beaux-Arts, according to the label’s website. In Greek mythology, Nereids are sea nymphs, and Pascale’s grandfather chose the name of the brand. This season, some of the designers’ greatest inspirations as stated in the label’s London Fashion Week profile include “animals, retro jewellery, autumnal fruits and garden flowers.”
Wes Gordon
A native of Atlanta, Ga., Wes Gordon began his fashion career at the prestigious Central Saint Martins University of Art and Design in London, from which legends such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen have graduated. Gordon is known for his elegant looks, which were dramatized this season through rich, jewel-toned drapery.
While we may all stay true to our favorite designers, this season, make it a point to find a new point of inspiration, as fashion is always changing and up-and-coming. Who’s your favorite designer?