THE NEW SUPERSTARS

The designers making a name for themselves today are navigating a vastly different landscape than the one their predecessors did. Production cycles have been sped up to dizzying rates, market share is being dominated by a few big conglomerates, and discounting is rampant—as are fast-fashion knock-offs. On top of these, issues such as sustainability and inclusivity can no longer be put on the back burner. Against this backdrop, a new generation of designers are making waves, not just for the ingenuity of their designs but also for the considerate way they have addressed all the aforementioned issues while building culturally resonant, commercially viable brands. With clarity of vision in both the design and business aspects, the designers we are spotlighting here have pushed the needle forward—from Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh’s deconstruction of menswear to create something new infused with Caribbean warmth and elegance, to Christopher John Rogers swimming against the streetwear and sportswear tide to bring couture drama back to American fashion, to Peter Do’s cool, intellectual take on grown-up luxury—all while remaining resolute in their conviction to do things their way.