Nathalie Dufour, founder of ANDAM, reflects on the evolution of fashion, the impact of the ANDAM awards, and the future of the organization in this exclusive interview.
Results for: Emerging Designers
Since its inception in 2020, SPADES has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s burgeoning fashion scene. With its curated selection of emerging designers and concept store approach, it has played a pivotal role in the rise of concept stores across the island and provided a platform for young creatives. However, after four successful years, SPADES will be closing its doors on May 18th, 2023.
At a stylish gathering at L’Avenue at Saks, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) unveiled the finalists for its prestigious CFDA/Fashion Fund. The event celebrated two decades of supporting emerging designers, with a nod to the program’s evolution over the years. Last year’s finalists, including Melitta Baumeister, Rachel Scott, and Henry Zankov, took the stage to announce the 2023 contenders: Sebastien and Marianne Amisial, Dynasty and Soull Ogun, Spencer Phipps, Taylor Thompson, and Jackson Wiederhoeft. The designers exuded optimism and camaraderie, reflecting the CFDA’s mission of fostering a supportive community. The evening was filled with laughter, cocktails, and the fashion elite, including model Paloma Elsesser, Instagram’s Eva Chen, designers Prabal Gurung and Thom Browne, and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb. The partygoers showcased their stylish looks, and the ambiance was electric as the designers shared their excitement for the next chapter in their careers.
Asian designers are making waves in the fashion industry, bringing a diverse array of cultural influences and innovative designs to the forefront. Thailand, known for its vibrant street food and entertainment icons like Lisa and Bright Vachirawit, also boasts a burgeoning fashion scene that blends modern sensibilities with Thai heritage. From timeless elegance to playful femininity and statement accessories, Thai designers are captivating the global audience.
Australian Fashion Week, held annually in May, showcased a diverse array of emerging and established designers. Despite the absence of renowned names, the week celebrated the country’s vibrant fashion scene, which encompasses swimwear, sportswear, and high-end designs. This year’s event highlighted theatricality, sustainability, and cultural heritage through collections that challenged norms and pushed boundaries.
The Parsons School of Design’s BFA Fashion show showcased the remarkable talent of 275 graduating students in a captivating display of 175 unique looks. Each of the program’s five pathways, encompassing various aspects of fashion design, was represented. The collections exhibited a wide range of themes, from the influence of Rei Kawakubo’s Comme de Garçons to explorations of post-humanism and nostalgia. Dramatic silhouettes, oversized shapes, and briefcase accessories were prominent, reflecting the complexities of the post-COVID era. Students drew inspiration from personal histories, queer culture, and the effects of colonialism, using fashion as a medium for storytelling and social commentary.
Get ready for an extraordinary fashion extravaganza as Dubai Fashion Week unveils its highly anticipated spring/summer 2025 showcase. Taking place from September 1st to September 5th, 2024, the event promises to be a captivating blend of traditional Middle Eastern designs and cutting-edge modern fashion. Dubai Fashion Week has solidified its position as a global fashion hub, attracting renowned designers and fashion experts from far and wide. This renowned event serves as a platform for emerging designers to gain international recognition while also showcasing the latest trends.
The Pratt Institute Class of 2024’s graduating fashion show exhibited a refreshing sense of lightness and a balance between design and materiality. Students showcased a renewed sense of confidence and purpose, particularly in addressing environmental issues and size inclusivity. This shift marks a departure from the inward-focused student shows during the pandemic. The show featured various explorations of connections, such as the intersection of craft and machine, heredity, and home/place. Notable collections included workwear-inspired designs, an amalgam of global impressions, performance wear, and garments tailored for a more apocalyptic world. While many designers embraced a sense of quietude, others showcased hyper-femininity and cheerfulness. Soccer player-turned-designer Christopher Hunte was recognized for his exceptional design with the Christopher Hunte “On Point” Award.
Puyuan Fashion Week 2024 kicked off on April 24th, showcasing the intersection of high-end knitwear and the picturesque Jiangnan water towns. The event aimed to promote the fusion of fashion and tourism, elevate Puyuan’s fashion scene, and support emerging designers. Notable designers like Vera Wang and Professor Jimmy Choo showcased their collections, while La Mofiel’s grand finale featured models on sculling boats, creating a unique blend of fashion and scenic beauty.
The final eight contenders for the prestigious 2024 LVMH Prize have been unveiled, showcasing a wide range of innovative designs and a strong emphasis on sustainability. The lineup includes designers from the United States, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, United Kingdom, France, and Ireland. This year, the LVMH Prize has introduced a new Savoir-Faire Prize alongside the Karl Lagerfeld Prize and the main LVMH Prize. The Savoir-Faire Prize recognizes exceptional craftsmanship, sustainability, and technological innovation, reflecting the growing importance of these aspects in the fashion industry.