2018
Since winning the fourth season of Project Runway in 2008, Christian Siriano has become one of Hollywood's most beloved designers, and one of reality television's most enduring success stories. The petite, animated, Maryland native's impressive talent, limitless creativity, and unbound energy spilled over onto the small screen, and the catwalk. Siriano's signature dramatic designs, paired with his sharp business acumen, has resulted in runway and retail success, as well as collaborations with brands including Payless Shoes, Victoria's Secret, LG, and e.l.f. cosmetics. What's more - celebrities adore him; Siriano has dressed everyone from Whoopi Goldberg to First Lady Michelle Obama to Lady Gaga. Siriano's inclusive approach to fashion has been an industry game-changer; he was among the first designers to cast plus-size models for his catwalks and continues to make diversity a focus of his business. Siriano celebrated his 10th anniversary at New York Fashion Week in February 2018 with an A-list front row including Cardi B., and a star-studded model lineup including actresses Danielle Brooks and Selma Blair.
2018
In 1997, Kansas City, Missouri, native, Jeremy Scott went from being a farm boy to a fashion provocateur, with the launch of his eponymous label. The unapologetic Scott courted controversy with his brash wit, challenging the industry's notion of dressing. Looking for an appropriate environment for his unique vision, Scott established his career in Paris, and presented his collections there for over a decade. It was his use of Americana, as well as his cartoonish interpretation of pop culture, that brought Scott notoriety; he's dressed stars from Nicki Minaj to Madonna, and Karl Lagerfeld reportedly told the French newspaper, Le Monde, that Scott was the only designer who could follow him at Chanel. In 2014, Scott's popularity skyrocketed when he was named Creative Director of Italian fashion house, Moschino. The "American in Milan" has since catapulted the once withering brand back into the spotlight. Coveted "see now buy now" capsule collections, larger-than-life runways, and major collaborations - including a 2018 collection with fast-fashion emporium, H&M - have made Moschino, and Jeremy, a favorite of millennials - further proof that the seemingly ageless designer is undoubtedly "living the dream."
2018
His designs make a fashion statement with bold colors, rich fabrics, geometrical patterns, and a modern, glamorous appeal. Bibhu Mohapatra is a celebrated, New York-based designer who has built his brand on a foundation of evening wear with a distinct, Indian flavor. The designer grew up in Odisa, India, where he developed his love for Indian textiles and vibrant colors. After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and a jobs at high fashion labels, Halston and J. Mendel, Mohapatra showed his first collection at New York Fashion Week for his namesake label. The designer has since become a fixture of the fashion calendar, and a favorite of celebrities - including Michelle Obama and actress Taraji P. Henson. Despite the difficulties of working in a competitive industry - especially as a designer specializing in evening wear, in an increasingly casual culture - Bibhu Mohapatra is still a beloved designer whose shows are an important staple of New York Fashion Week.
2018
With a fashion education from London's esteemed Central Saint Martins and Milan's Domus Academy, followed by a prestigious apprenticeship in Paris with Emanuel Ungaro, designer Andrew Gn has an elite fashion pedigree. But just as essential to his acclaimed designs is Gn's multi-faceted, multi-cultural Asian heritage; the Paris-based designer is part Japanese, part Chinese, and he grew up in Singapore. Gn's rich color palette, ornate embellishment, impeccable craftsmanship and unyielding sense of sophistication have garnered him an elite, diverse clientele, and made him a favorite of major department stores including Bergdorf Goodman. Gn's passion for the arts goes beyond the runway - he is a connoisseur of antiques and fine arts, and believes that all beauty should be celebrated and cherished. It's no wonder that Gn is becoming a red-carpet regular and has dressed celebrities including Emma Stone, Janelle Monae, and Allison Williams.
2018
For over 30 years, the name Badgley Mischka has been synonymous with all-American glamour, and a red carpet favorite among Hollywood A-Listers - from Helen Mirren to Taylor Swift. Mark Badgley and James Mischka met at the Parsons School of Design in New York, before founding their label together in 1988. A few years later, they launched their bridal collection, giving women everywhere the opportunity to have their own red carpet moments. The label has flourished into a true lifestyle brand, with more product categories including home goods, and sportswear. After 30 years of working together, the designers have learned a lot from each other, and the fashion industry as a whole has benefited from their glamorous touch.
2018
Thea Bregazzi and Justin Thonrton launched their womenswear label, Preen, in 1996, and made their debut at London Fashion Week four years later. Partners in business and in life, the British design duo offered a modern mix of romance, punk, wit and sex appeal. Adored by British it-girls (including the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton) and popularized in the states by Hollywood starlets and power women (including Michelle Obama!), Preen aims to create something special for every woman in every walk of life - and for every part of her busy day. Two decades strong, Preen continues to expand their range with accessories, children's wear, and a home collection, as they garner industry praise.