Six Designers to Look Out For in 2021
Fashion, like art, demonstrates an evolving documentation of the age that we live in, alongside the culture that has been developed along the way. It is always obsessed with the current moment and it’s always finding new trends, but this time it’s more complex than any other. Despite the standstill that has been brought among us due to lockdown and quarantine, designers have tried to remain creative and find different ways to innovate their existing ideas while coming up with new ones.
2021, however, will hopefully bring an end to the designer block, with a new emergence of up-and-coming creators offering new insight and perspective to the current landscape, creativity means no bounds. So with this new and hopeful year which is soon approaching (thank God), here is a small list of the new trendsetters that are predicted to breathe new life into the fashion world. Whether already established or up-and-coming, here are six designers to look out for in the future.
1) SOHEE PARK
From Miley Cyrus, Jhené Aiko to Munroe Bergdorf, Bella Thorne and now Cardi B for her newest Billboard cover, Sohee Park is definitely a talent worth keeping an eye on. The notorious looks that she debuted with at the CMS graduate show, which included iridescent fabrics and gradient hues, were featured on the cover of LOVE magazine, a major accomplishment for any emerging designer let alone someone straight out of university! Christian Cowan was also amazed by her talent and asked her to collaborate with him on a trio of looks for his Spring 2021 collection, as well as Marc Jacobs in which she made flower brooches and headpieces for his Spring 2020 show after interning previously.
SOHEE PARK on Instagram
2) DINGYUN ZHANG
Chinese designer Dingyun Zhang has always lived in the fast lane. Alike to Sohee, Dingyun is a fresh graduate who has come straight out of Central Saint Martins and has only been on the rise since. From designing for Kanye West’s YEEZY to being included in the Dazed 100 List, the designer proclaims his manifesto for fashion is “a theoretical bond of sustainable ideas about long term comfort, materials, and functionality.” Alongside his dedication to sustainability, Zhang designs clothes that tell stories from underrepresented demographics around the world, who face environmental and economic challenges. And with followers including A$AP Ferg, A$AP Nast, Daniel Arsham, Tremaine Emory, Jerry Lorenzo, and Sean Wotherspoon, Zhang has already built a catalogue of famous admirers, and rightfully so.
DINGYUN ZHANG on Instagram
3) ASATA MAISE
70’s inspired but 2020 present; Asata Maise is the rising designer who considers herself to be an unconventional modern-day couturier. Asata Maise began her eponymous brand in 2016 based on the cornerstones of sustainability and an exploration of history. Her Instagram page and website are littered in warm tones, demonstrating a clear reminiscent inspiration from the ’70s and ‘90s fashion era. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, Maise makes one-of-a-kind items of clothing that she sources, designs, and models all herself. Ethically made and ethnically showcased, this Asata is one of the more morally conscious and yet hypnotic designers out there right now- don’t sleep.
ASATA MAISE on Instagram
4) AURORA JAMES
With 200k followers on Instagram and inspiring similar initiatives outside of the States, James has spotlighted Black talent in the fashion industry and has them contribute to her brand Brother Vellies. Seeking economic accountability in the wake of this year's racial injustices and police brutality, Aurora alongside created 15 Percent Pledge, a nonprofit calling on retailers to commit at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands, in line with the 15% of people living in the United States who identify as Black or mixed race. Using vegetable-tanned leathers and hand-carved wood, the brand's directional and contemporary pieces are created by craftspeople from Mexico to Morocco.
Brother Vellies by AURORA JAMES on Instagram
5) TOMO KOIZUMI
Unicorns, rainbows, and a world where everything is bright and ethereal; this is the world that Japanese womenswear designer Tomotoka Koizumi will take you to. Based in the creative minefield that is Tokyo, Koizumiis best known for his puffy cotton-candy creations, which were the talk of New York Fashion Week throughout last winter. Koizumi. Remember the name. It’ll be in bright lights.
TOMO KOIZUMI on Instagram
6) CHRISTIAN JOHN ROGERS
As explained in his website, the Christopher John Rogers brand exists to create emotional & sensitive clothing with a focus on effortful dressing, directed towards an individual with a strong sense of self. Based in New York City, he designs clothing with an emphasis on quality manufacturing and timeless appeal, whilst encouraging whoever wears his designs “to take up space”. Being named as ‘One to Watch’ in fashion week by Vogue, he isn’t exactly a mysterious riser but is a creative colorful mastermind who is worth observing throughout the years nonetheless.
CHRISTIAN JOHN ROGERS on Instagram
Ashley Morris is a publicist and freelance writer based in London, UK. She loves to write about anything art-related from movies, music, and books to more serious topics such as race, social justice, and environmental issues. Besides that, she’s a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast who severely wants a Welsh corgi and is actively manifesting that. And world peace
This article was copyedited by Tah Ai Jia