Amazing New York Discoveries (You Saw Them Here First!)

Discovering new labels is part of the thrill of any fashion week and this Spring 2013 season did not disappoint. These 5 up and comers were brilliant stars in my notebook:

Tsemaye Binitie
He’s a Nigerian-Englishman presenting beautifully in New York. A disciple of Stella McCartney, Tsemaye is on to his third collection that is inspired by the American beauty. He cited Jenna Lyons and Lauren Santo Domingo as muses and his experimentations with futuristic fabrics (e.g. silk neoprene, laser cut silk, sheer lurex)  in otherwise simple cuts couldn’t be more perfect for those sophisticated and modern style stars. There’s nothing fussy or unstreamlined, but sporty detail make you want to wear it. he pink, black and white colorblocked cocktail dress was a standout. 

Ivy Kirzhner You might not have heard her name, but Ivy is an industry vet. Young, hip and dressed gold and black, Ivy presented her namesake shoe line filled with bright, travelled, chic, colorful sandals, platforms and wedges. She ghosts for Vince Camuto, BCBG and many other major brands but this is her first endeavor on it’s own. The bonus? Though the shoes look like they should be featured alongside Charlotte Olympia and Christian Louboutin, her shoes are priced for the contemporary market.

Renzo + Kai OK, so I’m a sequin junkie, but there’s something beyond sophisticated yet still sexy and playful about New York-based, Indian produced Renzo + Kai. The drapey tops and jackets, flapper-remniscent dresses, and versatile mini skirts make this line a go-to whenever you want to stand ou without looking any wee bit tacky.

 

Ann Yee The hot pink lipped designer has been rocking out her line for two years now, but it seems that something has changed this season: It’s more layerable, it’s more adaptable for a broader consumer, and it’s completely on trend while  being unique. Her knits were her standout, but it was the architectural pieces and contrasting florals that made me oogle. I think she’ll see more retail success this season and hopfully get in more doors so we can actually buy it!

Nonoo Misha Nonoo’s formal London training is obvious in the perfect tailoring of her clothes but I absolutely adore her sense of modern whimsy by way of palette and print. This pieces belong in a working girl’s wardrobe, but too easily transition to weekend chic. I especially loved the flamingo print and cobalt blue story.