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INDEPENDENT AMERICAN DESIGNERS TO KNOW

November 16, 2022

ANNA BERG

EMERGING DESIGNERS TO WATCH THIS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK - DOORS NYC

From artisanally made shoes and hats to futuristic sportswear, our edit spotlights the crème de la crème of American designers at DOORS NYC.

SCLARANDIS
Italian-born Sarah Sclarandis founded her namesake shoe label SCLARANDIS in New York after spending over 20 years designing footwear for some of the biggest global fashion brands. She works with traditional Italian artisans to make timeless shoes from the finest leathers that balance comfort and style for women on the go. Look into the collection’s Chelsea pull-on boots with lug sole, rounded toe and rubber toe cap edits. Shop all SCLARANDIS here.

ZENZEE
Contemporary label ZENZEE works with natural fibers, including cashmere and cotton, to create simple dresses, shirts and Tees using responsible processes. Founder Sharon Backurz makes comfortable and effortless pieces to wear everyday in small batches, exploring artisanal knitting, tie-dye and deconstruction techniques. Whether you’re running errands, traveling or going on vacation, the relaxed-fitting styles have got you covered. Shop all ZENZEE Here.

NUAJE NUAJE
Los Angeles designer NUAJE NUAJE is aptly named after the French word for ‘cloud’ which captures the floaty shape of the collections’ romantic pieces. Founder Elsa long works with family run factories to create understated ready-to-wear from natural fibers, such as silk, linen and cotton. Transcending the beach to the city, the label’s neutral-toned shirts, maxi skirts and dresses can be layered when the weather cools, looking just as good on a beach as at a private gallery opening. Shop all NUAJE NUAJE here.

KAREN MORRIS MILLINERY
Fusing a creative vision with artisanal craftsmanship, designer KAREN MORRIS MILLINERY’s sculptural hats are inspired by art, travel and architecture. Each piece is traditionally hand-molded around a wooden block, before being embellished with playful adornments for a contemporary spin - think lightning bolts, flowers and space elements. Make a statement in the designer’s avant-garde hats, whether a printed headband, a straw sun hat or a fascinator for the next big event. Shop all KAREN MORRIS MILLINERY here.

ROTTMAN NYC
ROTTMAN NYC is inspired by the flamboyant glamor of drag queens, the queer New York club scene in the 1980s and the Italian fashion of Milan, where founder Noah Abraham Rottman completed a life-changing exchange program. Encouraging women to look and feel confident, Rottman makes daring see-through tulle shirts and skirts decorated with sparkling glitter and faux leather, tapping the ongoing seductive runway trend. Shop all ROTTMAN NYC here.

PRIVATE POLICY
Edgy New York streetwear label PRIVATE POLICY reworks closet staples with a directional slant - think oversized Tees, tops and hoodies with cutouts and signature harness straps. A regular on the runway circuit, the genderless brand makes waves in the fashion industry through its futuristic sportswear, based around social issues and the experimental street style spotted in downtown New York. Shop all PRIVATE POLICY HERE.