Who is she? Founder, Metagirl Studio
This Italian artist made noise on social media in 2023 with her Vans and mesh runners customized with pearls, jewels, and lace. She hasn’t slowed down since. In fact, they were so well-received that her brand Metagirl Studio released an official collab with Saucony in 2026 that brought her remixes to the masses.
Who is she? CMO, Brigade
Maldonado is the brains behind Brigade, one of the best emerging brands out of New York City right now. She co-founded the label with her husband Aaron and currently acts as its CMO. From wholesale partnerships to financials, she is what keeps the business running on the backend.
Who is she? Founder, NiiHai
In 2019, Williams founded NiiHai. The UK-based womenswear brand offers wardrobe essentials with a playful twist, from ice blue tutu tube tops to oversized cable-knit sweaters meant to be worn as dresses. NiiHaii has been spotted on stars like Bella Hadid and Ice Spice.
Who is she? Artist
The mixed media, New York-based artist explores the beauty and complexity of humans and her everyday surroundings in various ways, from colorful abstract paintings to realistic charcoal sketches. In November 2025, the Queens native hosted a gallery with Lower East Side hot spot LAAMS.
Who is she? Founder, Birth of Royal Child
The founder of Birth of Royal Child has been at the forefront of the embellised trend since it popped off a few years ago. Her blinged-out denim is a favorite of the hottest rappers in the world like Future and Young Thug. In 2026, we are seeing Guo’s brand attempt to evolve past its first viral hit by experimenting with fuller collections that don’t always rely on Swaorvski crystals to stand out.
Who is she? Founder, Ian Charms/Jewelry Designer
The Los Angeles-based jewelry maker started her brand, Ian Charms, on a whim. Entirely self taught, Sahakian got a huge boost in the beginning, thanks to placements on stars like Dua Lipa and Justin Bieber. Her whimsical approach to clothing and accessories has helped Ian Charms continue to grow beyond its initial viral moments.
Who is she? Founder, Seventh
Bukki Ojo’s brand Seventh is making some of the best sweats and staples on the market. The UK-based label’s thoughtful approach to basics makes even a grey sweatsuit feel premium.
Who is she? Founder, Huni
This German designer and her brand Huni are turning futuristic pieces into a reality. Her wavy-paneled hoodies and bear paw-shaped 3D slides were adopted by the internet’s fashion crowd. She’s also created custom tour looks for Drake and concept pieces for Adidas.
Who is she? Hair Stylist/Braider
One of the greatest side plots of Ryan Coogler’s rise to being one of the best directors in Hollywood has been his artistic braids. The stylist behind them is none other then California native Tyzanna B. You can thank her for the treble clef in Coogler’s hair at the 2026 Oscars or “FOG” at the 2025 Met Gala.
Who is she? Jewelry Designer
Unlike many high-profile jewelers, Helen Harris doesn’t have a fancy showroom in New York City’s Diamond District or a loud social media presene. She just does good work. From classic gold slugs to more artistic diamond designs, Harris’ grills are some of the best that you can buy.
Who is she? Clothing Designer, Bridal/Couture
The Toronto-based designer specializes in women’s couture and bridal. She has also made a handful of pieces for fellow Canadian Drake, like a gigantic bra and Mongolian fur coat, that have introduced her work to a much wider audience. We’re eager to if she has any customs on the way for the Iceman era.
Who is she? Clothing Designer/Stylist
This Los Angeles-based creative’s resume ranges from styling lookbooks for Alice Hollywood to designing the latest AWGE runway collection with ASAP Rocky.
Who is she? Clothing Designer/Artist
The UK designer is one of the brightest names in her city’s fashion scene right now, thanks to her incredible pieces that mix the traditional London wardrobe with elements of her Nigerian heritage. Her items have already been spotted on style icons like Janelle Monae and this generation’s biggest pop stars like Tyla.
Who is she? Tailor/Clothing Designer
A tailor by trade, Wray started off by doing on-the-spot alterations from a push cart in New York City’s East Village back in 2020. That evolved into youthful creations like teddy bears made of fabric scaps. Six years later, she’s being tapped by artists like Baby Keem to craft one-of-one pieces and reimagining Nike boots for Public School’s runway show.
Who is she? Co-Founder, Taller de Rafa/Video Director
Valverde is one half of the brother-sister duo behind Taller de Rafa, one of our favorite rising streetwear brands. When she isn’t growing TdR’s community with immersive workshops and events throughout New York City, she is behind the lens directing videos for Vogue featuring global superstars like Bad Bunny and Rosalia.
Who is she? Artist
Born in Russia and based in Paris, Gibadullina is a painter who turns iconic cultural moments into artwork that will last a lifetime. Moments have included Anthony Edwards’ legendary dunk on John Collins and Kendrick Lamar’s massive Super Bowl halftime show.
Who is she? Architect/Furniture Designer
This Parisian architect constructs beautiful modular furniture and other contemporary home goods. She blends various mediums together to explore how people relate to their bodies, spaces, and objects througout their daily lives.
Who is she? Photographer
Kanwal has continued to find ways to authentically highlight her Brooklyn roots and Pakistani heritage throughout her photography portfolio. Some of her most notable work includes campaigns for Jordan Brand and shoots for Renell Medrano’s Ice Magazine.
Who is she? Photographer
Born in Peru, rasied in Australia, and based in Chicago, this photographer’s portfolio includes Complex covers for Quenlin Blackwell and Camila Cabello. She’s also shot campaigns for major brands like Fenty Beauty and A Bathing Ape.
Who is she? Wardrobe Stylist
This stylist has already racked up some impressive jobs including styling the cover of Kehlani’s Folded, some of the best dressed players in the NBA like Jordan Poole, and campaigns for Jordan Brand.
Who is she? Wardrobe Stylist
This Los Angeles-based stylist has been behind the wardrobe for Mariah the Scientist’s Hearts Sold Separately era, from archival Dior gowns at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show to her signature toy soldier look that graced the album cover.
Who is she? Founder, Grise NYC/Jewelry Designer
Isabella is the founder of the jewelry brand Grise NYC, which has been spotted on rappers like Doechii and Tia Corine. Each piece feels fresh and new, while still paying homage to New York City’s timeless style.
Who are they? Founders, Todd Patrick
The duo behind Todd Patrick has been putting Detroit on the map for a minute. In recent years, the brand has even designed an official collab with the Pistons. Nicole and Paulino continue to bring the heritage workwear that defines the style of their home city into the luxury menswear space.
Who is she? Founder, 4FOUR/Object Designer
From 2019 to 2014, Farooq served as a Color Designer at Nike. Throughout 2025, she also contributed to a handful of Kith’s footwear collaborations. She also runs her own design studio, 4FOUR, which showcases an array of her work across various mediums including apparel, stationery, and other home objects.
Who is she? Clothing Designer
The experimental New York City-based designer’s runway shows have become a highlight of the New York Fashion Week calendar for the last few seasons. Her inventive approach to womenswear has even piqued the interest of Nike, who has worked with Wade to help promote new silhouettes like the Air Superfly.
Who is she? Photographer
Ma has become known for capturing the youth culture in her hometown of Xinjiang. Her commitment to authentically documenting diverse communities around the world has led to other larger opportunities in the fashion world like shooting portraits of Jonathan Anderson, campaigns with Nike, and Rihanna’s Vogue China cover in 2024.
Who is she? Wardrobe Stylist
Since graduating from Parsons in 2019, the budding stylist has dressed Lil Uzi Vert, JT, Kali Uchis, and Coi Leray, to name a few. More recently, she’s styled Adidas campaigns for the revival of its 1994 USA World Cup jersey and latest Thug Club collab starring NBA champion Jalen Williams.
Who is she? Owner, Nho Girl Vintage Showroom
Pham Thi is the owner of Nho Girl, a vintage showroom in Amsterdam that specializes in women’s clothing, from vintage Levi’s to archive Yohji Yamamoto. Not in Amsterdam? No problem. The shop also has frequent online drops that you can take advantage of from anywhere in the world.
Who is she? Founder, Miaou
What started with a pair of reworked vintage pants in 2016 has grown into Miaou. Elkaim has continued to produce the building blocks for every woman’s wardrobe ever since, from skinny jeans to the perfect cropped tank top.
Who is she? Founder, C2H4
Chen is the founder of Los Angeles-based brand C2H4. The brand produces wardrobe staples that can live in your closet forever. Over the course of its history, Chen’s label has also released special projects with G-Shock, Lacoste, Vans, and more.
Who is she? Photographer
Porodina is a Russian photographer who specializes in surreal imagery that almost looks like it was painted. She has been behind the lens of fashion and editorial campaigns for Ariana Granda, Paul Mescal, and Doechii. In 2025, she shot global superstar Karol G for her first Complex cover.
Read the full article here
.jpg "5 Flat Closed-Toe Shoes That’ll Replace Sandals in Summer 2026")
