6 Clothing Designers Shaping The Future Of Style

Fashion and style are constantly changing in response to cultural, economic, and social shifts. But the change doesn't just happen by itself: it's up to forward-thinking designers to innovate new ideas and shape future trends. The individuals and brands included here are among those doing just that, creating an assortment of unique clothing and accessories on the cutting edge of fashion. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

6 Progressive Fashion Designers & Brands

Name About
Ikiré Jones A collaboration between Walé Oyéjidé and tailor Sam Hubler, it uses design as a vehicle to tell stories that illuminate the nuanced lives of marginalized people
Terry Fox Couture fashion and wedding dress designer, author, and sewing expert with a successful career spanning over 45 years
Anu Raina Canadian designer of chic clothing and scarves in fine silk and wool blends
Stephan Caras Operates the CARAS brand, which creates feminine collections with well-tailored silhouettes and luxurious Italian and French fabrics
Limor Rosen Head of the Bridal Couture studio, offering comfortable and meticulous patterns and uncompromising sewing
Whitney Manney Under her independent label, she translates the aesthetics of street art and the effects of cultural movements on the current urban landscape into ready-to-wear wearable art and textile design

Fashion That Celebrates African Strength and Spirit

Books That Reveal Changing Attitudes in the Worlds of Fashion and Beauty

Title Author More by the Author
Slave to Fashion Safia Minney Naked Fashion: The New Sustainable Fashion Revolution
True Beauty Emme with Daniel Paisner Morning Has Broken: A Couple's Journey Through Depression
ECOrenaissance: A Lifestyle Guide for Cocreating a Stylish, Sexy, and Sustainable World Marci Zaroff
Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty Summer Rayne Oakes How to Make a Plant Love You: Cultivate Green Space in Your Home and Heart
Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful Arwen Elys Dayton Seeker

Companies That Sell Cruelty-Free Beauty Products

Name What It Offers
LEMONHEAD.LA Offers certified vegan adult glitter and gels, designed and handcrafted by Los Angeles makeup artists
Poppy Austin Creates premium hair and skin products, preventing signs of aging by using only the finest, most ethically sourced cosmetics
Maple Holistics Provides a natural, holistic range of premium products which can enhance hygiene, health, and daily living, including therapeutic shampoos and conditioners, facial masks, and essential oils
Dr.Lipp Makes a multi-use balm containing just one ingredient: 100% medical-grade lanolin from free-roaming Australian sheep wool
OROGOLD Cosmetics Specially infuses each one of its products with 24K gold, creating makeup and skincare that's cruelty- and paraben-free
Briogeo Creates haircare using natural oils, vitamins, and antioxidants to address immediate concerns and build the foundation for long-term healthy, nourished, and beautiful hair

Behind the Scenes With Whitney Manney

In Depth

Beyond its functional purpose, clothing communicates a lot about a person. Bright colors, for example, might signal an exuberant mood, while certain patterns and designs can give a nod to various cultural, historical, and social references. If you want to learn more about some of the tastemakers at work in this field, then here, in no particular order, is a selection of clothing designers keeping an eye toward the future.

Coming in at #1 is Ikire Jones. A collaboration between Wale Oyejide and Sam Hubler, Ikire Jones makes designs that celebrate the unique lives of marginalized people. At work across a number of mediums, this brand tells stories with vibrant articles of clothing, including scarves, pocket squares, jackets, shirts, and suits.

Beyond creating clothing, Ikire Jones also brings its story-telling skills to a number of other areas. From international museum exhibitions to library murals, this brand has contributed pieces and creative direction to many artistic endeavors. Furthermore, founder Wale Oyejide frequently gives talks and presentations around the globe, discussing his approach to design and the role of geopolitics and culture on his work.

Beyond creating clothing, Ikire Jones also brings its story-telling skills to a number of other areas.

In the #2 spot is Terry Fox. Based in the United Kingdom, this multi-talented designer specializes in couture fashion and wedding dresses. For the latter, she offers bespoke services, crafting one-of-a-kind gowns for her clients. Her designs combine high-quality fabrics with intricate lace and applique work.

In addition to these custom garment offerings, Fox also serves as a guest speaker and runs training sessions for budding designers. Her educational workshops take place in person and online, and they cover a variety of topics, including draping, tailoring, and repurposing old fabric. Elsewhere, Fox explores the world of fashion and textiles on her blog, discussing everything from London's fabric shops to the meaning of haute couture.

At #3 is Anu Raina. A graduate of Sheridan College in Oakville, this designer unveiled her ready-to-wear collection at Toronto Fashion Week in 2010. She has continued her work in fashion since then, using her knowledge of textiles to create playful and elegant clothing and accessories, which are featured in stores from Calgary to Louisville.

She has continued her work in fashion since then, using her knowledge of textiles to create playful and elegant clothing and accessories, which are featured in stores from Calgary to Louisville.

Specific collections from this designer range from Hugs & Kisses, a whimsical series inspired by her children, to Remnants, which draws on Raina's childhood memories of her grandmother. Her dramatic silk scarves often feature everyday objects, such as street signs, fruit salad, and paper planes. In recognition of her work, Raina has received coverage in Culture Trip and Elle Canada.

Coming in at #4 is Stephan Caras. Born in Corinth and educated in Melbourne, this innovative designer of women's fashion has had a long career, working across five continents and with houses such as Guy Laroche and Hermes. With an emphasis on femininity and luxury, his work features well-tailored and intricately draped designs.

Teaming up with his son Kyriako, Stephan Caras has headquartered the operations of the brand in downtown Toronto. His work has been featured in a number of outlets, including D'FYNE Fitness Magazine and FAJO Magazine. Pieces from the brand's seasonal collections frequently appear on runways and red carpets from Canada to Monte Carlo.

Teaming up with his son Kyriako, Stephan Caras has headquartered the operations of the brand in downtown Toronto.

In the #5 spot is Limor Rosen. Educated at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Madrid, this designer worked with the Diane von Furstenberg fashion house in New York before setting up Limor Rosen Bridal Couture. Operating out of Tel Aviv but available in more than thirty locations around the world, the studio crafts graceful, high-quality garments.

Limor Rosen Bridal Couture offers a wide range of choices to its clients. The Andalucia Collection, for instance, takes inspiration from the culture and locales of Spain, with gowns made from chiffon, lace, and satin. Another option is the stylish XO Collection, a more affordable line with bohemian and floral influences.

Last but not least, at #6 is Whitney Manney. A graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, this designer creates garments and textile designs. Her self-named fashion label focuses on making art in a wearable format and grew out of her experiences of repurposing old clothes from a young age.

Her self-named fashion label focuses on making art in a wearable format and grew out of her experiences of repurposing old clothes from a young age.

The WHITNEYMANNEY label draws inspiration from the aesthetics of street art and the power of cultural movements. Combining art, fashion, and statement, it offers eye-catching dresses, scarves, and clutches, among other pieces. The WHITPRINT Collection, meanwhile, contains accessories such as socks, mugs, and stickers, made from vibrant patterns. Elsewhere, this designer's blog keeps up to date with all things fashion, touching on DIY projects and the history of black textile artists.