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Out of the closet and onto the runway! Keep these up-and-coming LGBT designers on your radar—they’ll be kicking ass during New York Fashion Week.
RECOMMENDED: See the full guide to New York Fashion Week
Shan Huq
You might already be familiar with Shan Huq; his realistic wares inspired by the everyday clothing of the American teenager were trending last season. Yeah, his previous duds look like they’re meant for preppy folks living in the suburbs, but he’s getting wilder with his designs. Huq’s FW16 collection is way more grown-up, and the entire collection is sheer. During NYFW, we’re excited to see the designer push more boundaries.
Moses Gauntlett Cheng
This LGBT brand is considered fashion’s new wave, and believe it or not, the NYC label’s name was not created in the back of a cab on the way to a John Waters party. It was spawned after three best friends—Esther Gauntlett, David Moses and Jenny Cheng—decided they wanted to create a nonbinary clothing line that focuses more on the design rather than the sex, and we’re all for it! We are currently obsessing over the fall collection, which is comprised of chevron print sweaters, chunky-knit pants and open-crotch shorts (it works, trust us).
Eric Schlösberg
Each piece included in Eric Schlösberg’s line is locally made in New York, but the embellishments are outsourced internationally. This is not the only thing that makes Schlösberg’s clothes cool: He loves classic silhouettes with outlandish prints and patterns that pack a mean punch—think fire-engine red and yellow threads with fur, feathers and beaded adornments. After starting his own solo line this fall, we are expecting his new spring collection to really redefine the new “normal.”
Gogo Graham
Gogo Graham is known as three things: dynamic, customizable, and real. Graham is dynamic because since 2015 her clothing has been made for Trans people, by a trans woman. Customizable in that it’s pieces are easily mixed and matched all the while maintaining its true inspiration and real because of Graham’s backward way of production in which she garners inspiration for the clothing by her Trans models even before sketching the garment.
LVL XIII
Known for dressing A-list celebrities LVL XIII is slated to become the next big thing in fashion footwear. Founder Antonio Brown recently took to the stage after his most recent viewing at 2016’s September’s Fashion Week and announced his partnerships with Kenneth Cole and AmfAR are symbols of triumph and perseverance. While not being an LGBT brand, Brown makes sure to align his brand with all important organizations. The same show contained new models of footwear not seen anywhere else. Each pair contained either earthy tones or a contrasting splash of red. Whichever color each pair was, it shared the same characteristic; minimalistic and modern. We’re hoping Brown continues his partnership with AmfAR and continues paving the way for modern footwear.