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Just a week ago on Instagram, fashion designer Telfar Clemens shared one of Time Magazine’s covers for the upcoming March issue. It features a confident, yet relaxed image of Clemens as part of the second annual TIME100 Next list of 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future. Clemens founded Telfar in 2005 in New York City with the intention of creating unisex clothing that was both accessible and luxurious, high fashion that’s also streetwear. Indeed, the brand’s motto is “It’s not for you—it’s for everyone.” You may know Telfar for the line’s best-selling item, the Shopping Bag or “Bushwick Birkin” as it’s been called. Branded with the signature T and made of vegan leather, it was originally modeled after Bloomingdale’s shopping bags and has been praised for its “it-bag” status and economic accessibility.
Brother Vellies has been making funky one-of-a-kind footwear since 2013. Toronto-native and NYC-transplant Aurora James creates luxury footwear and accessories that celebrate traditional African craftsmanship and enduring design. Artisans from Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa handcraft Brother Vellies pieces using traditional African techniques. James originally began the line with the introduction of the velskoen (pronounced “fell-skoon”), a popular style in Africa and a predecessor of the modern desert boot, but now offers a wide range of styles, including handbags.
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: when you love the designer behind the line, you can’t help but love that piece even more. Toronto native and New York-based designer Aurora James is a case in point. The stunning designer has serious personal steeze, but an incredible story behind her label Brother Vellies to boot. Aurora created the line as a way of introducing traditional African footwear to a wide audience, supporting local artisans and creating more jobs. Every furry sandal and denim babouche are handcrafted by talented artisans in Kenya, Morocco and South Africa. She originally began with the introduction of the velskoen (pronounced “fell-skoon”) which is a popular style in Africa and ancestor of the modern desert boot. Brother Vellies now offers a wide range of styles, and lucky for us, she’s recently added handbags to the mix. We chatted with Aurora after her NYFW debut and her CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award. Meet the inspiring designer here.
Knitwear champion Victor Glemaud launched his namesake leisurewear line in 2006 after studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and working under industry heavyweights like Paco Rabanne and Tommy Hilfiger. The Haitian-American designer from Queens, New York focuses on knitwear that is inclusive of all genders, races, and sizes. His pieces are comfortable and stylish, with an emphasis on bold color and geometrical patterns.
Nigerian designer Amaka Osakwe founded Maki Oh in 2010 after graduating with a BA in fashion studies from Arts University Bournemouth in the UK. After returning to Nigeria, Osakwe launched her ready-to-wear womens line. Her unique pieces meld cloaking and traditional African fabrics with Western silhouettes for a look that’s whimsical and feminine.
If you’re obsessed with retro tailoring, behold your new favorite designer: Grace Wales Bonner. In both her menswear and womenswear collectsions, Bonner blends influences from European and Afro-Atlantic history with musical composition and literature. She launched her eponymous label in 2014 after graduating from Central Saint Martins. Initially starting out as a menswear designer, Bonner soon expanded to include womenswear. Her pieces are colorful, sharp, and nostalgic.
