There are plenty of ways to discover a new designer on the internet. But nothing quite compares to seeing their clothes, jewelry, and accessories up close, especially when the person who made them is standing a few feet away.
That was part of the magic of Refinery29 and RAISEfashion’s The Penthouse Edit, a two-day celebration of independent fashion at The Standard, East Village. The event brought together designers with wildly different points of view, from reworked wardrobe staples and sculptural jewelry to statement hats and clothes that practically demand a double take.
And while I came ready to discover what was next, I left with an even longer shopping list. These aren’t pieces designed to quietly fill a gap in your closet. They’re the kind of additions you build an outfit around, get stopped on the street wearing, and inevitably have to answer the “Where did you get that?” question.
So consider this the shopping version of our Penthouse Edit: the independent designers that caught our attention, and the creations we’re eyeing first for fall.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a compensation.
If your fall wardrobe could use a little disruption, start here. K.NGSLEY takes familiar staples (think tanks, tees, classic dresses) and twists, slices, and reshapes them into something far more interesting. The result is sexy without feeling obvious and cool without looking like an art project. Founder Kingsley Gbadegesin also left The Penthouse Edit as the recipient of the $15,000 Crown Royal Designer Grant.
Kngsley Dark Olive “KORT” Maxi Dress, $, available at Kngsley
Sometimes you want the goods that do all the talking the moment you enter the room. Amaramara delivers exactly that. The brand’s pieces play with texture, movement, and unexpected embellishment in a way that makes even a simple silhouette feel like a must-have for a special event. If your closet has been feeling to “safe,” consider this your chic antidote.
Campillo makes the case for slowing down and actually looking at your clothes. The proportions, construction, and small design details are what turn otherwise recognizable wardrobe pieces into something you won’t see everywhere else. I mean look at these yummy jeans. These are the kinds of clothes that make getting dressed feel interesting again, even when the rest of your outfit is relatively simple.
Campillo Indigo Denim Pants, $, available at Campillo
A hat can be an afterthought, or it can completely change the outfit. ESENSHEL firmly belongs in the second camp. With sculptural shapes and exaggerated proportions, these aren’t pieces you throw on because you’re having a bad hair day. They’re the reason for the entire look.
Esenshel Backless Mini Western Hat, $, available at Esenshel
If your classic basics are overdue for an upgrade, turn to YESAET. The brands offers something considerably more memorable yet totally wearable, thanks to artisan-crafted pieces that will feel collected rather than simply purchased.
Consider ZUT for the days when a plain hoodie simply isn’t going to cut it. Even the brand’s more casual pieces have a strong identity, proving that comfort and interesting design don’t have to exist on opposite ends of your closet.
Yes, delicate jewelry can still make a statement, and ALMASIKA’s designs are proof. Throughout the collection you’ll find sculptural pieces that are both unique yet restrained enough for everyday wear. Translation: the kind of investment your plain white tee and favorite little black dress will both appreciate.
Almasika Universum 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace, $, available at Moda Operandi
Diarrablu understands how to craft a piece that looks incredible without requiring complicated styling. The use of bold prints, fluid silhouettes, and easy movement give the clothes an instant presence. Before your next big event this fall, make sure you have at least one Diarrablu piece on hand.
Clean lines and thoughtful details make Gwen Beloti’s jewels a must-have in any jewelry collection. The carefully considered designs make these pieces easy to layer, stack, and mix with what you already own (although they’re equally good worn alone when you want something subtle to finish the look).
Gwen Beloti Gwen Beloti Initial Gold Block Pendant Necklace Initia, $, available at Shopbop
The best work bags solve a problem without looking like they were designed solely to solve a problem. That’s where OLEADA comes in. Its polished totes are made for real schedules, commutes, meetings, laptops, and everything else we insist on carrying around—while still looking sharp enough to become part of the outfit rather than something you reluctantly lug along.
Minimalists, this is your kind of statement jewelry. McKenzie Liataud’s pieces have presence without becoming fussy, whih makes them particularly good for those outfits that feel almost finished but need one more thing.
McKenzie Liautaud Mini Rock crystal & Diamond Studs, $, available at McKenzie Liautaud
Glasses are sitting directly in the middle of your face, so why settle for a pair you barely notice? Vontélle treats eyewear like the fashion accessory it is, which is why the sunnies are at the top of my shopping list this fall to nail that office siren vibe.
LEBLANCSTUDIOS is for anyone who likes their clothes with a little more story behind them. The Dominican-rooted label brings a distinctive perspective to contemporary ready-to-wear, playing with construction and proportion rather than relying on whatever silhouette happens to be trending. The easiest styling move? Let one of its pieces be the weird-in-a-good-way element in an otherwise straightforward outfit.
LeBlancStudios Yanis Salon Blue Hoodie, $, available at LeBlancStudios
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
