When you look at the traditional New York Fashion Week calendar, the barriers to entry aren’t a secret. Between massive production budgets, rigid legacy structures, and steep venue costs, incredible independent talent is too often priced out of fashion’s biggest stage. That’s why this season, Refinery29 is officially teaming up with RAISEFashion to shift the narrative.
On September 11, we’re co-hosting The Penthouse Edit at The Standard, East Village. It’s a full-day, high-impact showcase designed to put fashion’s most exciting emerging designers directly in front of the industry’s top buyers, editors, stylists, and power players.
What’s even better? It’s open to the public, and you’re invited too. To secure your spot on the guest list, RSVP directly to info@raisefashionnow.org.
This isn’t just another presentation; it’s a dedicated platform for sustainable growth and real equity in fashion. We’re spotlighting 13 need-to-know names spanning ready-to-wear, luxury accessories, and fine jewelry. Each one is proof that the industry’s next era is being built on craft, community, and fresh perspectives.
Moving the needle in fashion requires capital, space, and access. We’re taking over the venue’s crown-jewel top floor alongside a group of partners who understand the importance of supporting independent talent.
Afterpay is stepping up in a major way for fashion’s next generation, co-hosting the event and dropping dedicated funding initiatives to fuel growth this season. Crown Royal is keeping the drinks flowing and awarding its own production grant during our VIP September 10th kickoff cocktail hour. (Bonus: You can shop the limited-edition Crown Royal x Juicy Couture capsule right on site, with proceeds going straight into the grant fund.) To top it off, we’re hosting an on-site shop featuring talent from Victoria’s Secret’s Runway to Revenue accelerator, giving you a chance to shop fashion’s next wave before everyone else.
Each of the 13 names below is proof that the industry’s next era is being built on community. Get to know the designers shaping the next generation below, and stay tuned as we bring you exclusive insider coverage straight from The Penthouse Edit.
Almasika
Founded by Catherine Sarr, ALMASIKA transforms global heritage into a distinct language of fine jewelry. Drawing from years in the luxury diamond sector—including pivotal time at De Beers—Sarr leverages sculptural forms and noble materials to create symbolic, heirloom-quality pieces rooted in universal human connection.
Campillo
Designed by Patricio Campillo, Campillo reimagines traditional Mexican tailoring through a modern, artisanal lens. Deeply influenced by charrería culture and the rugged landscapes of Central Mexico, the brand fuses structured outerwear, raw leatherwork, and precise silhouettes to offer a fresh perspective on contemporary menswear and gender-fluid design.
Daveed Baptiste
Haitian-born, New York–based designer Daveed Baptiste sits at the intersection of textiles, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Through vibrant fabrications, intricate prints, and resort-infused tailoring, Baptiste’s work pays homage to the Haitian diaspora, exploring themes of migration, identity, and joy through expressive ready-to-wear.
Diarrablu
Created by Diarra Bousso, Diarrablu seamlessly bridges mathematical algorithms and West African craftsmanship. Designed and produced in Dakar, Senegal, the brand is celebrated for its conscious approach to resortwear, utilizing custom geometric prints, versatile wrap silhouettes, and sustainable production models that minimize waste.
Esenshel
Helmed by designer Eugene Taylor, Esenshel is a New York–based headwear and accessories brand redefining modern millinery. Known for its avant-garde proportions, fluid sculptural shapes, and architectural brims, the label challenges traditional hat-making techniques to deliver statement pieces that double as wearable art.
Gwen Beloti
Built on the principle of inclusive luxury, Gwen Beloti crafts timeless, accessible fine jewelry tailored for everyday wear. Based in New York, Beloti prioritizes precise sizing, high-quality gold-filled finishings, and minimalist silhouettes that elevate personal styling while celebrating self-expression.
K.ngsley
Founded by Kingsley Gbadegesin, K.NGSLEY is an activist-driven fashion brand known for its distinctive cut-out tanks, subverted basics, and body-conscious silhouettes. Rooted in Black, Queer, and Trans liberation, the label blends high-fashion construction with nightlife culture to create powerful, gender-inclusive ready-to-wear.
Le Blanc Studios
Co-founded by Angelo and Yamil Le Blanc, Le Blanc Studios is a Dominican-rooted streetwear and ready-to-wear label that channels Caribbean heritage into refined urban apparel. Blending military-inspired utility, historical narratives, and structural tailoring, the brand offers a sophisticated commentary on identity and movement.
McKenzie Liataud
Fine jewelry designer McKenzie Liautaud creates balance-minded, artisanal pieces that harmonize global travel with geometric elegance. Utilizing ethically sourced precious stones, pearls, and precious metals, Liautaud’s handcrafted talismans are designed to bring clarity, protection, and refined beauty to the modern collector.
Oleada
Co-founded by Tiffany Zhou and Tracy Luo, OLEADA designs functional luxury handbags for modern professional women. Combining architectural shapes with utilitarian features—such as laptop compartments, convertible straps, and durable recycled leathers—the brand crafts sleek, timeless leather goods engineered for modern travel and daily commutes.
Vontélle
Founded by Tracy Vontélle Green and Nikkia LeFevre, Vontélle creates bold, culturally inspired eyewear designed to fit broader facial structures and diverse bridge fits. Featuring vibrant African, Caribbean, and Latinx textiles embedded directly into handcrafted acetate frames, the brand delivers fashion-forward prescription and sunwear solutions.
Yesaet
Founded by Hswen Tesfamichael, Yesaet is an eco-conscious luxury label rooted in Ethiopian heritage and craft traditions. Made locally in New York using handwoven Ethiopian cottons and sustainable silk blends, the brand offers fluid, effortless silhouettes that celebrate slow fashion and generational craftsmanship.
Zut
Designed by Pierre-Antoine Vacheron, Zut is a contemporary accessories and footwear label recognized for its sculptural leathergoods and unconventional craftsmanship. Striking a balance between raw textures, architectural geometry, and Parisian elegance, Zut delivers subtle yet striking accents designed for the discerning minimalist.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Blurred Lip Liner, Hair Serum, & More August Faves
