25 Emerging Designers Just Debuted Their Spring 2025 Collections
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From the dizzying amount of shows to the swanky parties, there is no shortage of excitement during New York Fashion Week. But one of the most noteworthy moments this season took place ahead of the official kick-off date. On Tuesday morning, RAISEfashion, a network of fashion industry vets who offer pro bono mentorship to BIPOC designers, hosted an immersive exhibition to showcase the latest creations by 25 brands.
“What I love the most about working with RAISEfashion is the sense of community with fellow designers,” Catherine Sarr, founder of fine jewelry brand Almasika, tells ELLE during the preview held at the House of Sound. “It’s amazing especially because we’re all based in different cities, but we all get to regroup here today in person and connect with so many industry experts.”
The roster of rising stars—who had the opportunity to share their latest designs in front of editors, buyers, and industry leaders—include Aisling Camps, Fe Noel, Charles Harbison, Tolu Coker, K.NGSLEY, ADVISRY, Anima Iris, Almasika, Nalebe, Cise, Danzy, ESENSHEL, Téjahn Burnett, Vontélle, Larallan, Lobb, Torlowei, Gwen Beloti, Kendall Miles, Bobby Joseph, Tara Matthews, Tiannia Barnes, Nomads, Burkindy, and Volume 28 by Abercrombie.
“The highlight of my day has been being here on this floor with people who I respect, who I call friends, and whose products I love in the realest way,” Charles Harbison of Harbison Studio tells ELLE. Even with all of the support, of course, there are still broken parts of the fashion industry that need mending.
Unfortunately, it’s become quite common for retailers to sporadically disburse wholesale payments to brands. “We take on so much labor and liability because we design and develop really robust collections that we believe in,” Harbison says before adding, “We’ve employed lots of people just to bring these samples to market. After market, we are still expected to invest more and more into production, additional sampling, and customizations. So it would be great to have a bit more shared liability and respect for the intense effort, thoughtfulness, and integrity it takes to bring a collection into fruition.”
“We’re having a lot of real conversations within the RAISEfashion community,” Aisling Camps, who is the founder of an eponymous fashion brand, tells ELLE. “It’s been great for a lot of our mentors to hear what’s frustrating for us as designers and to say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve never thought about it from that point of view,’ because they’re on the other side of the business. So it’s us designers having these honest conversations and the industry leaders having the power to impart change that has really made a significant difference.”
In addition to the meaningful discussions and all of the fashions presented by the designers, sponsors Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, Make Up For Ever, and Moët Hennessy USA made it possible to turn the preview into a multi-sensory experience, highlighting the work of visual artists, culinary talents, musical acts, and film visionaries—all in one setting.
For a closer look at all of the fresh talent at the exciting preview, click through the gallery ahead.
Yunice Emir, Tiffany Battle
Harbison
Wilglory Tanjong of Amina Iris
Wilglory Tanjong of Amina Iris
Vontélle
Panel Discussion
Nomads
Victoria's Secret
Marshall Taulbert of Danzy
Felita Harris and Kingsley Gbadegesin of K.ngsley
RAISEfashion Family
Lara Olutunbi of LarAllan
Torlowei
Aisling Camps
Téjahn Burnet
Tiannia Barnes
Torlowei
Tiannia Barnes
Tara Matthews
Panel Discussion
Gwen Beloti
Nomads
Vontélle
Moet & Hennessy
Kendall Reynolds of Kendall Miles
Marshall Taulbert of Danzy
Tara Matthews
Téjahn Burnet
Lara Olutunbi of LarAllan
Kendall Reynolds of Kendall Miles
Moet & Hennessy
Felita Harris and Kingsley Gbadegesin of K.ngsley
Cise
Harbison
Catherine Sarr of Almasika
Gwen Beloti
Felita Harris and Bobby Joseph
Burkindy
RAISEfashion Family
Cise
Victoria's Secret
Catherine Sarr of Almasika
Aisling Camps
Burkindy
Felita Harris and Bobby Joseph
Crop Cable Sweater
Virgo Stud-Button Wool Blazer
Graphic Crew Sweatshirt
Riis Polo
Cloud Top
Medallion Necklace
Vol. 28 Vegan Leather Trench Coat
Aurum Slingbacks
Wool Midi Skirt
Isle One Piece
Double Brim Stripe Woven Fedora
Necklace
Croc-Embossed Shoulder Bag
Silk Floral Adora Robe
Giselle Slingback
Pout Boot
Cavallo Ivory Swimsuit
Jersey Square Neck Blouse
SIMIJAH - BLACK
Josephin e Bag
Medium Silver Klint Cuff
Knit Hood Zip Up
"Vlisco" Sweater Knit Short
Aztec Archetype Gray
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