Throughout New York Fashion Week 2025, the spotlight often shined on well-known names like Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, but beyond the big names, a new wave of designers is envisioning future fashion. This season, five underrated designers stood out with their creative approaches to fashion and craftsmanship.
Khaite designer Catherine Holstein drew inspiration from filmmaker David Lynch, presenting a collection of bold textures and colors. The lineup featured leopard prints, sleek leather pieces, and structured silhouettes, moving beyond the brand’s minimalist roots. Notable trends included puff sleeves and snakeskin accessories.
The next notable designer was Vettese, one of the youngest designers to be showcased in New York Fashion Week. Kari Vettese has a younger essence showcasing tube tops and sandals, which are not usually showcased on runways. Kari showcases her Italian culture through her clothing, adding a Southern California charm.
“The theme is my heritage…but also intertwined with my American life, and seeing bits of California and New York in there,” said Kari Vettese.
Brandon Maxwell, a designer who worked on his looks for the runway since September of 202,4 to be showcased. However, this Brandon Maxwell is a bigger brand that showcased a minimal take on outfits with larger accessories and subtle patterns, generally staying within a neutral color palette.
“Fashion is such a cool way for girls to espresso their personality and so fun to get dressed up,” said Mia Debourg (’26).
The next significant designer is Rachel Scott, who creates looks for Diotima, a deeply personal brand that symbolizes power and resilience. She quilted satin capes and embroidered dresses to show a softness, but also showcased blazers and pleated trousers to show power.
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“I love to see everyone’s looks and how people showcase their personalities through fashion,” said Josie O’Brien (‘26).
Another standout was Staud, a brand by Sarah Staudinger known for its colorful, playful, and wearable designs. This season, Staud featured a mix of pastels, flowy dresses, and structured handbags, bringing a fresh and approachable vibrancy to the runway. Her ability to include both practicality with elegance makes her unique to the industry.
As New York Fashion Week has concluded, these five underrated designers leave a lasting impact with their new perspectives and designs. While household names continue to dominate headlines, the rising talent often brings the most creativity to the runway.
