10 Trailblazing Brands That Are Redefining Fashion & 10 That Will Always Be Classics
The Innovators Vs. The Old Faithfuls
While some brands will always be associated with a certain "look," others are always surprising us, whether through their wild avant-garde stylings, sustainability practices, or progressive mentality. Beloved timeless classics steeped in history will forever be appreciated, oftentimes moreso than a wacky head-turner. The beauty of fashion is that its broad enough for everything and everyone. There are no limits to expression. Here are 10 innovative brands that are redefining fashion and 10 that will always be classics.
1. Telfar
Teflar is redefining gender norms in fashion with its all-unisex line of clothing and accessories. The company's tagline, "It's not for you, it's for everyone" says it all.
2. Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is a unicorn among horses in the high fashion world. The company makes luxury clothing that prioritizes sustainability and ethics. It's well on its way to its goal of being carbon neutral by 2040.
3. Bevza
Bevza is a Ukrainian fashion brand that blends traditional wear with a minimalist aesthetic. The brand explores the founder's heritage while sticking to clean silhouettes and sharp tailoring, and it employs Ukrainian artisans to create all handiwork.
4. JW Anderson
Jonathon Anderson has long been a name associated with innovative, avant-garde fashion designs. His brand, JW Anderson, is known for its playful, experimental, gender-fluid designs that challenge fashion norms.
5. Yoke
Designer Norio Terada took the world by storm when he debuted Yoke in 2018, a Japanese company specializing in casual, oversized silhouettes, knitwear, and gender-neutral clothing. It emphasizes high-quality textiles and sustainable materials.
6. Alexander McQueen
If you're looking for a garment that screams dark and rebellious, look no further than Alexander McQueen. The brand explores themes of sexuality, power, and death, all wrapped up in avant-garde, surreal, and forward thinking collections.
Christopher Macsurak on Wikimedia
7. Able
Able is a Nashville-based brand that's redefining fashion by putting women at the forefront. It empowers female designers and emphasizes ethical manufacturing standards.
8. Miu Miu
If your older sister is Prada, you've got big shoes to fill. Luckily Miu Miu doesn't disappoint with its playful, youthful, and unique styles. The brand experiments with surprising color combinations and textures in ways that Prada would be too shy to.
9. Rick Owens
Rick Owens is known for his distinctively edgy aesthetic that has been labeled glunge (grunge plus glamor). Celebrities like Madonna and Helena Bonham Carter are fans of his rough and minimalist designs.
Myles Kalus Anak Jihem on Wikimedia
10. Noon Goons
Noon Goons is a streetwear brand that does things a little differently by taking inspiration from society's outcasts: the punks, skaters, and surfers. The idea behind the brand was to capture Southern California's distinct subculture which previously wasn't being spoken for by any particular brand.
Now that we've covered the trailblazing innovators of the fashion world, let's talk about the brands that will always be classic.
1. Chanel
When Chanel was first founded, it was one of the most innovative brands out there, completely redefining women's fashion. Today, however, we associate it with such classics as the 11.12 handbag, the tweed suit, and Chanel No. 5 of course.
2. Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren has been synonymous with polos and prep since the 1960s. Those iconic button-downs with the silhouetted polo-playing man on the breast will never go out of style.
3. J-Crew
J-Crew is a brand known for its high-quality basics. Season after season, the company's collection exudes timeless elegance and golf club vibes.
4. Prada
The name on everyone's tongue when talking about luxury fashion brands, Prada was founded all the way back in 1913. We can spot the classic Prada look from miles away: cue clunky loafers, androgynous suit, and Vela backpack.
5. Hermes
Yes, you can still get that coveted Hermes belt that was big in the year 2000. The brand specializes in handmade, high quality classics and has been doing so since the 1850s.
6. Armani
Armani is a symbol of Italian luxury. While its founder Giorgio is credited with revolutionizing the suit, it's now linked to classic, high-quality designs moreso than innovative.
7. Fendi
Fendi is known for expensive handbags sporting the FF monogram. The brand is also known for using fur in innovative ways but who wears fur nowadays anyway?
8. Gucci
Okay, so they've added sneakers to their collection, but no one thinks of sporty shoes when they think of Gucci. They think of classic GG-monogram handbags, loafers, oversized sunglasses, and a tailored suit: classic but bold.
9. Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein is another name synonymous with classic looks that never go out of style. Indeed, their collection today looks a heck of a lot like their collection in the 90s. The company's minimalist slip dresses, underwear, and jeans exude effortless cool comfort.
Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on Unsplash
10. Carhartt
Carhartt was always a workers' brand, making durable utilitarian clothing. However, wearing the heavy jackets and multi-pocketed pants on the day to day became fashionable for everyone in recent years. Carhartt hasn't changed, but people's perception of it has.
