Ever wonder what causes the meteoric rise of new designers in the fashion industry? For starters, talent. But what comes next, is garnering the support of key industry players – from editors to journalists and buyers – it takes the backing of a credible name to set the path to success.
Lauren Santo-Domingo has always been well revered for her keen eye for talent and support of emerging industries. Along with her team of talented buyers at Moda Operandi, the retailer has become the go-to place for discovering new designers. And now, they’ve taken that effort even further with the launch of their new incubator, The Platform.
Comprised of four designers hailing all the way from Kiev to our own streets of New York, the program helps to foster the growth of these talents and bring their goods straight to your shopping cart. Sounds like a sweet deal for everyone. Meet Platform’s four core designers, below.
Eleanor Balfour FW18
Eleanor Balfour The London-based designer is known for her feminine silhouettes that boast a certain sensibility. Nothing saccharine to be found here; every piece is super wearable with a mix n’ match versatility.
Lake Studio Designers Olesya Kononova and Anastasia Riabokon have made a signature of their silky dresses and free-flowing separates. Everything is produced in their native Ukraine, leading Kiev’s burgeoning fashion scene.
Markarian FW18
Markarian The prettiest florals and dainty silks, she designs with fabrics scoured from Parisian flea markets. But don’t think you’ll find any princess dresses here – her designs are sweet with a sophisticated edge.
Yeon New Yorker Yeon launched her namesake label in 2014 after completing roll-call with everyone from the likes of Thakoon to Proenza. Her pieces are redefining power dressing for the modern woman.