Young fashion designers who are new on the scene often have the freshest, most exciting ideas about what we should be wearing. Their runway collections are often full of unique, wearable pieces that translate easily from the catwalk to the street. Here are the top five young and upcoming fashion designers you should be shopping for!

1. Dion Lee

Dion Lee hails from Australia, where he creates sculptural, edgy pieces for fashion’s coolest girls. His latest collection featured an architectural take on spring. A simple color palette of black, white, and shades of blue and lavender created the backdrop for intricately sculpted dresses, classy belly-baring tops, and separates cool enough to go from work to play. Choose leather-trimmed shift dresses for an edgy take on office wear or go bold in a precisely cut crop-top under a razor-sharp leather jacket for an evening out.

2. Bellavance

This new label, helmed by recent Parsons graduates Nolan Ballavance and Ava Hama, is a dream come true for high-end hipsters looking to professionalize their style. Their debut collection was rife with quirky separates just waiting to spice up your day-to-night look. Think a long-sleeved satin tunic that pairs equally well with work trousers and pumps as it does with skinny jeans and high-heeled boots, an ankle-length fur coat that rivals your best Williamsburg vintage finds, a long-sleeved red dress that would make for a huge statement at your next event.

3. Guilietta

Sofia Sizzi’s new line showcases her Italian roots in a way that is very New York. For Fall 2013, she showed a rich color palette with deep reds, browns, and blacks. Swingy floor length skirts, floppy hats, and richly draped tunics layered over turtlenecks bring seventies silhouettes into the modern day. Stand-out pieces for the girl-about-town include: a box-pleated mini in a chic diamond printed fabric, a dove-grey floor-length gown with a deep v-neck and a sequined pattern that echoed the recurring diamond motif and a yellow/black color-blocked dress layered over a black turtleneck.

4. Veronica Bear

This three-year-old label, run by a sister-in-law duo (both are named Veronica) is delightfully feminine with hints of well-executed menswear. Think suit jackets supremely tailored to the female figure, big fur vests layered over psychedelically printed skirts and dresses, and nubby tweeds and knits to anchor it all down. The evening looks are decidedly flirtatious, while the jackets are tailored to perfection. Surprising details, like raw-edged seaming on a purple dress or black piping on a blazer, lend the label its quirky charm.

5. Assembly

CFDA finalist and Assembly designer Greg Armas delivered a madcap interpretation of the work vs. play dynamic in his latest collection. Slouchy sweatshirts paired with slim green trousers and oversized scarves are great for a weekend shopping excursion, while a black satin jumper (worn with a big, quirky necklace) would look great at the office.

Author Bio

Haley is a freelance blogger with an intense passion for fashion. For the latest fashion news and advice, visit www.trendnstylez.com.

JUDAH FRIEDLANDER

For some, clothes make a statement about who they are. Then there are others who take this slightly more literally. Comedian and 30 Rock star Judah Friedlander has been rocking the thick glasses, metal hair and ‘statement of fact’ trucker baseball cap for years now.  He designs the hats and they’re statements himself.

JOHN DALY

With its weird pants, weird hats and weird shoes, golf style is a particularly challenging area. There have been other fashion icons of the sport such as Payne Stewart and Jack Nicklaus, but for the whole package a tip of the cap has to go to John Daly. Smoking, boozing, snogging and cheeseburger chomping his way around the courses of the world, Daly ruffled golfing feathers even further with his exceedingly garish trouser choices.

JACQUES COUSTEAU

The salty, sea-faring style of this underwater explorer was perhaps best typified by Bill Murray and his wool cap obsessed character from The Life Aquatic. Thick sweaters, parkas, awesome rectangular shades and, of course, his trademark red tocque, Jacques didn’t have to try too hard to look both rugged and classy. Even though he probably smelt faintly of herring.

SIR JIMMY SAVILLE

Though the late great DJ was rumoured to have been the first to use two turntables at the same time, the rap roots run deeper. With piles of bling and a warehouse full of baggy tracksuits to his name, he was an elderly man from the north of England, dressed as an MC. Animal prints, extravagantly dyed hair and with a constant cigar on the go; he was a true individual.

JOHN MCCRIRICK

Looking like a man attempting to resemble an English gent but getting it slightly wrong, this Brit racing pundit and reality TV star has developed a style and stuck to it. Sherlock Holmes hat, spectacles on a chain, tweeds jackets, possibly a cape thrown in, he epitomises the countryside gone to seed. He even has his own name for his enormous sideburns: ‘wackers’. Sadly the bubble burst slightly when the world witnessed his enormous white y-fronts during a stint of Celebrity big Brother.

RONNIE CORBETT

The diminutive comedian and TV star who is always accompanied by the word ‘diminutive’. When he wasn’t dressed as a woman or a tramp on his variety show, Ronnie presented himself as a singularly well groomed individual with ever-present Lyle & Scott golf sweater, slacks and trademark specs. Small but perfectly packaged.

PRINCE CHARLES

Heir to the throne and occasionally an endlessly running punchline, this royal roustabout has a regal style of his own incorporating blazers, ties and a parting in his hair so sharp it could slice cheese. He exudes a timeless, classy demeanour, much imitated by Andre 3000.

PHIL SPECTOR

Though his current wardrobe choices tend to be confined to orange prison issue jumpsuits, Phil made a splash during his court case with his selection of bizarre wigs and hairpieces that can only be described as ‘Beetlejuician’. A fan of the accessory with pocket watches, cravats and handkerchiefs often added into the mix, it was his fondness for wearing a gun on his hip that finally got him into trouble.

RUSSELL BRAND

Resembling a cross between a Victorian ragamuffin, a nursery rhyme villain and a fading 1970s rock god, Brand has selected his style and stuck tenaciously to it. His fondness for chest hair displays might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but it was good enough to snag pop starlet Katy Perry. If only his taste when picking film scripts was better.

FARNSWORTH/FONZWORTH BENTLEY

As the valet/personal assistant/butler to music and fashion icon Sean Combs, you know Farnsworth or Fonzworth Bentley has to look good at all times. So good in fact that he branched out from adjusting Diddy’s mic and selecting his underwear, to becoming a music star in his own right. And his rocking of the bow tie and umbrella combination has to be applauded.

Author’s Bio

Dale Shaw is a freelance writer, currently working for Wish who provide a range of unique gifts and experience days. Check out their range here!

1. Michael Bastian

This gentleman’s claim to fame is his “classic man” design, as the classic look is back in. His creations are basic but with a little extra flair. Bastian-dressed men are seen in tailored suits and refined trenches and other outerwear. His contribution to fashion is that he wants to make clothing that appeals to everyday men going about their typical day.

2. Keanan Duffty

Keanan Duffty’s look is rock and roll all the way. His designs are elegant and sophisticated but with a bit of eccentricity. His designs are what you see on noteworthy musicians such as David Bowie and Justin Timberlake. Terms used to describe the Duffty look is “glam”, “a bit of chaos” and “obnoxious fun.” Duffty enjoys using unusual fabrics and the most daring male designs.

3. Tim Hamilton

Hamilton is all about luxury and traditionalism. While much of his line is conventional, it does have touches of modern flair. His preppie look is both conservative and new all at the same time. Despite preppie motivations, Hamilton wear is still manly with plenty of denim and cardigan designs. He also corresponds with the 2000 renaissance of “classic” male handsomeness.

4. Ozwald Boateng

Boateng’s designs are refined just as you would expect from any London-born fashion guru. However, his pieces also have innovative tailoring. He appeals to a new generation of fashionistas and appeals to North Americans as well as Europeans. His clothing you will often see on hip celebrities like Jamie Foxx or forever young icons like Mick Jagger. His men’s wear line favours suits, coats and blazers. He uses luxury fabrics as well as very plush colours.

Now that you know a thing or two about men’s fashion, don’t be afraid to look her in the eye and as you rant about Boateng and Bastian!