One of our favourite things about shopping online is to be able to discover obscure brands that breathe of fresh air into the sea of established labels, and Moda Operandi’s new platform—pun intended—does just that. Called The Platform, the incubator aims to support It-designers in-the-making through “marketing, and also advising on assortment planning, product development guidance, manufacturing, sales forecasting and brand development services” for a minimum of three seasons. To date, the up-and-coming labels represent 25 percent of the company’s total sales, and according to its chief executive Deborah Nicodemus, the move will no doubt “put a stake in the ground for being known for [emerging brands].”
Below, the four brands that got a head-start on the program:
Markarian
The New York City-based label has already garnered a steady list of clienteles such as Emma Roberts and Emily Ratajkowski in a short two years, but can you believe that its designer Alexandra O’Neill only officially launched her brand on Moda Operandi a few months back? Named after the Markarian galaxies, its enchanting collection consists of feminine dresses in non-traditional silhouettes.
Yeon
Having worked at Proenza Schouler, Thakoon and Donna Karan, at four years old, the eponymous label already has studios located in New York City and Paris. Its made-in-Paris pieces strike the right balance between classic sophistication and understated luxury, thanks to its muted hues and subtle tailoring.
Eleanor Balfour
Currently splitting her time between New York and London, the British designer has had experiences at Oscar de la Renta and boho brand Figue before starting out on her own. Although she still counts Figue’s founder Stephanie von Watzdof as her mentor, she turns to the former for creative inspirations. Instead of one-piece, Eleanor focuses on separates in different silhouettes and textures.
Lake Studio
Under the creative direction of Olesya Kononova and Anastasia Riabokon, the established Ukrainian label which has been around since 2008 is making its global expansion one step at a time with its signature streamlined tailoring. Figure-accentuating wrapped pieces are juxtaposed with sway-with-every-move flared trousers and lightweight robes.
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