As an emerging designer, it can be hard to break through to the mainstream.
Net-A-Porter's The Vanguard program is one hoping to open the door for new talents. It's an initiative to help emerging designers grow their success, such designers aren't alone.
Each season, the luxury retail giant handpicks a number of talented emerging designers to provide mentorship in brand development and a platform to stock their collections. On September 21, Net-A-Porter launched the latest brands to join The Vanguard; ARTCLUB, JiaJia and MINJUKIM. The three brands will join the globally renowned program for the Fall/Winter 2020 season and are set to receive a comprehensive 360-degree mentorship from Net-A-Porter’s global team of specialists.
From coveted brands such as Les Reveries and Peter Do to be amongst some of The Vanguards previous students, the program is designed to champion designers and give them the tools for success, or keys to the kingdom, if you will.
“Over the past four seasons we have had the incredible opportunity to witness the talented emerging brands in The Vanguard program grow towards long-lasting success. It is so important to us to provide insightful mentorship which we are committed to continuously developing. Two years after launching the program, we are excited to announce the latest three designers JiaJia, ARTCLUB and MINJUKIM to join The Vanguard, each offering a uniqueness to the industry that is sure to resonate with the NET-A-PORTER customer.” says Elizabeth von der Goltz, Global Buying Director, NET-A-PORTER on their selection of this year's nominees.
As for the designers themselves, each brings a strong brand story and unique point of view to the table. ARTCLUB is the brainchild of Founder, Heidi Middleton who helmed Sass and Bide for almost 15 years. Her work encourages a natural dialogue between masculine and feminine energies which sit alongside strong modernist shapes and a muted palette with sustainability front of mind.
Minju Kim's eponymous brand is just 5 years old and has since been a semi-finalist in the LVMH Prize for young fashion designer and won Netflix’s Next in Fashion. Rooted in artistic creativity, fairy-tale imagination, and art craftsmanship, the MINJUKIM brand is recognisable for its signature playfulness with haute couture and avant-garde shapes.
For the jewelry lovers, JiaJia is a fine jewelry label which champions sustainable and ethical practices. Handmade in New York, each creation is a modern interpretation of what it means to own something truly unique. Pieces begin with hand-selecting semiprecious and precious stones and end in gold settings.
If you're looking to add some fresh pieces to your arsenal and support emerging designers in the process, The Vanguard is our preferred place to look.
