By Bethany Berkeley
As the new year approaches add these brands to your watchlist!
The menswear scene is hotter than ever, with a wide variety of brands pushing boundaries, redefining masculinity and what it means to dress well. From sustainable pioneers to avant-garde disruptors, here are four labels you need to have on your radar in 2024:
Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO
Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO, often shortened to MMY, is a Japanese fashion label helmed by designer Mihara Yasuhiro. Founded in 1997, the brand is known for its avant-garde aesthetic, deconstructivist approach, and innovative footwear designs. Yasuhiro's creations blur the lines between fashion and art, often featuring unconventional materials, unexpected details, and a playful sense of chaos.
Yasuhiro's signature deconstructivist approach is evident throughout his collections. He takes apart garments, reassembles them in unexpected ways, and exposes the inner workings of clothing. This creates a sense of rawness and imperfection that is both challenging and captivating.
Feng Chen Wang
London-based designer Feng Chen Wang has quickly establishing herself as one of the pioneers of a new generation of female talent in the menswear sector. Her label, simply named Feng Chen Wang, is synonymous with futuristic-modern, emotional, and multidimensional designs, characterised by technical deconstruction, functional yet conceptual unisex clothing, and a deep connection to her own life experiences and Chinese heritage.
Wang takes classic garments and reimagines them, often revealing seams and stitches whilst playing with unexpected proportions and silhouettes. This approach is infused with a subtle rebelliousness, challenging traditional notions of fashion and beauty. Her innovative use of bamboo, a sustainable material that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, adds a unique texture and sculptural quality to her pieces.
Solid Homme
Korean born Woo Young Mi's Solid Homme has carved a unique niche in the contemporary fashion landscape. Its success lies in a simple yet powerful formula: combining exceptional quality, luxurious fabrics, and minimalist designs for the modern man.
Solid Homme's aesthetic is defined by minimalism. Clean lines, neutral colours, and a focus on refined tailoring are the hallmarks of the brand. However, there's an underlying edge to Solid Homme's minimalism. Its designs often feature subtle details, unexpected textures, and a modern-urban sensibility.
Kolor
Kolor, pronounced "koh-lor," is not just a fashion brand; it's a vibrant explosion of colour, texture, and innovative design. Founded in 2004 by Japanese designer Junichi Abe, Kolor has carved a unique niche in the fashion world, drawing in audiences with its ingenuity and bold reinvention of everyday garments.
At the heart of Kolor's appeal lies its masterful use of colour. Abe consistently explores the entire spectrum, juxtaposing vibrant hues with muted tones, creating visual symphonies that dance across the garments. Textures play an equally important role, with fabrics like wool, nylon, and leather woven together in unexpected ways, adding depth and dimension to each piece.
As they continue to solidify themselves in the menswear space, it will be exciting to see what the new year brings for each of these brands.
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