5 emerging designers to watch in 2026 

Every year, the fashion scene is changing. Every Fashion Week, from Paris to New York, from London to Copenhagen, puts in the attention of the public new names to watch. I have to admit, I kind of like chasing the new emerging young designers; sometimes, their designs or even fashion shows are more fun & appealing than the big fashion names. Therefore, this month I put my eyes on 5 emerging designers to watch in 2026.

1. First, from Milan Fashion Week, Moja Rowa. 

Who they are: Velena Mojarova and Benedikt Sittler. In 2020, in Mexico, their short trip turned into a three-year chapter that led to a new idea, of developing a new brand. They took their inspiration from researching pre-hispanic fabrics and traditional textile techniques, and experimenting with natural dyes and embroidery. Their debut collection sold out within days at a pop-up in Tulum. (HERE – the story of a Romanian brand inspired by Mexico traditions)

Now: Moja Rowa is now one of the hottest emerging labels, partnering with italian factories and working exclusively with deadstock of premium quality. Their made-to-measure knitwear and artisanal pieces reflect a deep respect for both craft and sustainability. (https://mojarowa.com/) 

2. From Paris, Julie Kegels. 

Who they are: a Belgian designer, Julie Kegels is a graduate of Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts, who launched her eponymous label in 2024. She debuted at Women’s Fashion Week FW24-25 in Paris. Drawing from personal memories and modern influences, her work fuses timeless elegance with daring, forward-thinking elements. She also was semi-finalist of the LVMH Prize. (HERE – instastory from Paris Fashion Week)

Now: For her fifth collection, the Belgian designer confirms her status as a talent to watch. The collection is shaped as an intentional embrace of mistakes, gaps, and imperfection as a language: a sweater appears shrunken, gloves cover only the fingers, an oversized parka, a bag slung casually on a single strap, a skirt slit rides higher than expected. (https://www.juliekegels.com/) 

3. From New York Fashion Week, AKKI

Who they are:  At 8 years old, Akki Zhao moved from Osaka to Chongqing to Boston. After learning what it’s like to lose a sense of home, Zhao founded her namesake label as a space for multicultural expression. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s womenswear program and completed a year of study at Politecnico di Milano, but some of her most formative training came from studying under a master patternmaker in Guiyang, China, who introduced her to traditional Chinese dress. (HERE – a fashion exhibition of a cool Chinese brand)

Now: AKKI made its debut as an emerging brand at NYFW 2026 and he collection took inspiration from “Iris Garden at Horikiri” by Japanese woodblock print master Utagawa Hiroshige. Key design elements of the new collection include Chinese brocade paired with open seam construction, details as jade stones, freshwater pearls, porcelain buttons. (https://akkinewyork.com/) 

4. London Fashion Week – Liberowe

Who they are: Founded by Talia Loubaton in 2021, Liberowe is both London-centric and worldly. The brand makes all of its pieces in the city, honoring and embracing its storied history of tailoring, but draws inspiration from Indian menswear and Parisian style from the seventies. (HERE – London fashion week vibes)

Now: Autumn/Winter 2026 is a collection created from childhood memories and filled with exquisite craftsmanship and needlework. That translates into structural jackets, peplum tops, and a-line skirt silhouettes in neutral shades.  (https://liberowe.com/) 

5. From Copenhagen Fashion Week – Paolina Russo .

Who they are: Canadian Paolina Russo and French Lucile Guilmard are the names behind the brand. Hand crafts and folklore roots such as knitwear, tie dye are reimagined through modern technology for contemporary wardrobes, spanning womenswear and streetwear. The brand has designed collections for Adidas Originals and Converse. They have also partnered with gaming fashion platforms Roblox and FabriX. (HERE – Streetstyle inspiration from Copenhagen Fashion Week)

Now: The autumn/winter 2026 collection is inspired by a school trip, specifically the first trip you ever take abroad or outside of your town, said the designer. Therefore, silhouettes were kind of preppy, with skirts long and pleated, with striped tops and a lot of badges. (https://paolinarusso.com/) 

Photography: Facebook pages of the brands.