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    1. Fashion

    I’m a Minimalist Fashion Editor—These Are the 11 Emerging Labels I Can’t Stop Wearing

    These IYKYK brands are too good not to share.

    Lauren Caruso#039;s avatar
    By Lauren Caruso
    Published 28 January 2026 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    collage of lauren caruso wearing winter clothes from small emerging labels
    (Image credit: Lauren Caruso)
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    One of my favorite parts of my job is discovering new, emerging labels that are doing something different. Of course, there’s something about the search itself that feels just as satisfying as the find. Because I’m a minimalist at heart, my wardrobe doesn’t change drastically from season to season, but I’m always looking for those subtle updates that make getting dressed feel exciting again. More often than not, they come from small brands I stumble upon while doom-scrolling Instagram, ducking into concept stores, or going from showroom to showroom during Fashion Week. Sometimes, it’s even as simple as striking up a conversation with a stylish stranger on the subway and asking where their coat is from.

    Don’t get me wrong, well-known labels always have a place in my heart. But there’s something special about discovering a newer, smaller, and often more nimble designer: learning their story, understanding their point of view, and seeing how they approach clothes in a way that feels personal and intentional.

    These smaller labels have a way of making even the most pared-back wardrobe feel new again, whether it’s through an unexpected silhouette, a beautiful fabric choice, or a detail you won’t find anywhere else. Ahead, I’m sharing the emerging labels I’ve found myself wearing on repeat.

    Samsøe Samsøe

    Lauren Caruso

    (Image credit: Lauren Caruso)

    I first discovered Copenhagen-based Samsøe Samsøe during Copenhagen Fashion Week a few years back, and every time I wear one of its Scandinavian-minded pieces, I realize it’s a no-fail magnet for compliments. While the brand is well-known within the fashion crowd, it still feels like an insider secret thanks to its refined restraint. Samsøe Samsøe’s coats and sweaters are especially strong, making them perfect building blocks for winter layering— polished enough for work, relaxed enough for weekends.

    Sakelsie Short Sleeve Cardigan

    Samsøe Samsøe
    Sakelsie Short Sleeve Cardigan
    $230
    SHOP NOW

    Sajeanne Sweater

    Samsøe Samsøe
    Sajeanne Sweater
    $320
    SHOP NOW

    Salula Jacket

    Samsøe Samsøe
    Salula Jacket
    $240
    SHOP NOW

    DUNST

    Seoul-based label DUNST reworks vintage-inspired silhouettes through a modern, gender-neutral lens. Think slouchy tailoring, perfect denim, and relaxed knitwear that feels borrowed from a cool older sibling’s impeccably styled closet. It’s my go-to for effortless layering pieces that feel fashion-forward without being precious.

    Unisex Suede Bomber Jacket

    DUNST
    Unisex Suede Bomber Jacket
    $725
    SHOP NOW

    Leather Jacket

    DUNST
    Leather Jacket
    $695
    SHOP NOW

    Dunst 2-Way 3 Button Boucle Wool Coat

    DUNST
    2-Way 3 Button Boucle Wool Coat
    $395$237
    SHOP NOW

    Cordera

    Founded by sisters Mónica and María in Northern Spain, Cordera is rooted in thoughtful simplicity and slow fashion principles. While nothing in the brand’s lineup feels particularly trend-driven, each piece feels modern thanks to subtle proportions and rich color stories. The brand specializes in elevated essentials like cozy knits, tailored trousers, and easy layers for cold-weather months. However, its mix of effortless separates and tactile pieces feels effortless even as winter fades. It’s the kind of brand that makes building a wardrobe feel intentional rather than impulsive.

    Cordera, Brown Suede Crossbody XL Bag

    Cordera
    Brown Suede Crossbody XL Bag
    $685
    SHOP NOW

    Black amp;amp; White Merino Wool Striped Polo Cardigan

    Cordera
    Black White Merino Wool Striped Polo Cardigan
    $520
    SHOP NOW

    Brown Paneled Suede Bomber Jacket

    Cordera
    Brown Paneled Suede Bomber Jacket
    $2925
    SHOP NOW

    HVOYA

    Lauren Caruso

    (Image credit: Lauren Caruso)

    Designed and produced in Ukraine, HVOYA brings an understated luxury feel to footwear and accessories. The brand blends ’80s and ’90s references with contemporary shapes, resulting in a collection that feels both nostalgic and new. Its signature ballet flats add polish without sacrificing comfort, but it’s the Nude Boots, which feature asymmetrical mesh cutouts, that really transformed my cold-weather wardrobe. Each piece feels thoughtfully crafted, with beautiful Italian materials and subtle design twists.

    HVOYA, Nude Boots

    HVOYA
    Nude Boots
    $390
    SHOP NOW

    Merezhyvni Woven Flats

    HVOYA
    Merezhyvni Woven Flats
    $440
    SHOP NOW

    Wine Bag

    HVOYA
    Wine Bag
    $429
    SHOP NOW

    DARKPARK

    Milan-based label DARKPARK is redefining modern denim with slouchy silhouettes, cool washes, and unexpected details. The vibe is effortlessly downtown: relaxed, slightly rebellious, and incredibly chic. Their jeans and trousers feel like the kind of pieces you’ll build entire outfits around, especially in winter when great bottoms do all the heavy lifting.

    Khris Barrel Jeans

    DARKPARK
    Khris Barrel Jeans
    $640
    SHOP NOW

    Lee Oversized Herringbone Bomber Jacket

    DARKPARK
    Lee Oversized Herringbone Bomber Jacket
    $1785
    SHOP NOW

    Rosalind Wide-Leg Baggy Cargo Jeans

    DARKPARK
    Rosalind Wide-Leg Baggy Cargo Jeans
    $840
    SHOP NOW

    OPEN YY

    Founded by sisters Jiyoung and Boyoung Kim, the brand formerly known as TheOpen Product plays with proportion, texture, and playful details. The Seoul-based label is rooted in ‘90s and early-aughts nostalgia, blending timeless silhouettes with more youthful design elements, often reworked through asymmetry and feminine styling. More than anything, OPEN YY makes winter dressing fun again, especially when you’re tired of the same old sweaters.

    OPEN YY, Black Badge Appliquamp;eacute; Flats

    OPEN YY
    Black Badge Appliqué Flats
    $485
    SHOP NOW

    OPEN YY, Brown Tab Toggle Faux-Fur Coat

    OPEN YY
    Brown Tab Toggle Faux-Fur Coat
    $617
    SHOP NOW

    OPEN YY, Gray Puffy Piquamp;eacute; Polo

    OPEN YY
    Gray Puffy Piqué Polo
    $210
    SHOP NOW

    Sayaka Davis

    Lauren Caruso

    (Image credit: Lauren Caruso)

    New York-based designer Sayaka Davis infuses her collections with a sense of craft and emotional storytelling. Her pieces feel personal through thoughtful knitwear, soft tailoring, and silhouettes that prioritize comfort without losing structure. There’s a warmth to the brand that translates perfectly to winter dressing, making every piece feel like a forever staple rather than a seasonal trend.

    Sayaka Davis, Mohair Highneck in Wheat

    Sayaka Davis
    Mohair Highneck in Wheat
    $395
    SHOP NOW

    Sayaka Davis, Combo Ribbed Polo in Pickle x Sky Blue

    Sayaka Davis
    Combo Ribbed Polo in Pickle x Sky Blue
    $385
    SHOP NOW

    Sayaka Davis, Brushed Mohair Scarf in Spices

    Sayaka Davis
    Brushed Mohair Scarf in Spices
    $295
    SHOP NOW

    Colleen Allen

    Colleen Allen, formerly of The Row, brings a quietly luxurious sensibility to modern wardrobe staples, with every piece designed and made in New York City. Her collections feel intentional and refined, centered around fluid silhouettes, sculptural knits, and elevated basics inspired by the Victorian era. There’s a subtle sensuality to the designs—think slinky tanks, perfectly cut trousers, and draped dresses that feel both polished and relaxed. It’s the kind of label you reach for when you want to look put-together without trying too hard. What’s more, each piece feels like a forever investment rather than a fleeting trend.

    Colleen Allen, Cotton-Velvet Pants

    Colleen Allen
    Cotton-Velvet Pants
    $1420
    SHOP NOW

    Ssense Exclusive Bridal Capsule Silk Bustle Maxi Skirt

    Colleen Allen
    SSENSE Exclusive Bridal Capsule Silk Bustle Maxi Skirt
    $2550
    SHOP NOW

    Colleen Allen, Shirred Cotton-Velvet Gown

    Colleen Allen
    Shirred Cotton-Velvet Gown
    $2750
    SHOP NOW

    Le Monde Béryl

    Founded by Lily Atherton Hanbury and Katya Shyfrin, Le Monde Béryl elevates the everyday flat into something quietly extraordinary. Inspired by Venetian gondolier slippers, ballet shoes, and riding boots, each pair is handcrafted in Italy using traditional techniques. The result is timeless footwear with sculptural lines, subtle color stories, and minimal branding—shoes that feel thoughtful, collectible, and endlessly wearable.

    Le Monde Bamp;eacute;ryl, Camille Suede Wedge Ankle Boots

    Le Monde Béryl
    Camille Suede Wedge Ankle Boots
    $860
    SHOP NOW

    Le Monde Bamp;eacute;ryl, Stella Zebra-Print Calf Hair Mary Jane Ballet Flats

    Le Monde Béryl
    Stella Zebra-Print Calf Hair Mary Jane Ballet Flats
    $635
    SHOP NOW

    Le Monde Bamp;eacute;ryl, Eel-Effect Leather Wedge Sandals

    Le Monde Béryl
    Eel-Effect Leather Wedge Sandals
    SHOP NOW

    H-O-R-S-E

    Lauren Caruso

    (Image credit: Lauren Caruso)

    The brainchild of Sue Williamson, H-O-R-S-E is her answer to the activewear she couldn’t find: breathable, unfussy, and made from natural fibers. The brand channels vintage gym class energy with relaxed dolphin shorts, soft polos, and easy layers that move with you. Everything feels nostalgic yet modern, designed to look just as good at brunch as it does after a workout.

    H-O-R-S-E, The Track Pant

    H-O-R-S-E
    The Track Pant
    $185
    SHOP NOW

    The Tee - Xs

    H-O-R-S-E
    The Tee
    $75
    SHOP NOW

    The Sweatshirt - Xs

    H-O-R-S-E
    The Sweatshirt
    $295
    SHOP NOW

    DANZ

    Danica Zheng, founder of New York label DANZ, brings a conceptual edge to everyday dressing, blending architectural shapes with luxurious fabrics. The brand experiments with structure with sculptural coats, unexpected cutouts, and dramatic proportions without sacrificing wearability. It’s fashion with a point of view, perfect for anyone who wants their winter layers to feel expressive rather than purely functional. Every piece feels like a conversation starter.

    Leather Tailored Straight Pants amp;mdash; Danz

    DANZ
    Leather Tailored Straight Pants
    $295$125
    SHOP NOW

    Perforated Suede Trench Coat amp;mdash; Danz

    DANZ
    Perforated Suede Trench Coat
    $545
    SHOP NOW

    Suede Tailored Jacket amp;mdash; Danz

    DANZ
    Suede Tailored Jacket
    $425
    SHOP NOW

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    Lauren Caruso
    Lauren Caruso
    Freelance Writer

    Lauren is a freelance writer, consultant, and content creator who splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City. She has 15+ years of experience in women’s media, with tenures at Allure, The Zoe Report, and Refinery29, and has collaborated with brands like Nordstrom, Seed, Net-a-Porter, Nécessaire, and Microsoft on content creation, brand strategy, copywriting, social media management, and partnerships. In her spare time, Lauren loves to foster newborn kittens, spend time with her 9-year-old nephew Xavier, and shop for vintage clothes and furniture she definitely doesn't need. You can find her on Instagram and Tiktok at @laurencaruso_.

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