Flying Solo debuted the collections of designers of global representation for their New York Fashion Week runway show in February at Canoe Studios on Manhattan’s west side.
The minimalist, metallic and white set accentuated the dramatic and often colorful pieces that took off down the catwalk– backdropped by the glittering city skyline and Hudson River. The production boasted an array of textures, techniques, and creative vision, and each look consisted of pieces from multiple brands– styled to perfect cohesion. Below are summaries of personal accounts from several of the designers who showcased their collections with Flying Solo, as well as a glimpse into the inspiration behind each collection.
Flying Solo’s NYFW Show
Angelina Swann
Kelechi Okengwu is the CEO and founder of Angelina Swann, a luxury gele brand that produces headdresses for women, which can be worn daily or for special occasions. Kelechi was born in Nigeria but left the country at a young age due to political persecution, and had not returned for over 20 years until a trip in 2018 that inspired her to start her brand. She was moved by the culture, people, and music she experienced, which led her to develop the idea for a gele luxury line. The name Angelina Swann honors Kelechi’s maternal grandmother and serves as a symbol for women to recognize their own beauty.
Kelechi’s ideal customer is a woman who leads an active and fabulous lifestyle, enjoys dressing up, and indulging in high-quality goods that withstand the test of time. The upcoming collection is an opportunity for Kelechi to share her culture with the world and invite all to engage with it through fashion. Kelechi advises aspiring entrepreneurs to work on their people skills, trust themselves, embrace failures as lessons, and be stubborn and relentless in pursuit of their dreams.
Flying Dog Jewellery
Emma Cunningham is a New Zealand artist and founder of Flying Dog Jewellery, a brand that creates unique, handmade pieces predominantly made from vintage silverware. Inspired by her successful exhibition in 2014, Cunningham transitioned from sculptural works to focus on jewellery and established her brand. Flying Dog Jewellery is for customers who seek soulful and statement-making pieces crafted with love and quality craftsmanship.
Cunningham’s upcoming collection, The Enchanted Garden, will be showcased at New York Fashion Week, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the countryside where she lives. Cunningham believes that the top three skills that fashion entrepreneurs need to have been a good work ethic, an eye for detail and quality craftsmanship, and creative flair. Her advice to those wanting to start their own fashion brand is to work hard, be honest, and feel the magic.
Libby Rak
Libby Rak is a jewelry designer whose work showcases her passion for unique designs that celebrate the beauty of the natural world. With a focus on sustainability and ethical production practices, Libby uses recycled metals and ethically sourced gemstones to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are both beautiful and responsible. Her designs are inspired by the organic shapes and textures found in nature, such as the delicate petals of a flower or the rough texture of a stone. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand, with Libby’s attention to detail evident in the intricate beading and wirework that adorns many of her pieces.
In addition to her jewelry line, Libby also offers custom design services for clients who are looking for a truly personalized piece. Her ability to capture the essence of each individual’s unique style and personality has earned her a loyal following among those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of fine jewelry.
PB-Design
Petra is the founder of PB-Design, a handmade jewelry brand. Petra was inspired by her family’s entrepreneurial background and her passion for creating beautiful jewelry. PB-Design welcomes a diverse range of customers of all ages. Petra’s upcoming collection features bold and beautiful multifunctional jewelry made from precious gemstones and metals.
To be a successful fashion entrepreneur, Petra believes that creativity, business skills, perseverance, and progressiveness are important. Petra advises aspiring fashion entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and their brand, stay positive, and enjoy the journey of building their brand.
Privado Eyewear
Laura Hynoski introduced herself as the owner and designer of Privado Eyewear, stating that her passion for sunglasses and belief in their ability to protect our eyes from harmful rays and surrounding energies inspired her to start her brand. She added that sunglasses also offer privacy in an exposed world. According to her, her ideal customer is someone who values quality and detail but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on eyewear.
As a fashion entrepreneur, she expressed her belief that fearlessness, authenticity, love, and creativity are essential skills. She stated that fear can hold us back, but it’s important to overcome it to achieve our dreams. She also emphasized the importance of authenticity in a world full of insecurities and lies. Regarding advice for those who want to start their own fashion brand, she recommended disconnecting from distractions and focusing on one’s vision. She urged aspiring fashion entrepreneurs to keep going no matter the hardships because the only way to fail is to give up.
Sha’duction Eyewear
The designer of Sha’duction Eyewear had a dream that inspired her to create a unique line of eyewear. She believes her designs stand out from others because of their patented concept, which brings the feeling of intimate apparel to the outside world. The designer has combined the shapes, lace materials, and seductive feel of lingerie into her shades to create a unique and alluring look. This concept has received recognition in the fashion industry and has been featured in notable publications. The designer’s mission is to empower women to feel confident and sexy by wearing her eyewear. Sha’duction Eyewear offers a range of styles to cater to different tastes, from bold and daring to classic and chic. The brand aims to be more than just an accessory and hopes to inspire women to feel confident and daring in their fashion choices.
Shaleeka ID
Shaleeka is the Founder and Creative Director of Shaleeka ID, a fashion brand that creates unique handbags inspired by fingerprints. As an abstract artist, she developed a signature style of artwork and saw a gap in the market for personalized handbags. Shaleeka ID’s mission is to empower their customers through the display of individuality and love for art and luxury. The upcoming collection, titled “The Goddess,” embodies the brand’s ideology of self-empowerment and inner strength, with three styles named after three Goddesses. Shaleeka believes that creativity, drive, and vision are the top three skills that fashion entrepreneurs need to have. Her advice for those who want to start their own fashion brand is to pursue their vision with all their heart and see it through until they succeed or gain the experiences for their next endeavor through the journey.
Tina Carideo
Tina Carideo is an Australian designer who founded a luxury made-in-Italy shoe brand with a unique concept. With over 30 years of experience in marketing and business management, Tina decided to pursue her passion and create her own brand at the age of 50. She partnered with renowned fashion designer Gianni Renzi to create a fine line of shoes that combines high-end fashion ideas with fine Italian craftsmanship. Tina’s brand reflects a fusion style that is conceptualized by both designers to accessorize the elegant, sexy, and chic women. The brand is known for its attention to detail, using only the finest and highest quality materials to manufacture every product. Moreover, the jewels and accessories on the shoes are original and personally designed by Tina, making them stand out.
Overall, Tina’s runway collection is special because it was created with love and passion, with every product being carefully manufactured by professional artisans in the center of Italy, using the highest quality materials. Tina’s personal touch on the pieces elevates the brand’s shoes to a whole new level.
Trinity Barbara
Trinity Barbara Brown is the founder of Trinity Barbara, a luxury handmade jewelry brand that offers custom and ready-to-wear pieces made with precious metals and ethically-sourced crystals and gemstones. Trinity’s brand is named after her grandmother, a survivor of domestic violence, and is dedicated to creating jewelry for everybody. Her ideal customer is someone who is interested in social justice and is willing to take a stance on important issues.
Trinity’s upcoming collection is an ode to the 2000s with a modern twist, and at least 50% of the pieces are sustainable. As a fashion entrepreneur, Trinity believes that embracing imperfections, consistency, and having a strong connection to one’s brand are essential skills. Her advice for those who want to start their own fashion brand is to just go for it, especially since social media has made it easier for brands to reach a wider audience.
VHR
Rákhel Varga, the founder of the VHR fashion brand, has always had a love for fashion and began her career by founding “Dress Me” in 2018. In 2021, she opened a second shop in Hungary. Varga learned the skill of bag-making from MOME bag-making trainings, and now uses her skills to create individual and high-quality bags made from Italian leather and synthetic resin, minimizing waste. The VHR brand is designed for women who appreciate art and use it as a form of self-expression.
Varga also designs clothes that celebrate the beauty and femininity of women. The upcoming collection experiments with other materials, such as corkwood leather and recycled broken mirror pieces. Varga advises aspiring fashion entrepreneurs to never give up on their dreams and emphasizes the importance of material knowledge, designer approach, and system approach.
(Re)Blue
(Re)Blue is a sustainable denim brand that is working towards transforming the fashion industry by adopting eco-friendly practices. The brand uses sustainable industrial processes and ethical fashion practices, along with cutting-edge technology, to provide eco-conscious fashion lovers with a better choice. They use discarded and recycled denim that has been rescued from production scraps, showcase collections or donated directly to them, to create one-of-a-kind garments. Every pair of rescued jeans saves a significant amount of resources, including 7 liters of water, 44 pounds of CO2, and prevents the release of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to driving a passenger car for nearly 50 miles.
(Re)Blue encourages people to join the circular fashion movement by giving pre-loved denim a new life and keeping it out of landfills. With their mission to reverse the negative impact of fashion on the environment, the brand is creating a positive change in the industry. By supporting sustainable and ethical practices in fashion, we can create a better future for ourselves and the planet. So let’s take a step towards sustainability and choose brands like (Re)Blue that are working towards making a difference.
Aishwarya Singhal
Aishwarya Singhal seeks to empower women by breaking the rules around female dress practices and blurring the lines between Ready to Wear and Couture. Her collection showcases wearable sculptural silhouettes inspired by flower petals and a color palette that draws inspiration from Western and South Asian cultures, featuring red and pink as colors associated with femininity.
Aishwarya believes that clothing is a powerful tool for empowering women to make bold fashion choices. The brand caters to customers who enjoy making a statement and being bold with their fashion choices. To be a successful fashion entrepreneur, having an eye for detail, the ability to predict fashion trends, and adaptability are the top three skills required.
The designer aims to inspire and empower women to make bold fashion choices with unique and empowering pieces. Collection of Aishwarya Singhal features sculptural forms that highlight the beauty of the female form, while the color palette reflects the cultural associations with femininity. The founder emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and the ability to adapt to fashion trends for those looking to start their own fashion brand.
Alicia Calero
Alicia, a native of Florida, kickstarted her fashion career as a stylist in a well-known retailer where she spent most of her days coordinating fashion shows, personal shopping, visual merchandising and styling. Although she enjoyed her work, Alicia knew that she was meant to do something bigger. With no formal training, she took a leap of faith and began her own label, establishing a brand that revolved around everyday elegance for the contemporary woman.
Alicia’s brand stood out for its bold prints and sophisticated designs which became the hallmark of her label.
Clara 8A
The fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of carbon emissions and environmental damage. This realization prompted Clara, the designer behind Clara 8A, to take action and create a brand that is both fashionable and environmentally conscious. Clara 8A is committed to becoming the world’s top ethical clothing brand by offering colorful, unique outfits made with ethical textiles and recycled materials.
All of Clara 8A’s clothing is designed in-house with inspiration from nature, art, and music icons like James Brown, Gene Kelly, and Huey Lewis and the News. Their unisex clothing features one-of-a-kind patterns and is made from recycled bottles, which helps reduce ocean pollution. Clara 8A believes that fashion can be both beautiful and ethical, and they are striving to make a positive impact on the world through their designs.
Cocolili
COCOLILI is a premium clothing brand based in Nairobi, Kenya, that initially launched in 2016 to offer high-quality tailored clothing and accessories for women. Over time, the brand expanded its product line to include menswear, kids’ clothing, footwear, resort and swimwear, and in 2021, pajama sets, loungewear, scarves, and sarongs.
In December 2022, COCOLILI took another step towards sustainability by introducing a new line of swimwear made from recycled materials. The brand’s bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are crafted from high-performance fabrics that are resistant to chlorine, suntan creams, and oils. These recycled fabrics come from both pre- and post-consumer materials, ensuring that the swimwear is not only stylish but also long-lasting and eco-friendly.
DEIJIDESIGN
DEIJIDESIGN is a brand that aims to capture the essence of the natural beauty of our world in their products. They use only the finest Italian leather materials, handmade by skilled Italian artisans, to create effortlessly wearable items that take on new meaning for the wearer. The brand draws inspiration from Asian Pop Culture, Italian Moxy, and American Ingenuity, representing a dedication to creative endeavors and the steps required to reach your goals. DEIJIDESIGN is committed to being there for you throughout your journey.
DEIJIDESIGN believes that passions last forever, and their focus is on creating products that reflect that idea. They use only the highest quality materials, which are sourced directly from local communities in Italy. Their products are made at the same facilities as other luxurious Italian-made brands, using the same skill and quality level. The brand is committed to conveying simplicity in their devotion to your ambitions, with the aim of providing products that last a lifetime.
Devina Juneja
Brand Devina Juneja was launched in 2018 with the idea of creating edgy, high fashion ready to wear garments embellished with genuine leather and metal hardware that is used in bags like buckles, rivets, doghooks etc. I previously ran a leather bag brand by the name of SUEDE and with this launch I wanted to create a brand around “all things leather” that would encapsulate leather garments, accessories and bags. As the brand progressed I noticed the high levels of leather scrap I had access to. Two years in we started using only scrap, upcycled and waste leather on our garments. Our focus is one of a kind weaves where we merge leather with shoelace, experimental appliques and macrame on delicate fabrics like organza, tulle, silk and crepe. Our Silhouettes compliment most body types with a focus of overlays and summer jackets.
Devina Juneja is based out of Kolkata, India. I am a self taught designer, always being passionate about design, art and history. Flying Solo was my first foray into the international market. I believe leather is a misunderstood material, many people believe that the animal is killed for its skin. We do not work with exotic skins and the leather we use is a byproduct of the meat industry. As long as people continue to consume meat, leather will be generated and the use of substitutes mean millions of skins being burnt every year that further contribute to environmental woes.
Fansy by Virginia Saiach
This Argentine fashion designer has been working on their brand for three years, creating collections with unconventional techniques and materials to provide unique and versatile pieces. Each garment is handmade with great attention to detail, adding significant value to the brand. They are committed to slow fashion, with timeless collections meant to be mixed and matched over time, and they add new pieces and lines while experimenting with colors, forms, styles, and details.
Their collections are inspired by goddesses and fairies, with the Fairy Tale Collection featuring fabrics made by interweaving different stones and a resort line made of wooden beads. The versatile garments can be worn for both day and night events, including parties and beach outings. The brand is committed to caring for the environment, using reusable packaging, and recycling plastics generated during production to ensure a clean and sustainable company that fosters a cleaner world.
Francesca Lazzari Arts
Francesca Lazzari is a highly experienced fashion designer and illustrator with a career spanning 25 years. Throughout her career, Francesca has created numerous custom high-fashion dresses, as well as custom fashion illustrations. Her designs are unique and tailored to each individual client’s body shape, ensuring that every woman looks and feels confident and beautiful in her clothing.
What sets Francesca apart from other designers is her belief that fashion is art, and that women are unique and beautiful creations. She celebrates women’s bodies of all shapes and sizes, viewing each woman as an individual masterpiece. Her approach to fashion is not just about creating beautiful pieces, but about empowering women to embrace their individuality and feel confident in their own skin.
Francesca’s expertise and attention to detail are evident in every piece she creates. She uses her extensive knowledge of fabrics, patterns, and colors to enhance each individual’s natural features and bring out their unique beauty. She understands that every woman is different, and creates designs that are personalized to suit each individual’s preferences and needs.
Janet Medina
Janet Medina’s passion for fashion began at an early age when she learned to use a needle and thread to create dresses for her dolls from leftover fabric. This passion led her to launch her first brand, TheGoddessBoutique, which has now transformed into Goddessilk.com. Her brand offers chic, classic, and sexy garments that reflect her unique essence in the fashion and beauty industry. Although she has designed custom garments for several clients, high fashion, runways, and couture remain her true calling.
Janet’s designs embody a perfect balance of classic elegance, ethereal energy, and unapologetic sensuality. Inspired by her ancestors, she has never given up on pursuing her dreams in the fashion industry. With her brand, she continues to provide unique pieces that showcase her creativity and originality while empowering women to feel confident and beautiful.
Liina Stein
Liina Stein Fashion is renowned for its stunning party season dresses that combine quality hand-knitted lace, vibrant colors, and bold designs. Liina Stein’s creations are all about passion, controversy, and celebrating the unique beauty of every woman. Her collections are a far cry from conventional North-European minimalistic functionality and offer a diverse range of styles that leave something new to discover for every occasion, place, age, and temperament. From witty cocktail dresses to exquisite evening gowns and timeless little black dresses, each collection features numerous variations of style and color.
In addition to its ready-to-wear collections, Liina Stein Fashion offers a range of delicate, hand-crafted bridal dresses that can be customized with fabric and style alterations. The brand’s flagship boutique is located in Tallinn. Liina Stein Fashion is actively seeking new opportunities to introduce its brand in Europe and GCC countries. All dresses are manufactured in Estonia with quality fabrics under the care of talented craftsmen. With its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and bold designs, Liina Stein Fashion continues to be a top choice for fashion-forward women seeking unique and beautiful garments.
Naaz Designs
Salma Sadaqat founded Naaz Designs in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four years prior, Salma had lost her younger sister Naazie, which was a difficult period in her life. In search of something to keep her going, she created Naaz Designs, a brand that honors Afghan culture. The name “Naaz” means something that is “very hard to get,” and the entire family came together to sew the collection. Salma’s mother taught her how to sew, instilling a passion for creating garments in her from a young age. Naaz Designs is a fusion of Afghan and Canadian culture, reflecting the designer’s heritage as a Canadian of Afghan descent. Salma takes great pride in her background and aims to showcase the beauty of Afghan culture to the world.
Despite the tragic circumstances that led to its creation, Naaz Designs is a testament to Salma’s resilience and dedication. The brand is a celebration of Afghan culture, and Salma’s passion for creating beautiful garments is evident in every piece. Through Naaz Designs, she hopes to share her heritage with the world and inspire others to appreciate the richness and diversity of Afghan culture.
Oksana Mukha
Oksana Mukha is a renowned brand specializing in luxurious bridal and evening-wear gowns for women. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, the brand has won top positions in the global and European markets and continues to gain popularity among brides worldwide. The designer’s signature style features intricate floral decorations, ornamental embroidery, and elegant draperies, making each gown a masterpiece of timeless elegance.
The brand’s inception stems from the personal story of Oksana Mukha, who designed her own wedding dress and was inspired to create exquisite dresses for other brides. The brand offers a range of designs that cater to each bride’s unique taste, ensuring they feel confident and beautiful on their special day. With a commitment to quality, exquisite design, and attention to detail, Oksana Mukha is a premier destination for bridal fashion, setting new standards in the industry.
Soseisoudou
In 2004, Rika Hemmi moved to Bifuka-cho in the northern part of Hokkaido, Japan, with a desire to live a life with sheep. The brand’s origin came from realizing that a nearby farm was throwing away a large amount of sheep’s hair, prompting the person to create clothing by repurposing the abandoned materials. They developed a unique technique that involves putting wool on a thin cloth to create light, soft, and warm clothes that utilize materials without waste. Today, the brand aims to achieve harmony with nature and continue their exploration of creation with their seven sheep.
Their goal is to have a dialogue with all creatures involved in the creation process, including humans, animals, and plants. They believe that if any creature is dissatisfied with the process, the final product will not be successful. The finished work is the culmination of the contributions of all creatures involved, and the brand generates very little waste during the creation process. For instance, they lay the bark of the tree used for dyeing in the field passage and return the leaves and flowers to the soil, prioritizing the circulation of resources.
A.Cemi
A.CEMI is a brand that was founded in 2017 and combines Japanese and Thai influences. The brand was first established in Aoyama, Japan and features jewelry made with Thai craftsmanship.
A.CEMI is a shortened from “Alchemist”, jewelry brand that uses alchemy to transform ordinary metal into beautifully designed jewelry. Their pieces are made of 18K gold plated silver and adorned with gemstones and pearls. As a design-driven brand, A.CEMI aims to bring surprise and playfulness to their jewelry creations. Their Buildable Collection, which won first place in the Hong Kong Gift Fair, is customizable and unique to each individual.
A.CEMI sources their pearls and gems from expert gemologists with over 30 years of experience. Their pearls have extra luster, making them stand out from typical jewelry. Their gems have a clear color that is approved by expert gemologists. By using high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, A.CEMI creates stunning, personalized pieces that customers can treasure for a lifetime.
B Golden
Brenda Santos, the designer of B Golden jewelry brand, understands the importance of self-expression through accessories. In her own words, “No one wants to wear what everyone else is already wearing; accessories are how we express our individuality.” That’s why B Golden offers a variety of unique and distinctive jewelry pieces that are designed to make their wearers stand out from the crowd.
B Golden is committed to constantly creating new and original designs, ensuring that their customers always have access to the latest and most fashionable accessories. With this focus on innovation and individuality, B Golden has become a go-to brand for anyone looking to make a statement with their jewelry.
Buen Camino Jewelry
The name Buen Camino was derived from the message travelers exchange on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The Camino has been a spiritual pilgrimage route since the 9th century, and as people pass each other, they offer each other the greeting “buen camino,” meaning “have a good journey” in Spanish.
Buen Camino jewelry brand incorporates boho-inspired designs with high-quality jewelry materials to create timeless pieces that you can wear for years to come. Each item is handcrafted with utmost care using the finest materials and solid metals, ensuring that it will last for centuries. The glass vitreous enamels used in the jewelry maintain their color and are impervious to environmental factors such as sun, water, heat, and chemicals.
Deema Murad
Deema Murad is a jewelry designer who has created a brand to empower the wearer and instill a sense of grounding and control. With a passion for art and experience living in six different countries, Deema creates conceptually intelligent pieces that are both authentic and ethical, celebrating the beauty of the wearer.
Deema’s educational background includes a degree in Design & Communication from the University of Reading in the UK, an MA in Design Management Studies from Central Saint Martins in London, UK, and a second MA in Contemporary Jewellery and Body Ornaments from Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence, Italy.
Elizee
Elizée is a luxury shoe brand that combines the artistry of Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge comfort technology. The founder, Erika Carrero, was inspired to create the brand after struggling to find beautiful and comfortable footwear that could handle her intense personal and professional schedule as a finance executive. Elizée’s shoes are beautifully handcrafted in Milan, Italy in a family-owned couture studio that has been making shoes for generations. The brand values timeless style, beautiful Italian craftsmanship, and refined design that celebrates the unique beauty in every woman. The shoes are designed to support the modern woman in achieving her goals, not hold her back with discomfort.
Elizée’s ideal customer is a woman who loves heels and wants to be comfortable. She is constantly on the go, juggling a thousand commitments and varied roles in her personal and professional life, and she’s a frequent traveler. She owns her feminine power, appreciates impeccable quality, and instantly recognizes great design. The brand’s upcoming collection includes two mid-heel sandals on a new 2.5in heel. The wearable silhouettes are crafted in versatile, year-round neutral hues that pair perfectly with a cocktail dress or against tan bare skin as people head off on vacation to warmer climates. The shoes are made to be worn forever, and every colorway is timeless, versatile, and wearable all year round.
Exuberant
Catherine Skarzenski, with a background in project management and manufacturing, had always been passionate about collecting jewellery. She decided to explore the fields of silversmithing and lapidary to create unique and artistic pieces. Skarzenski finds joy in the technical and mechanical challenges of transforming raw materials into beautiful, wearable jewellery that reflects her personality.
Skarzenski’s exuberant personality is evident in her jewellery designs, which are inspired by her experiences of traveling and meeting new people. Her curiosity drives her to experiment, take risks and continuously explore new ways of creating her art pieces. She sees the world from different perspectives and angles, and this helps her translate the beauty of nature and man-made forms into her jewellery designs. For Skarzenski, the convergence of art and science is what makes the creative process exciting and rewarding.
In Cauda Venenum
In Cauda Venenum Jewelry is the brainchild of a fashion enthusiast Soïzic, who desired jewelry pieces that were versatile, easy to wear and layered, and had a unique personality with a touch of holistic approach and allegory. The founder, who is also a Scorpio, named the brand after the Latin phrase “the venom is in the tail,” a nod to their astrological sign.
The brand’s jewelry line is designed to make the wearer feel beautiful and confident, with pieces that can be adapted to suit different outfits, moods, and occasions. The founder’s love for charm and personality is reflected in the designs, which offer a mix of delicate and statement pieces with a hint of symbolism.
In Cauda Venenum Jewelry prides itself on its unique designs that are carefully crafted to tell a story. Each piece is thoughtfully made with a holistic approach in mind, ensuring that they not only look beautiful but also contribute positively to the wearer’s well-being. Whether you are looking for a statement piece to wear to a party or a delicate charm to layer with your everyday outfit, In Cauda Venenum Jewelry has something for everyone.
IT Shoes
IT SHOES was founded by Isis Alarcón, a Spanish woman who dreamed of designing and crafting boots that match women’s power and encourage them to feel their best. The project began in 2011 as an experiment selling luxury off-the-rack shoes on her fashion blog and has since grown into a successful business. IT SHOES launches collections every season for online sales and operates a flagship store in Madrid.
Isis is a mother of four children and controls every detail of the business, from design to production to fashion shows. Her mission is to provide top-quality products for confident women who seek comfort and style, with a responsible craft production that mixes latest trends with timeless designs. IT SHOES produces all its products at top factories in Spain and Portugal, using the finest materials and managed by families who have been in the business for many generations.
Isis’s passion is contagious, and she believes that investing all energy possible is crucial for success. The brand is a favorite among many influencers and powerful, self-confident, and creative women who love fashion worldwide.
Talia Jewelry
Tal Man is a designer, entrepreneur, wife, and mother, who possesses a multifaceted personality. She has always been confident in her ability to turn her dreams into reality, and now her calling is to inspire others and empower women to face their challenges with strength and grace.
Tal firmly believes that our clothing choices define us, and she aims to help women express themselves through their personal style. By co-creating her jewelry, a woman can take ownership of her image and define herself. She founded Talia with the vision of providing a unique outlet for everyday creativity and self-expression through fashion.
In Tal’s own words, fashion and design are not just a means of creative expression, but also a way to communicate with the world. Her jewelry pieces are designed to empower women and to make them feel confident and beautiful, allowing them to shine in their own unique way.
The Messy archive
During the lockdown, many people picked up new hobbies to keep themselves occupied. One such person was Nina Alston, a teenager from Melbourne, who turned her hobby of jewellery making into a successful business. When her university degree was moved online due to the pandemic, Nina was looking for something productive to do with her time. She turned to YouTube videos to learn jewellery making and started creating her own designs.
Nina’s love for jewellery and the lack of fun, high-quality, and affordable earrings in the market led her to start making her own pieces. She named her brand The Messy Archive (TMA) and started selling her jewellery on Depop and later on Etsy. The initial response was positive, which encouraged her to launch her own website in 2021.
Thanks to her dedication and creativity, The Messy Archive has now become a high fashion brand that was showcased during the New York Fashion Week in 2023. Nina’s story is a testament to how passion and perseverance can turn a simple hobby into a successful business venture.
Tirisi
Tirisi, established in 2010 by a creative Dutch couple, Natascha and Julian, who complement each other’s strengths, is a brand that focuses on fine jewelry. Natascha’s interest in fine jewelry started when she was a designer and was unable to find a bracelet that met her price range and fashion taste. She wanted a bold and elegant bracelet that could be worn every day, affordable yet of superior quality. But such jewelry was nowhere to be found. Her quest led to the creation of Tirisi, a brand that matches her independent and strong feminine personality.
Tirisi Jewelry and Tirisi Moda are two brands created by the couple to fill the gap in the jewelry market. In just four months, the husband and wife team designed the entire collection, and it was launched in 2010 at the prestigious Baselworld Jewelry and Watch Show. The couple’s impeccable eye for detail and Julian’s business acumen ensured that the brand has been successful to this day. Tirisi offers a range of jewelry that resonates with women who want to set their own fashion trends, and the brand has earned a reputation for being affordable, high-quality, and stylish.
Toya The Label
Toya the Label is a luxury vegan handbag brand founded by La Toya Strong, a Sydney-based designer with a background in fashion and buying for some of Australia’s most recognisable brands. La Toya’s love for handbags and advocacy for animal-free products led to the creation of a label that offers affordable and stylish luxury vegan handbags. The brand aims to empower women to establish their unique style and feel confident in their identity while caring for the planet.
Crafted using high-quality cruelty-free materials with metallic hardware detailing, Toya the Label handbags are designed with sophistication and available in a timeless neutral colour palette. They are the perfect addition to any daily outfit, allowing you to carry all your essentials in style while feeling good about yourself and the environment. The brand is committed to sustainability and is proudly PETA-Approved Vegan, reflecting its commitment to animal-free products and a sustainable future. Toya the Label offers women a stylish and sustainable solution without compromising their values.
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With love,
FWO
