30 Designers Under 30 to Watch

Age is but a number. Especially when social norms tell society that you are supposed to have your life figured out and in control by 30. How many of us can actually say that’s the case? Well, these 30 designers undoubtedly can from the looks of what they're creating.

Many fashion insiders would say that it takes years to establish your brand in the fickle menswear market. Things are ever-changing and only those who have “seen it all” can predict how things are going to change in order for the brand to stay sustainable, if not successful. But times have changed greatly and it’s the Millennials who are shaping menswear by having their finger on the pulse. Designers in their 20s now have prestigious backgrounds that are as impressive as the incredible items they are producing. Fashion isn’t a veteran’s sport anymore. The young bucks are taking over, so keep your eyes peeled for these 30 Designers Under 30 to Watch.

Brand: Domingo Rodriguez
Age: 26

Domingo Rodriguez is only 26 and has already studied under Kim Jones and Carolyn Massey and introduced his first full collection in 2008. The Liverpool-native has won countless awards for his brilliant designs that even got him two collections with ASOS. Rodriguez is on his way to mainstream stardom for both menswear and womenswear, so don’t say we didn’t tell you so up front.

Brand: Palace Skateboards
Age: 28

Palace Skateboards has grown to cult status since its inception in 2010, as the London streetwear scene has emerged from the shadows with the help of hometown boy, Lev Tanju. The 28-year-old has established the skate brand as a force in the skateboarding world, especially as the manager for the UK skate team. But the frenzy the brand has created in the streetwear world, making just about every piece created as covetable as it gets from basic tees and coaches jackets with the infamous Palace logo to collaborative efforts with Umbro and Reebok, is something awe-inspiring.

Brand: Muttonhead
Ages: 28

Starting in 2009, unisex brand Muttonhead was concentrating on quality Canadian-made unisex garments that guaranteed fair trade practices. The Sinclair sisters, Meg and Mel, along with co-designer Paige Greene are all about “slow design” instead of fast fashion trends, which is why they’ve proven to be successful in curating great products for year-round wear from pocket tees and terry cloth shorts to quilted shackets and hoodies with a unique hem.

Brand: Odd Fellow Co.
Age: 28

Caesy Oney’s success with his leather accessory line, Draught Dry Goods, has carried over to give fans a reason to celebrate classic American outerwear with his new line, Odd Fellow Co. Debuting late last year, the world is getting glimpses of greatness from the 28-year-old’s new American-made varsity jackets. Just enough to keep them wanting more until a full collection is launched using different materials everyone can get excited to rock.

Brand: J.W. Anderson
Age: 29

Jonathan William Anderson has always been one of those designers you knew was going to blow up. Starting his career in menswear and flourishing with the addition of womenswear, the 29-year-old Irishman isn’t afraid to blur the lines to make some of his designs unisex with the use of unique tartans, plaids, and colorblocking any gender will love, and cuts that work for any body silhouette. He has already won numerous awards and we wouldn’t be surprised if he snatches up a few more before hitting 30 later this year.

Brand: Trademark
Ages: 25 and 29

When your father is billionaire fashion mogul Christopher Burch, people tend to think you can start a brand without really giving any thought to its purpose. But 25-year-old Louisa and 29-year-old Alexandra “Pookie” Burch have proven their newly launch brand, Trademark, has the makings to become a fashion giant on its own merit and dopeness. Quality basics emphasize the everyday uniform but include quirky details to set it apart, and all it takes is loon look to make it very apparent the Burch sisters don’t just want to live on their father’s rep.

Brand: NEEDS&WANTS
Age: 28

Has here been a varsity jacket in menswear as notorious as Sean Brown’s NEEDS&WANTS peacoat version as of late? Between those and the Heritage Varsity with the single leather sleeve, 27-year-old Brown has made a name for himself taking an American classic and giving it a unique, noticeable twist. And now he’s branching out to include amazing fishtail flannels to his collection, releasing pieces slowly, but very efficiently. Definitely keep an eye on what this dude is bringing from the Great White North.

Brand: Bespoken
Ages: 26 and 27

The Fayed Brothers grew up watching their father run successful Savile Row haberdashery, Turnbull & Asser, but they aren’t going the route of traditional British menswear with their brand, Bespoken. Liam and Sam made a point to open up shop in NYC and put their stake in the ground with tailored goods ranging from raw hemmed short-sleeve sweatshirts, polka-dotted shorts, and colorblocked BDs, among other incredible pieces. They are also dabbling in made-to-measure suiting, which surely makes their father proud, but he’d be crazy not to already be a fan of the great pieces his sons have been dropping.

Brand: Bianca Chandôn
Age: 28

Many people will recognize Alex Olson’s name from an industry that is synonymous with streetwear: skateboarding. A legend at only 28 years old, Olson has already brought something new to the table with his recently launched line, Bianca Chandôn. Starting off with limited ’70s-inspired T-shirts and hoodies, as well as Drag Ball-inspired skate decks, Olson’s line will eventually expand into a full line for men and women that will attempt to set it apart from other pro skater-led lines.

Brand: 424
Age: 29

Guillermo Andrade runs with a big crew in Los Angeles, which is completely understandable considering he runs one of the best high-end streetwear spots in the city with 424 Fairfax. And now, he is also showcasing his design skills with his in-house brand that features T-shirts with long silhouettes and silk-infused bombers you will likely, if you haven’t already, see your favorite West Coast rappers rocking over the next two years or so.

Brand: Hender Scheme
Age: 29

Hender Scheme of Japan launched in 2010 when Ryo Kashiwazaki was a ripe 23 years old. He has gone on record to say that he wasn’t sure if the leather accessory and shoe brand was ready, but boy are we sure glad he decided to go through with it. Now we have some of the most covetable shoes available; takeoffs of athletic sneaker classics reinterpreted in full, raw leather that patina with age to perfection. Getting your hands on a pair of Hender Schemes now is a key signifier that you’ve made it in the fashion and style world, all thanks to now 27-year-old Kashiwazaki.

Brand: SECOND/LAYER
Age: 27

It doesn’t get much darker in the literal sense than Jacob Willis’ SECOND/LAYER. The 27-year-old, along with design partners Anthony Franco and Joshua Willis, formed this dope line with a non-gender bias focus. Their latest collection consists of spectacular silhouettes of pitch black refined and relaxed classics, which showcase SECOND/LAYER'S keen eye for detail and the minimalism exhibited in each piece, letting the cut and masculine elegance do all of the talking.

Brand: Wil Fry
Age: “Late 20s”

Anyone who knows Wil Fry personally knows he is pretty reserved. So reserved that the Australian-born New Yorker won’t even divulge his age, just that he’s in his “late 20s.” Needless to say, the buzz he’s been able to build off of anonymity and hype has been nearly unprecedented. And now that he is moving away from one-off drops and parodies into full sportswear collections filled with quality basics fixated on fit and fabric, he’s going to have to work even harder to keep his identity under wraps.

Brand: Nasir Mazhar
Age: 25

Nasir Mazhar is another London-based designer who is really pushing the envelope. When you’ve got a lipstick holder classified under the men’s department, you’re going to get some side-eyed views from the conservative menswear sect. But who cares? Mazhar has already established himself as a brilliant designer by London Collections’ progressive standards with whimsical ready-to-wear luxury sportswear-inspired pieces ranging from ball caps to shorts that will cost you a pretty penny.

Brand: MIDNIGHT
Age: 19

Shane Gonzales doesn’t care about all of the preconceived notions of a teenager’s work ethic. He’s already apprenticed under the wing of SSUR founder Russ Karablin and with Stay Dirty Co., but now he's moved onto MIDNIGHT, his very own streetwear label that’s heavy on tees, outerwear, and hats with trippy black-and-white vibes, all cut and sewn in LA.

Brand: Filling Pieces
Age: 24

If you have even an inkling of interest in sneakers growing up, you wanted to work at Nike or adidas when you got older. Guillaume Philibert's personal vision diverted from this standard parth, and he started his own brand Filling Pieces, one of the hottest luxury footwear brands out right now. Handmade sneakers using exotic materials like python and wrinkled leather, Philibert’s eye for upscale, yet sensible footwear is one that the guys at the big brands look for in young talent every single day.

Brand: Bazar-14
Age: 24

Aaron Tubb has built quite a name for his label, Bazar-14, over the past few months. With designs inspired by the underground culture of communist Russia, British-born Tubb has put out a debut line that infuses a touch of luxury into the ever-growing sportswear market that is really anyone’s for the taking. Right now, Tubb's name is definitely in contention for top dog.

Brand: 3.PARADIS
Ages: 26 and 28

Not many brands have received the buzz Canadian brand 3.PARADIS have. Emeric Tchatchoua and Raymond Cheung have willingly stayed behind the shadows as the brand has expanded from its capsule collection in Fall/Winter 2013 to the latest White Door collection for Spring/Summer 2014, featuring floral heavy bombers that pair perfectly with the monotone tops and quilted sweats everyone is going nuts for.

Brand: Aimé Leon Dore
Age: 28

Debuting in January, Aimé Leon Dore made tsunami-like waves across the menswear stratosphere, all thanks to the work of Teddy Santis. The New York native put out an initial collection filled with clean, cozy knits and outerwear that sold out almost instantaneously. It could be the pedigree Santis had already established for himself and his brand prior to the release, or it could be the minimalistic lookbook that actually featured the collection as it was supposed to be worn. Either way, Santis has menswear waiting with bated breath for more.

Brand: Orley
Ages: 28, 26, and 28

Meet the new kings and queen of immaculately-made knitwear; Matthew Orley, Alex Orley, and his fiancée, Samantha Florence, who together form Orley. The line specializes in Italian-made knits ranging from ties and gloves to shirts and light outerwear, with the Orley trio making this family affair one we are grateful to be let into.

Brand: Casely-Hayford
Age: 27

Born to Joe Casely-Hayford of classic menswear brand Gieves & Hawkes fame, 27-year-old Charlie Casely-Hayford is well on his way to establishing his own version of “classic menswear.” The London-based designer began his career styling music acts like The XX and Nas, but has since helped establish his brand across the globe using extremely vibrant colors and unique intricacies on classic menswear cuts, garnering much attention that is much deserved.

Brand: RHUDE
Age: 22

L.A.-based RHUDE is highly covetable from California to Amsterdam for no other reason than the fact that the brilliant Rhuigi Villasenor is behind it all. Combine appearances across the country and high-exposure relationships with wild modernistic designs featuring raw cuts and rare hemlines that only a Millennial could think up, and you get a brand (and designer) that is going to levels not many guys his age can even fathom of obtaining.

Brand: Agi & Sam
Ages: 28

Being a part of the prestigious London Collections group is a feat all in and of itself. But when Sam Cotton and Agi Mdumulla are practically veterans at the age of 28, well then you just kind of have to re-evaluate how your life is going, right? Providing perfectly tailored knitwear in whimsical colors and premium fabrics, Agi and Sam have already established themselves as menswear heavyweights—and they’ve barely even eaten yet.

Brand: Luar Zepol
Age: 26

Establishing his name with fellow 20-something Shayne Oliver at Hood By Air, Raul Lopez split off to create his reverse eponymous line, Luar Zepol, that has had the neo-streetwear movement talking up a storm. Crazy cuts with fabrics you don’t normally catch on clothing—let alone menswear—Lopez is not afraid to do whatever the hell he wants with his designs, as long as his vision is crystal clear.

Brand: BWGH
Ages: 25 and 24

Brooklyn We Go Hard has been around for a few years now, but co-designers Nelson Hassan and David Obadia have re-invented the Parisian brand with luxurious knit and outerwear that every shop across the world is trying to get their hands on. And look no further than their recent collaborations with Puma to show just how the design prowess between the duo is scary good.

Brand: Astrid Andersen
Age: 29

Astrid Andersen is basically a veteran in the sportswear game, providing luxurious athletic options with outlandish details, especially as of late with her basketball-inspired gear. The 29-year-old Danish-born designer is taking her background with the MAN Institute in London and meshing it with Copenhagen’s rising luxury street and sportswear scene to create fun gear you have to be a little on the wild side to incorporate into your wardrobe. But Andersen has the rare skills to allow you to pull it off.

Brand: AXS Folk Technology
Age: 28

Just a few years ago, we were talking about Kyle Ng’s L.A.-based Farm Tactics and its amazing natural dyed tees and knitwear. Well, Kyle has built on the success of Farm Tactics with the birth of AXS Folk Technology, concentrating on futuristic mountaineering gear that transfers perfectly into everyday garb. Still taking cues from the sportswear-y, hippie-ish vibes of Farm Tactics and transferring them over, Ng has really built something new and refreshing in a category that is still on menswear training wheels.

Brand: Gosha Rubchinskiy
Age: 27

Gosha Rubchinskiy has been on the scene for a few years now, showcasing the talent that is brooding slowly in Moscow. His eponymous brand is quickly getting traction in the high-end streetwear crowd for its ability to use incredible designs with relevant fabrics, while grasping the cultural significance in which each collection gets its inspiration from. Case in point is his latest Fall/Winter 2014 collection that depicts New York culture in the ’80s.

Brand: Hood By Air
Age: 27

What more can be said about Shayne Oliver. Hood By Air is one of those rare brands that carries significance in the streets and delights the high-fashion crowd, especially after a monumental CFDA nomination, and it’s all because of Oliver’s game-changing designs that the sportswear genre is still trying to figure out how to duplicate. Shayne has established himself as one of the most creative menswear designers over the past couple of years, and he is only gaining momentum.

Brand: Balmain
Age: 28

When you’re only 28 years old and you’re running one of the premiere luxury brands in Europe, there isn’t anything anyone can tell you, really. Olivier Rousteing’s four-year reign over the brand has brought it to menswear prowess with a perfect mix of street and savvy appeal to his designs. Dynamic pieces consistently garner the “grail status” tag, and the premium price tag to match. This is all the more reason to consider Rousteing as one designer who will be around for a very long time making more money he'll know what to do with, but more importantly churning out collections that are deemed classics.