Fashion Forward Week: Emerging Designers and Mental Health Conversations at the Forefront

Gio Leven Deisgn

Fashion Forward Week

New York Fashion Week has evolved into something much bigger than a centralized runway calendar. Beyond the major shows, the week is now filled with independent platforms, panel discussions, innovation forums, and community-driven events that explore where the fashion industry is headed next.

This February, one of the events I had the opportunity to attend as press was Fashion Forward Week — a platform that approaches fashion week from a different angle, combining designer presentations with conversations about mental health, entrepreneurship, and the future of the industry. Let's take a look at the emerging Designers who participated and the mental health conversations shared during a featured panel discussion.

Jorana and participants of Fashion Forward Week

Fashion Forward Week offered another perspective on how the fashion industry is evolving — one that blends storytelling, technology, and emerging creative voices alongside the traditional runway system.

Founded by industry veteran Jordana Guimaraes, a Brazilian-born entrepreneur, PR strategist, and co-founder of the global innovation platform Fashinnovation, the event was created to rethink what fashion week can look like today. With a career spanning fashion media, brand strategy, and global fashion innovation forums, Jordana has long focused on bringing together designers, technologists, and industry leaders to explore the future of fashion.

Fashion Forward Week reflects that same mission — creating a platform that highlights both emerging and established designers while fostering conversations around sustainability, mental health, entrepreneurship, and the evolving business of fashion.

Rather than focusing solely on runway shows, the event integrates talks, designer presentations, and interactive experiences, offering a more multidimensional view of the industry and the forces shaping fashion today.

I had the opportunity to attend Fashion Forward Week as press this season, which gave me a behind-the-scenes perspective on the event and the designers participating. It was especially enjoyable to speak directly with several of the designers and creative teams, hearing firsthand about their work and the ideas driving their collections. Conversations like these often reveal the deeper stories behind the garments — the motivations, challenges, and creative visions shaping the next generation of fashion brands.

Designers & Creatives Featured During Fashion Forward Week

Designers and creative participants connected to this season’s presentations included:

Designers Featured

• Nicole Miller-

  American designer Nicole Miller presented a showcase highlighting archival designs from her career while demonstrating how technology — including AI-powered virtual try-on experiences — can create new ways for audiences to engage with fashion.

  https://nicolemiller.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemiller

• Pikol – Pikol garments are all one-offs, and small collections are released each month. Each piece is made from select unique vintage textiles like hand-embroidered tablecloths, tea towels, tapestries, linen sheets and blankets, pieced together to create sustainable one-off shirts and jackets.

  https://pikol.co.uk/pages/about

  
  

• Richard Alexander Cooke – The concept centers on clothing as a reflection of the relationship between people, nature, and craftsmanship. The brand focuses on natural materials, experimental techniques, and handcrafted construction, creating garments that feel more like evolving objects than seasonal fashion. Each piece is intended to develop character over time, allowing the wearer’s experiences to become part of the garment’s story. From;

  https://richardalexandercooke.com/pages/about

  

  Leatheracci history

• Leatheracci – What great historial roots- this story traces back to the late 1960s, when designer Calvin Durham began creating custom leather pieces in New York that quickly became popular with rock legends including Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and The Rolling Stones. Known for handcrafted construction—often using studs, lacing, and minimal machine stitching—the brand developed a signature rock-and-roll aesthetic rooted in individuality and stage performance. Today, Leatheracci continues that legacy by producing bold, handmade leather garments designed to embody the rebellious spirit and craftsmanship that defined its early years. From: https://leatheracci.com/pages/our-story

  

  image from: https://avessa.com/how-leatheracci-became-new-yorks-rocknroll-house/

  • a quick side story about Charles Durham: Discover Calvin Durham: Leather Legend to Rock Royalty

    Calvin Durham, aka "Calvin the Leather Man," crafted iconic stagewear for Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, The Rolling Stones, and more from his New York studio starting in the late 1960s. His handmade leather pieces fused 70s Western flair with rock 'n' roll edge—think studded jackets, hand-punched denim, and bold silhouettes that turned musicians into legends. (https://leatheracci.com/)

    
    

    He built Leatheracci (originally Calvin the Leather Man), a brand born from downtown NYC's music scene at clubs like The Scene. Today, designer Denise Fiacco upholds his ethos with small-batch, NYC-made statement pieces that scream individuality and attitude—perfect for modern rockers or conscious fashion rebels. (https://avessa.com/how-leatheracci-became-new-yorks-rocknroll-house/)

Gio Leven design

• Gio Leven – So much great energy from Gio- and sewing techniques that are highly crafted and fun to see hand sketches as his thought process. Gio Levan explains his vision which centers as a form of storytelling rather than simply clothing. Gio Levan Kacharava, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, he creates research-driven collections where each garment becomes part of a broader narrative inspired by cultural history, art, and personal identity. A Tbilisi, Georgia native, the results are a deeply personal approach to design that prioritizes craftsmanship, thoughtful references, and garments that communicate a story or perspective rather than chasing fast-moving trends. From: https://giolevan.com/

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

• Rebel Roots –  With an impressive background in Science and running a lab in Indian, Bindu took the leap to follow her love of design. Bindu Dendukuri’s journey takes place between India and the United States, and her desire to reinterpret traditional South Asian silhouettes for modern life. After struggling to find garments that felt both comfortable and expressive, she began designing pieces that blend the elegance of sari-inspired draping with contemporary Western styling. The brand emphasizes simplicity, wearability, and cultural dialogue, creating garments that honor heritage while adapting it for everyday fashion. From: https://www.labelrebelroots.com/pages/rebel-roots-founders-story

  
  
  

  

  

  

• SDN Brooklyn – A fun story to hear- about how this Brooklyn-based fashion brand reflects New York street culture and contemporary urban fashion design. "SDN, established in 2009, is an ethical fashion project dedicated to subversion and disruption in the name of progress." SDN Manifesto

  https://www.sdnbrooklyn.com/

  

  Sean and Val brief

• Sean and Val – A collaborative design duo presenting modern styling "Every piece is crafted with care, using materials that feel good on the skin and last beyond a single season. Clean lines, vintage energy, understated colors, and silhouettes that move with you. No performing, no pretending, just confidence that feels natural." From https://seanandval.com/pages/about-us

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Intuition Kicks – I really resonated with this brand story- which is rooted in founder Samantha Giordano’s personal journey of healing, self-reflection, and empowerment. Inside each shoe is an inspirational quote, so every time to step into your shoes you are given that little reminder to keep your chin up! Inspired by her experiences with mental health and personal growth, she created the brand to encourage women to trust their intuition and embrace confidence in their everyday lives. The sneakers blend fashion with meaning—often incorporating affirmations, symbolic elements, and storytelling—turning each pair into a reminder of resilience and self-belief.

  https://intuitionkicks.com/

  

  

  

  

• La Bottega di Layla –  This brand also made an appearance at Mothers2Daughters fashion show- I was so wanting to try on some of these jackets!! The concept for this brand blends fashion with art and personal storytelling. Founded by Rasha and Diego and inspired by their multicultural journey and their daughter Layla, the brand creates expressive, often unisex garments that treat clothing as wearable art. Collaborations with artists, bold colors, and thoughtful craftsmanship are central to the label, reflecting a philosophy that fashion can carry emotion, creativity, and the energy of shared human experiences. Very refreshing to see some wild, bright and uplifting designs!

  https://labottegadilayla.com/

• Relevé by Emily Burnett – The concept behind Relevé New York reflects the founders’ vision of blending fashion, technology, and human connection. The brand explores how garments and accessories can become tools for communication and storytelling, integrating subtle digital elements within sculptural design details. By combining luxury craftsmanship with innovative social technology, Relevé New York aims to create pieces that not only express personal style but also foster deeper connection and interaction in the digital age.

  https://www.relevenewyork.com/pages/about-the-founders

  

  

  

  
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  Ajead's Handmadein Greece, Knit Clutch

  Ajead by Daeja Anderson – designer Daéja Anderson’s is a young, emerging designer. I was impressed with her confidence at such a young age! I especially liked the hand made Knit Cluthes. She takes her vision of sophisticated women’s wear and blends classic elegance with modern design. She focuses on polished, contemporary garments intended for women who want to stand out across different settings—from professional environments to social events. Rooted in craftsmanship and technical design skills such as draping, patternmaking, and digital design, AJÉAD positions fashion as both art and a form of confident self-expression. From: https://www.ajead.com/

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Bhavna – I truly enjoyed speaking with Bhavna Kanakia. She showed me so many creations that were fun and beautiful at the same time. Her work centers on blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary Western style. Inspired by her heritage and the artisans of India, the brand creates handcrafted accessories featuring semi-precious stones and detailed embellishment techniques rooted in centuries-old traditions. Through this fusion of cultures, Kanakia aims to bring artisanal craftsmanship to modern fashion while celebrating creativity, spirituality, and the beauty of handmade design.

  https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bhavnafashion/

  
  
  
  
  

  

  

• Elizabeth Carson Racker – These gowns were gorgeous- I had so much fun looking at the details of each piece she had on display- she was also a beautiful soul to chat with! Elizabeth creates fashion-forward garments that combine bold femininity with timeless elegance. Each piece focuses on high-quality craftsmanship and distinctive silhouettes designed for women who want clothing that feels both sophisticated and expressive. Through couture and ready-to-wear pieces, Elizabeth delivers luxurious yet wearable designs that empower women with confidence and individuality. And, the price point is right too!

  https://www.elizabethcarsondesign.com/

  
  

Richard Alexander Cooke storytelling

Themes Across Designers

Several themes emerged across the designers presenting during Fashion Forward:

• Craftsmanship and material experimentation

• Cultural storytelling and identity-driven design

• Streetwear influence blended with artisanal techniques

• Community-driven independent fashion ecosystems

Panel discussion- panelist Samantha Giordano, Founder Intuition Kicks

Mental Health Panel Discussion

A notable panel during the event focused on mental health in the fashion industry. The session was part of the Forward Talks program and explored how art, fashion, and creative expression can contribute to greater mental health awareness. The event partnered with The Mental Health Coalition, an organization founded by Kenneth Cole and Maria Cuomo Cole that works to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health resources. This conversation felt especially meaningful in relation to the mental health series published last year on Inside Fashion Design, where personal experiences working in the fashion industry were explored alongside broader conversations about burnout, creative pressure, and building healthier careers in fashion.

https://www.thementalhealthcoalition.org/

For me personally, this conversation resonated on multiple levels. Fashion is an industry built on creativity, but it is also one that has historically carried intense pressure — tight deadlines, high expectations, and constant reinvention. Over the past year on Inside Fashion Design, I published a series reflecting on mental health within the fashion industry, drawing from both personal experiences and conversations with others navigating similar challenges. Hearing these themes addressed openly during the Fashion Forward Week talks felt like a meaningful step forward. It reinforced the idea that as the industry continues to innovate, we also have an opportunity — and responsibility — to create healthier, more supportive environments for the creative professionals behind the work.

What This Event Says About the Future of NYFW

Independent showcases like Fashion Forward highlight how the structure of New York Fashion Week is evolving. Alongside established runway shows, collaborative platforms for emerging designers are becoming increasingly important spaces for experimentation, community building, and industry conversation. These events provide opportunities for designers to present work, connect with media and stylists, and participate in conversations shaping the future of fashion—from sustainability and craftsmanship to mental health and creative wellbeing.

Panel stage

Attending Fashion Forward Week offered a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the event and the people shaping it. Beyond the runway presentations and talks, some of the most meaningful moments happened in conversations with designers and creative teams who are building brands with intention and fresh perspectives. I had the opportunity to speak with several participants about their work, their creative processes, and the ideas driving their collections. Moments like these offer a deeper look into the evolving landscape of fashion — reminding us that behind every presentation is a story, a vision, and a community of creatives working to shape what comes next for the industry.

Sources

WWD – Fashion Forward Week Returns for Its Second Edition: https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/fashion-forward-week-returns-second-edition-1238467698/LinkedIn – Jordana Guimaraes

Event Summary: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jordana-guimaraes-4978711b_fashion-art-nyfw-activity-7420081806575583232-MpYe