High fashion is fun and interesting, but there\u2019s no denying it can seem a bit inaccessible. Its high prices and occasionally impractical designs help create the impression many people have that fashion doesn\u2019t have anything to do with them. But contemporary fashion aims at finding that perfect balance between practicality, affordability, and outstanding design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stand out from the crowd<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIn a world where fast fashion dominates, you can end up feeling a lot of deja vu. From seeing legions of high schoolers in H&M NASA gear to knock-offs of the latest chunky sneaker trend, it seems like people are trying to stand out and just end up looking the same. But buying from more rare contemporary brands means you can be a true original and get ahead of trends before they get worn out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Define your unique style<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAnother critical element of contemporary fashion is that it\u2019s got a lot of variety. Thus allowing you to define a unique style. Whether you\u2019re into minimalism and a focus on materials or are obsessed with expressive patterns and daring designs, you can find a European contemporary designer that you\u2019ll love. For those in the industry, working with a Top Branding Agency<\/a> can help these designers effectively communicate their unique style and vision to a broader audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSustainability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nOne of the toughest criticisms the fashion industry has faced in the past decade is that it\u2019s just not very sustainable<\/a>. But more and more contemporary brands are aiming to address this with clothes designed to last longer and be more easily repaired instead of thrown away. Of course, they\u2019re also working to encourage consumers to change their attitude to their clothes as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n7 Top Contemporary Designers in 2020<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAll of that said, contemporary design comes down to contemporary designers. So which European designers should you be paying attention to these days? Below we break down some favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Orseund Iris<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile it\u2019s become famous for an open-backed silk blouse that feels like something that could have been on a runway today or decades ago, there\u2019s plenty to love here. In fact, their soon-to-be iconic double U design gracing everything from tube tops to purses contrasts with the elegance of their silk pieces with some very cheeky fun. Whether you look to Orseund Iris<\/a> for streetwear or evening wear, there\u2019s plenty to appreciate in their catalogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"@jessalizzi](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Orseund-Iris-3.jpg\")
<\/a>@jessalizzi<\/a> in Orseund Iris<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n2. KAAI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Antwerp-based purse and bag makers KAAI<\/a> started their business to achieve that perfect balance of \u201cfunctional and feminine.\u201d It\u2019s a balance that most of us try (and often fail) to get right in a world where we need laptops, phones, and a million other things on hand wherever we are. Instead of striving to be flashy, they obsess over the details, leading to classic and functional handbags that won\u2019t be out of style anytime soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"contemporary](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/KAAI.jpg\")
<\/a>KAAI Ikon Croco Oyster shoulder bag<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n3. Bande Noir<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you love minimalism and a brand with an interesting story, Bande Noir<\/a> should be on your radar. Founded by a former fashion journalist named Mayte Allende. The brand\u2019s name derives from the Holly Blue butterfly and true to form it focuses on quality fabrics and patterns formed into elegant and timeless designs. It\u2019s clear that Allende\u2019s many years in the industry brought her to find a niche with Bande Noir and she\u2019s really excelling there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Bande-Noir-898x1024.jpg\")
The Isla dress by Bandenoir<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"embrace](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/ext-campaign\/article\/kk-embrace-cocktail-table-750.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n4. Mowalola<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019ve never heard of Lagos, Nigeria\u2019s fashion scene<\/a> you need to correct that immediately. This brand\u2019s namesake cut her teeth in London, allowing her to blend the daring and exciting styles of her birthplace with the tradition and focus on materials of her adoptive home. One look at the brand\u2019s website<\/a> and you\u2019ll see why the word psychedelic is often used to describe their style. Its wild colors and daring headgear are perfect for anyone looking to make a fashion statement that won\u2019t soon be forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"contemporary](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Mowalola-edited.jpg\")
<\/a>Mowalola<\/a> AW19 Glory in Acid Denim Jacket and Corset<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n5. Sandra Sandor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nComing up in the rugged DIY youth culture of Budapest, Hungary, Sanda Sandor<\/a>\u2019s brand Nanushka focuses on environmentally friendly fashion utilizing upcycled materials and vegan leather. But the key is, you wouldn\u2019t know it. Sandor is showing that you don\u2019t need to sacrifice quality, elegance, or beauty to get the sustainability the industry needs. It\u2019s also one of the few European designers here with both mens and womens collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\u2018Bourgeois](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Nanushka.jpg\")
\u2018Bourgeois Grunge\u2019, Fall\/Winter 2020 collection by Nanushka<\/a>. (Photo by @alice_eneale<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\nFashion Trends to Obsess<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n6. Symonds Pearmain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nUK brand Symonds Pearmain<\/a> is taking the iconic looks of the 80s London club scene and turning them into daring, yet wearable looks for today. They\u2019ve even strived to use materials made in British factories which had their toughest years during that decade. All of this comes together to make a brand that\u2019s intensely personal, unique, and meaningful (and ironic commentary on the go-go 80s fashions the brand nods to). Unlike much of the fashion which permeated that decade, these pieces are built to last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Symonds](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Symonds-Pearmain-edited-1.jpg\")
Symonds Pearmain<\/a> Sincere Casual fittings at Cabinet. (Photo by Jack Day)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n7. PDPAOLA<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis once small jewelry brand out of Barcelona has grown into a globally recognized brand with serious clout. PDPAOLA<\/a> takes timeless shapes, motifs, and materials and puts just enough spin on them that they feel fresh all over again. Their collections contain homages to the landscapes, insects, animals, and desires which make us feel most alive and in touch with the world around us. Whether you want a simple letter necklace or a daring gold earring, they have something you\u2019ll love.<\/p>\n\n\n
Another critical element of contemporary fashion is that it\u2019s got a lot of variety. Thus allowing you to define a unique style. Whether you\u2019re into minimalism and a focus on materials or are obsessed with expressive patterns and daring designs, you can find a European contemporary designer that you\u2019ll love. For those in the industry, working with a Top Branding Agency<\/a> can help these designers effectively communicate their unique style and vision to a broader audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the toughest criticisms the fashion industry has faced in the past decade is that it\u2019s just not very sustainable<\/a>. But more and more contemporary brands are aiming to address this with clothes designed to last longer and be more easily repaired instead of thrown away. Of course, they\u2019re also working to encourage consumers to change their attitude to their clothes as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of that said, contemporary design comes down to contemporary designers. So which European designers should you be paying attention to these days? Below we break down some favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it\u2019s become famous for an open-backed silk blouse that feels like something that could have been on a runway today or decades ago, there\u2019s plenty to love here. In fact, their soon-to-be iconic double U design gracing everything from tube tops to purses contrasts with the elegance of their silk pieces with some very cheeky fun. Whether you look to Orseund Iris<\/a> for streetwear or evening wear, there\u2019s plenty to appreciate in their catalogue.<\/p>\n\n\n The Antwerp-based purse and bag makers KAAI<\/a> started their business to achieve that perfect balance of \u201cfunctional and feminine.\u201d It\u2019s a balance that most of us try (and often fail) to get right in a world where we need laptops, phones, and a million other things on hand wherever we are. Instead of striving to be flashy, they obsess over the details, leading to classic and functional handbags that won\u2019t be out of style anytime soon.<\/p>\n\n\n If you love minimalism and a brand with an interesting story, Bande Noir<\/a> should be on your radar. Founded by a former fashion journalist named Mayte Allende. The brand\u2019s name derives from the Holly Blue butterfly and true to form it focuses on quality fabrics and patterns formed into elegant and timeless designs. It\u2019s clear that Allende\u2019s many years in the industry brought her to find a niche with Bande Noir and she\u2019s really excelling there.<\/p>\n\n\n If you\u2019ve never heard of Lagos, Nigeria\u2019s fashion scene<\/a> you need to correct that immediately. This brand\u2019s namesake cut her teeth in London, allowing her to blend the daring and exciting styles of her birthplace with the tradition and focus on materials of her adoptive home. One look at the brand\u2019s website<\/a> and you\u2019ll see why the word psychedelic is often used to describe their style. Its wild colors and daring headgear are perfect for anyone looking to make a fashion statement that won\u2019t soon be forgotten.<\/p>\n\n\n Coming up in the rugged DIY youth culture of Budapest, Hungary, Sanda Sandor<\/a>\u2019s brand Nanushka focuses on environmentally friendly fashion utilizing upcycled materials and vegan leather. But the key is, you wouldn\u2019t know it. Sandor is showing that you don\u2019t need to sacrifice quality, elegance, or beauty to get the sustainability the industry needs. It\u2019s also one of the few European designers here with both mens and womens collections.<\/p>\n\n\n Fashion Trends to Obsess<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n UK brand Symonds Pearmain<\/a> is taking the iconic looks of the 80s London club scene and turning them into daring, yet wearable looks for today. They\u2019ve even strived to use materials made in British factories which had their toughest years during that decade. All of this comes together to make a brand that\u2019s intensely personal, unique, and meaningful (and ironic commentary on the go-go 80s fashions the brand nods to). Unlike much of the fashion which permeated that decade, these pieces are built to last.<\/p>\n\n\n This once small jewelry brand out of Barcelona has grown into a globally recognized brand with serious clout. PDPAOLA<\/a> takes timeless shapes, motifs, and materials and puts just enough spin on them that they feel fresh all over again. Their collections contain homages to the landscapes, insects, animals, and desires which make us feel most alive and in touch with the world around us. Whether you want a simple letter necklace or a daring gold earring, they have something you\u2019ll love.<\/p>\n\n\nSustainability<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n7 Top Contemporary Designers in 2020<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n1. Orseund Iris<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>2. KAAI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>3. Bande Noir<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n4. Mowalola<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>5. Sandra Sandor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n6. Symonds Pearmain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. PDPAOLA<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"contemporary](\"https:\/\/www.lovehappensmag.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/P-D-P-A-O-L-O-2-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/a>