Join L'OFFICIEL in appreciating some of the best street style brands globally.
Streetwear was born in the ‘80s, at a time when streetwear designers and their fans did not see a place for themselves in the established luxury fashion industry. With strong influences from skate, surf, and hip-hop cultures, designs of fashionable, casual clothing debuted on city streets instead of on the Paris runway. Over the past decade, however, the distinctions between “streetwear” and “fashion” have essentially disappeared with basics such as hoodies and sneakers becoming the foundation of menswear collections. The streetwear values of comfort and community have been embraced broadly across the industry, from independent designers to historic fashion houses.
L'OFFICIELeditors from around the globe highlight seven emerging brands that are reinventing and elevating streetwear in 2022.
Connor McKnight, USA
In the three seasons since designing his first collection, Connor McKnight has continued to evolve sustainable business practices and tear down any remaining boundaries between streetwear and fashion. “We’re at the tip of the iceberg in fashion materially,” he says. “It hasn’t been long since technical gear would have been considered only street or functional gear. We are continuing to broaden the definition of luxury as it pertains to fashion.” With forward-thinking, made-to-order designs and materials, McKnight is producing unique takes on classic workwear while advocating for sustainability as the standard.
Bluemarble, France
Founded in 2019, Bluemarble is the brainchild of Anthony Alvarez, a Filipino-French designer born in New York and now based in Paris. Named after the first picture of the earth taken from space, Bluemarble celebrates the mosaic of cultures that shape the earth. A globetrotter at heart—and 2022 LVMH Prize semi-finalist—Alvarez has maintained his passions for American sportswear and Southeast Asian surfwear, developing an explosion of colors and prints as his trademark.
Sazkat, Argentina
Marcelo Romano has fashion in his blood—he grew up watching his grandparents design and sew in the kitchen of his family home. With his brand, Sazkat, Romano combines his passions for tailoring and rock-and-roll to create “tailored items with a twist” for civil servants, businessmen, and rock singers alike. Using textiles from around the world and working closely with tailors and artists—including Romano’s brother, a tattoo artist who handmakes prints—Sazkat “gives people designs that make a difference.”
Paura, Italy
Danilo Paura started his career as a designer by creating one-off looks—like oversized t-shirts—for club kids in ‘90s Riccione. He launched his eponymous menswear label in 2010 and has since grown as a brand, combining street style with urban tailoring, all rooted in his passion for Greek mythology. The brand is committed to responsible fashion and is crafted exclusively in Italy.
Adi, Thailand
Adi was founded by menswear designer Adireg Comenoi, a graduate of Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok and the Domus Academy in Milan. Adi’s designs are inspired by his passion for Thai youth culture and by people he meets from a variety of scenes—from nightclubs to art exhibits to music venues. He combines these inspirations with commonplace objects, creating wearable clothes with a sense of liberation and imagination.
Duarte, Spain
Carlos Duarte founded his brand in 2016 in Madrid with the objective of providing garments that are synonymous with elegance, intelligence, and authenticity. With extensive experience in traditional tailoring and a unique vision for contemporary fashion, Duarte creates clothing that is versatile and cosmopolitan. Using sustainable fabrics, Duarte places a high priority on continuous improvement to create innovative experiences with each of his collections.
Sis Piger, Liechtenstein
“Life is not short. You just gotta do more!” serves as the motto of Sis Piger founder Tim Johnson, a designer, Instagrammer, and businessman who designs clothes for everyone. The brand’s products are handmade from high-quality cotton and provide coziness for everyday life, and aren’t held to conventional fashion trends.