The Best Emerging LGBTQ+ Designers of 2022
Pride Month technically ends on June 30, but support for the LGTBQ+ community should be an all year-round endeavor.
We’ve rounded up a curated list of the most innovative brands and designers run and owned by queer folks. Among them is Dua Lipa-approved Marshall Columbia who specializes in texture and color as seen in his Spring/Summer 2022 collection. Elsewhere, non-binary Parsons graduate Jackson Wiederhoeft dabbles in theatrics as his Pre-Spring 2022 capsule presents embroidered poodles alongside devious denim bearing illustrated demons.
LaQuan Smith undoubtedly belongs on the list after leading a skin-forward Fall/Winter 2022 collection that stunned the industry. Elsewhere, Asian-owned Bobblehaus takes a more grounded approach, creating everyday wear from sustainable fabric.
Continue scrolling for our list of the best emerging LGBTQ-owned brands and designers in 2022.
Brandon Blackwood
Worn by the likes of rapper Saweetie, New York-based designer Brandon Blackwood is known for his envy-inducing, trunk-style handbags. While some come in ombré salvator lizard leather and others are covered in dazzling crystals for a decadent Y2K-effect.
Brian Atwood and Zak Rodriguez
Footwear designer Brian Atwood has partnered with brother Zak Rodriguez for a limited-edition drop of positively vibrant footwear that channels Gen Z’s playful energy. Featuring four styles of limited-edition mules, sandals, booties and sneakers, the collection makes use of feathers, leather and other high-quality materials for show-stopping shoes.
Bobblehaus
Founded by two Asian-American women, Bobblehaus is a genderless and sustainable brand that makes farmer’s market-inspired T-shirts and early aughts fuzzy bucket hats. The emerging fashion label crafts its garments out of deadstock fabric from around the globe. Its signature fabric is TENCEL™, which decomposes in eight weeks. Every purchase results in ten planted trees, as the brand works with ONE TREE PLANTED.
LaQuan Smith
Embodying the Lower East Side’s crackling, grungy energy, LaQuan Smith has solidified himself as the designer of the New York City neighborhood with his provocative designs. Tapping woman of the moment, Julia Fox for his FW22 runway show, Smith creates for an edgy, dark feminine aesthetic. Presenting dominatrix-esque gowns with underboob cutouts as well as low-rise miniskirts and luxurious faux fur coats.
Marshall Columbia
Declared cool by Dua Lipa and Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer, Brooklyn-based designer Marshall Columbia delivers colorful quirky clothing, full of playful cut-outs. His signature puffy bags first started on Depop where the 26 year-old creative sold his accessories.
No Sesso
Founded by Pierre Davis in 2015, Los Angeles-based brand No Sesso is dedicated to centering people of all colors, sizes and identities as the label’s name is Italian for "no sex/no gender." Having partnered with timeless denim company Levi’s, No Sesso is known for its subversive takes on classic silhouettes, resulting in corset trucker jackets and zip flare jeans.
Wiederhoeft
Non-binary Parsons graduate Jackson Wiederhoeft set out to revolutionize bridal wear with an array of flamboyant and genderless garments. Their collections feature timely, satin mask-veil hybrids for brides, tulle-filled drop waist dresses and corseted gowns. Their latest Pre-Spring 2022 capsule highlights the brilliant designer’s love for theater as it boasts vibrant chartreuse neck corsets and silk overalls.
