11 Fashion Brands I Discovered From Instagram Stalking
By Andrea Cheng. Photos: Courtesy of Instagram.
You know how it goes: You’re innocently scrolling through your Instagram feed, double-clicking with each passing photo until you stumble on one that catches your eye. You tap for brand tags, you click through to check out the profile, and before you know it, you’ve plummeted down a social media rabbit hole and it’s been five hours, and you’ve basically forgotten how to function as a human. It goes without saying, Instagram = a huge time suck.
But I like to think that creeping on random influencers isn’t a complete waste of time or energy—it’s how I discover brands that fall outside my sartorial purview. There’s a Japanese brand called Facetasm that supplies glorious pieces cut in dramatic silhouettes; Saul, an indie sustainably minded brand based in Los Angeles (kind of like a more intimate version of Reformation); and Dutch-based label Amator that specializes in suiting with sleek Scandinavian (read: chic) influences. And I wouldn’t have discovered any of these (and eight more) without my supreme Insta-stalking and archiving skills (i.e. bookmarking, screenshot-ing, and keeping an ongoing draft in Gmail lest I forget).
On a grander scale, this marks a much larger change that’s afoot here: the increasing significance of social media and its (global) reach. It’s the democratization of capitalism; it’s the evening out of the playing field for emerging brands—you just need the time to find them. Enter my list of the top under-the-radar brands I found on Instagram (think of it as a cheat sheet to a fashion game of six degrees of separation).
Fay Andrada, @fayandrada
A one-second scroll was enough to convince me that this one’s a gem. Everything is incredible, made to order, and handcrafted by artisans based in New York City, but it’s the beautiful sculptural statement earrings that really stand out.
Intentionally Blank, @iamintentionallyblank
Minimalist and modern, Intentionally Blank first launched with shoes that are designed to mold to fit every individual’s personal taste and lifestyle. Since then, the brand has launched gender-neutral, androgynous clothing that’s slouchy in shape and easy to wear. It’s all so, so good.
Winden, @windenjewelry
There are a lot of brands that do delicate jewelry well, but Winden, which I only found by clicking through, takes it to the next level with its admirable dedication to becoming a socially conscious, ethical company—all the pieces are made in the USA and mostly crafted from recycled materials.
Saul, @shopsaul
Nope, not a Better Call Saul merch store. Saul is a sustainable LA-based brand that prides itself on upcycling dead-stock and vintage fabrics into minimalist clothing. Combined with limited edition drops, it’s resulted in a reduction in its carbon footprint. It’s a win on all fronts.
Amator, @amatorcollection
Scandinavian fashion brands > fashion brands, ergo Scandinavian power suits > power suits. Norwegian designer Eline Starink supplies stunning suit separates with playful twists (like the word “ladyboss” painted across the back of a blazer or a silky pajama version of a suit).
Nois NY, @noisnewyork
This brand was first a New York-based street-style blog, so no wonder all the pieces (which are free of silk, animal skin, fur, and hair btw) are, essentially, made to live on Instagram.
Cypress, @cypresslabel
A sustainable luxury lingerie line (pieces are made from silk, nylon mesh, and bamboo) with sporty, yet pretty bralettes, fuss-free briefs, and sweet bow-tied triangle bras. One of each, please kthanks.
Facetasm, @facetasmtokyo
On one hand, this Japanese brand excels in cool streetwear (think: numbered jerseys and ribbed tube socks), and on the other, dramatic, avant-garde styles in unexpected cuts. And by the looks of it, the spring collection promises to be even better.
By Far Shoes, @byfarshoes
This Bulgarian shoe brand delivers must-have, of-the-moment styles, like a slanted block-heel mule or square-toe pumps, made from luxe Italian leather and suede. And the fact that everything is reasonably priced is just the icing on the cake.
Caron Callahan, @caroncallahan
How pretty, right? Structured shapes in Earthy tones finished with unexpected detailing, like puffed up sleeves, a skirt overlay, and bow accents, make this line perfect for the urban nomad.
Markarian, @markarian_nyc
Founded by Alexandra O’Neill, the same designer who launched the now-defunct contemporary sportswear line Porter Grey, has launched a luxury women’s wear line, stocked with beautifully cut gowns saturated in saffron yellow or millennial pink (Emma Roberts is already a fan).
This story originally appeared on Glamour.
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