Teen Vogue 's Generation Next Presented the Future of the Fashion Industry

In true Teen Vogue fashion, we had to have an event during NYFW. But this wasn’t just any event, it was a showcase of five emerging fashion brands hand-picked by our Editor-in-Chief, Lindsay Peoples Wagner and our Fashion and Beauty Features Director, Tahirah Hairston, with the support of Teen Vogue’s style team. Last month, we announced the launch of a new Teen Vogue mentorship initiative, Generation Next and last night the showcase was brought to life during NYFW in partnership with Snapchat.

Generation Next is the brainchild of Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief, Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Lindsay is “really excited” about the launch of Generation Next, saying, “It’s really important for me to give a pipeline to younger designers and I know that in using my platform I can help emerging individuals in this industry have a better chance at getting the access, finances, and resources if they are shown in a major way during New York Fashion Week.”

Each Generation Next designer had the incredible opportunity to present their clothes to a group of industry folks, celebrities, and influencers. They even got to show off their designs to Anna Wintour — every young designers dream. The featured designers included Camilla Carper and Janelle Abbott of Femail, Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa, Elena Velez of Elena Velez, Tia Adeola of Slashed by Tia, and Georgia Fallon of Dyke Sport. From sheer garments to structured feminine pieces, each brand brought a different vibe to the event and contributed to the inclusive environment.

“I am really proud of the event and what we were able to do, all of the designers were extremely happy and the turnout was great. A lot of people told me that they left the event feeling inspired and rejuvenated and those are the best things that I could ask for in seeing today’s young talent,” Lindsay said about the turnout.

Among some of the young talent in the room was co-host Emma Chamberlain and Rickey Thompson, one of our favorite Internet personalities. Teen Vogue caught up with Rickey to get his thoughts on the Generation Next experience. “[This event] is so important to me because I think now no one is following the rules and everyone is doing their own thing, I love it. Young people are the world, we’re out here killing it,” he told Teen Vogue.

Our guests mingled with each other, sipped on Snapchat-inspired Ginger Snap beverages, and listened to the hottest songs out courtesy of DJ Zuri Marley while checking out each collection to meet the designers and see what they showed on their racks. Each display was curated to fit each brand’s ambiance.

For example, Femail’s racks and models hung out in an art installation with their clothing on racks and fabrics draped on the ground.

Hanifa’s showcase was a bright blue space that coincided with her bold and colorful designs.

Dyke Sport had plants just as colorful as their bodysuits that complemented their models.

Elena Velez’s neutral yet structural and cool pieces lived on racks in a beautiful lavender space.

Slashed by Tia displayed her sheer goodness on a pink backdrop, making her clothing stand out on in the most beautiful way.

The crowd was equally eclectic. “I’m so excited to be in a room full of young, beautiful, diverse people because I mean, that’s me! I love it when young people make it,” Rickey Thompson said. He couldn’t have described the experience any better.

Before the close of the event, each designer had four models walk our runway and show off the array of designs. Guests cheered each designer on as they strutted their way down the runway.

We can’t wait to see how each designer blossoms following their Generation Next experience. Thank you to Snapchat for partnering with us to put on an amazing presentation for all of these young designers who are doing the work to make a difference in the industry through their designs. Until next time!

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue