Emerging Couture Designers

In the ever-evolving world of couture, where tradition meets innovation, a new generation of designers is emerging, each bringing their distinct voice to the runway. These visionaries are not merely creating garments; they are crafting stories – fusing culture, technology, sustainability and artistry into their collections. From the romantic, heritage-infused designs of Lisa Ju to the futuristic, architectural masterpieces of Tanaboon Hassanam and the unapologetically avant-garde expressions of Kelvin Stidwell, these designers are reshaping the very definition of haute couture. This article dives into the inspiring journeys and groundbreaking creations of these emerging talents, exploring how they challenge conventions, celebrate identity and captivate global audiences.

Lisa Ju

Lisa Ju, born in 1991 in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, is an emerging couture designer whose work seamlessly blends Indonesian heritage with the elegance of French haute couture. After graduating from Maranatha University of Fashion in 2013, she launched her eponymous brand and atelier in 2018. Her designs are renowned for their artistic, colourful and feminine aesthetics, featuring delicate fabrics like lace, chiffon, organza and silk, often adorned with intricate ornaments – such as hand-applied crystal beadwork – that add an extra layer of elegance. These enchanting creations are particularly popular for evening wear and wedding gowns.

Ju’s commitment to honouring her roots is evident in her innovative use of traditional Indonesian textiles. In her Fall 2023 collection, “Renceum Réjouissances” – with “Renceum” meaning “sparkling” in Sundanese and “Réjouissances” translating to “festivities” in French – she reimagined the traditional “Batik Priangan” fabric. This collection showcased complex handmade fabric manipulations, bead and crystal detailing, structural line designs and incorporated hand-painted fabrics and heritage accessories crafted by Indonesian artists. Through these elements, Ju not only supports local artisans but also brings Indonesian culture to the international fashion stage.

Her work has been featured in prominent fashion events, including Dubai Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, where she presented her collections under the Global Fashion Collective platform. Ju’s designs often draw inspiration from natural elements, as seen in her “Farfalla” collection, which focused on volumes, density and textures to convey the lightness of a butterfly in flight. By embracing both traditional and modern influences, Lisa Ju continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her refined, romantic and sophisticated couture designs.

Tanaboon Hassanam

Tanaboon Hassanam is a visionary Thai designer whose avant-garde couture work defies conventional fashion norms, pushing the boundaries of form and structure. Operating under the moniker @txnabbn, Hassanam’s creations are renowned for their sculptural silhouettes that evoke an otherworldly aesthetic, often described as alien-esque. His designs showcase an extraordinary ability to manipulate fabrics and materials, transforming them into architectural masterpieces that challenge traditional garment construction.

Through his label, Sharper Official (@sharper.official), Hassanam continues to explore the interplay between fashion and art, crafting pieces that are as much wearable sculptures as they are clothing. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a fearless approach to design, resulting in garments that are both visually arresting and conceptually profound. While specific details about his inspirations and muses are scarce, the futuristic and structural nature of his designs suggests a deep engagement with themes of transformation and the human form.

Though not yet widely featured in major fashion weeks, Hassanam’s innovative approach to couture has garnered attention within avant-garde fashion circles, marking him a designer to watch in the evolving landscape of high fashion.

Kelvin Stidwell

Kerotix, the brainchild of Filipino-Canadian designer Kelvin Stidwill, is redefining the boundaries of couture with a daring fusion of sculptural form and queer expression. Based in Ottawa, Stidwill transitioned from a background in biochemistry to self-taught fashion design in 2022, channelling a long-suppressed creative vision into garments that challenge common aesthetics. Their designs are characterized by audacious silhouettes crafted from upcycled materials, including second hand leather, rubber and boiled wool, emphasizing sustainability and nonconformity.

Kerotix made a striking debut at Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) Fall/Winter 2023, presenting a collection that was anything but conventional. The runway showcased futuristic designs featuring corsetry, extensive padding and imaginative silhouettes that defied traditional proportions. The collection’s cyberpunk-meets-Y2K aesthetic was further accentuated by bold colour palettes and unexpected accessories, such as librarian-esque reading glasses, creating a visual narrative that was both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Stidwill’s work is not only a testament to innovative design, but also a celebration of queer identity and empowerment. Through Kerotix, they invite wearers to explore their individuality and strength, challenging societal norms and embracing the beauty of oddity. This commitment to authenticity and artistic expression positions Kerotix as a compelling force in the evolving landscape of contemporary couture.

Taylar Martin

Taylar Martin, the creative force behind the emerging label Taylar Delane, is a rising talent in the world of couture fashion. A graduating senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Martin has recently unveiled her senior collection, “To Hell and Back,” an ambitious and emotionally charged exploration of Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” from “The Divine Comedy”. This collection delves into the psychological and spiritual journey through the nine circles of Hell, translating the theme of going “To Hell and Back” to be with the ones you love.

Martin’s designs are distinguished by their intricate construction and sculptural silhouettes, drawing inspiration from avant-garde icons like Alexander McQueen and Iris van Herpen. Her garments often feature dramatic textures and experimental materials, such as her leather human torso corset tops, creating a visual narrative that challenges conventional fashion norms. This approach reflects a deep understanding of the human form and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional couture.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Martin has gained practical experience in the fashion industry, having worked under Washington D.C.-based couture designer DiDomenico Design. Currently, she applies her skills as a seamstress and alterations specialist at David’s Bridal, where she hones her technical expertise in garment construction and customization. This hands-on experience complements her academic training, providing a solid foundation for her future endeavours in fashion design.

Martin’s work is characterized by a fearless exploration of complex themes and a dedication to craftsmanship. Her ability to intertwine narrative depth with innovative design positions her as a promising figure in the next generation of couture designers. As she transitions from academia to the professional fashion world, Martin’s unique vision and technical prowess are poised to make a significant impact on the industry.

Max Alexander

Moving on to our most surprising entry yet, 8-year-old Max Alexander is redefining what it means to be a fashion prodigy. Hailing from Los Angeles, Max began designing at the age of four, launching his label, Couture to the Max, in 2021. Since then, he has created over 100 custom couture pieces and continues showcasing his creations throughout his various social media platforms, when he’s not in school.

Max’s designs are a testament to his imaginative spirit and commitment to sustainability. He often repurposes unconventional materials – such as vintage wedding dresses, neckties and coffee bean bags – transforming them into whimsical, one-of-a-kind garments. His aesthetic blends playful elements with sophisticated craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from nature and his surroundings.

In November 2023, Max made history at Denver Fashion Week by becoming the youngest designer to present a full runway collection at the event, showcasing his label during the Fall Couture Show. This milestone followed his September 2024 showcase at New York Fashion Week, where he unveiled five new gowns and one new puffer jacket that captivated audiences with their creativity and charm. Beyond the runway, his designs have attracted a global clientele, including celebrities like Sharon Stone and Coco Rocha.

Despite his young age, Max approaches fashion with a maturity and vision that set him apart. He meticulously plans each collection around a central theme, ensuring cohesion and depth in his work. For instance, his “Swim Couture” collection was inspired by his desire to see people “dress nicer” by pools and at beaches. The collection evokes luxury as well as makes clear references to marine life, incorporating wave-like silhouettes, shimmering fabrics, and recycled materials to evoke the movement and texture of the sea. With a growing social media following and representation by United Talent Agency, Max Alexander is not only a remarkable talent for his age but also a rising star in the world of couture.

Karma Corbett

Karma Corbett is a Melbourne-based designer whose work challenges traditional fashion norms through a blend of historical references and contemporary experimentation. A graduate of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Corbett has quickly made a name for herself in the fashion world with her distinctive approach to design.

Corbett’s design philosophy revolves around the deconstruction and reimagining of garments, utilizing colour curation to transform foundational pieces into entirely new forms. For example, she has reinterpreted the classic corset by layering it over oversized shirting, distorting its traditionally rigid silhouette into something fluid and subversive. In another look, she reworks the conventional trench coat by slicing it into asymmetrical panels and reassembling it with contrasting fabrics and tones, creating a piece that blurs the line between outerwear and abstract sculpture. Through these transformations, Corbett challenges preconceived notions of garment functionality and aesthetics, positioning her work at the intersection of fashion and conceptual art.

Her talent has been recognized on prominent platforms, including her participation in the Melbourne Fashion Week Student Runway 2023, where she presented her collection titled “I Forgot How to Fit Into My Own Shoes.” This evocative title set the tone for a deeply personal body of work that explored themes of disconnection, identity, and the often-overlooked complexities of mental health. Drawing on her own lived experiences, Corbett used garments as a vessel to express feelings of internal fragmentation and the struggle to reconcile past and present versions of the self. The collection featured oversized silhouettes, asymmetrical tailoring, and warped proportions – visual metaphors for the discomfort and instability that can accompany personal transformation. Each piece was constructed with deliberate irregularity, suggesting a sense of trying to piece oneself back together, even when the fit no longer feels quite right. This ability to translate intimate emotional states into tangible, wearable art allowed Corbett’s collection to resonate on both aesthetic and psychological levels. Additionally, she was a finalist in the 2025 ID International Emerging Designer Awards, further cementing her status as a rising star in the fashion industry.

Corbett’s work has also been featured in various showcases and exhibitions, reflecting her active engagement with the fashion community and her dedication to evolving her craft. Corbett continues to capture audiences with her innovative designs and thought-provoking collections, solidifying her place as a noteworthy figure in contemporary couture.

Yuima Nakazato

Yuima Nakazato, born in Tokyo in 1985 to a sculptor father and a jeweller mother, was immersed in the world of art from an early age. Self-taught in garment construction during his youth, he later honed his skills at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. His graduation collection garnered multiple European awards, including the Innovation Award from Ann Demeulemeester, and his designs have been preserved in the Antwerp ModeMuseum. In 2009, Nakazato launched his self-titled label and, in 2016, he became the second Japanese designer to be invited as an official guest to Paris Haute Couture Week by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.

Nakazato’s design philosophy centers on the concept of “To each individual, his own design,” emphasizing personalized couture that resonates with the wearer’s identity. His creations are renowned for their fusion of technology and tradition, often incorporating innovative materials and techniques. For instance, his Autumn/Winter 2024 collection was inspired by his previous Spring/Summer 2024 collection based on Mozart’s opera “Idomeneo”. The runway featured garments with hand-knitted red linings symbolizing the human circulatory system, and ceramic elements that produced musical chimes as models moved, blending fashion with performance art.

Nakazato’s commitment to sustainability is evident in his collaborations with biotech firms like Spiber, utilizing lab-grown proteins to create eco-friendly textiles. His Spring/Summer 2025 collection, titled “FADE,” continued this exploration, presenting garments that seamlessly integrated organic forms with futuristic aesthetics.

Beyond the runway, Nakazato has contributed to stage productions, designing costumes for operas and ballets in Europe and the U.S., further showcasing his versatility and artistic vision. His work has been exhibited in venues like Tokyo’s 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, reflecting his influence in both fashion and art circles. Through his innovative approach and dedication to individualized design, Yuima Nakazato continues to redefine the boundaries of contemporary couture.

As the World of Couture Continues to Evolve…

The brilliance of these emerging designers serves as a testament to fashion’s limitless possibilities. Taylar Martin’s emotionally charged exploration of Dante’s Inferno, Max Alexander’s whimsical creations defying his age, Karma Corbett’s deconstructed artistry and Yuima Nakazato’s harmonious blend of technology and tradition all illustrate how couture can be both deeply personal and universally impactful. These visionaries are not just crafting garments – they are weaving narratives, challenging norms and redefining what couture can be. As their work continues to capture global attention, it is clear that the future of haute couture is in exceptionally creative hands.