The fashion industry is buzzing in Buffalo, with regular fashion shows, fashion weeks, pop-ups, markets and more contributing to a vibrant local scene. Talented designers, creatives and makers are creating unique clothing and accessories that catch the eye and influence our #OOTDs.
Breaking into the fashion industry as an emerging brand can be challenging, but every year, a few standout newcomers manage to capture the spotlight through platforms like fashion week and Instagram. Investing in these up-and-coming designers isn't just about having exclusive pieces; it's about supporting the growth of new talent.
Whether it’s a convertible garment, wearing your favorite photos, urban camo and inclusive sizing, these designers are making it happen. Here are some rising stars in the Buffalo fashion community who deserve your attention, described in their own words.
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Tracey Wei
Brand: Parrti
Origin story: After working in fashion for years to opening a zero-waste store (Little Salmon), I've embraced the value of multi-use everything in my life. Bringing that multi-functionality that merges special occasion and casual clothing is a dream come true.
What sets you apart? The transformative aspects and elements of surprise in my designs.
Describe the Parrti customer: A person who is into wellness, who is body positive, a minimalist who can benefit from something multi-functional, a creative who cares about connecting with indie/emerging brands and keeping this community vibrant. A critical thinker who appreciates clever designs and progress.
Creative vision: Parrti invites you to a world of fun and transformative experience with self-expression through the clothes we design. You will love wearing and re-wearing them in endless different ways.
Describe what you are wearing and the transformational elements: One-shoulder ruched dress with cutout and architectural bow. The bow is a detachable sash that can be tied different ways or worn as a scarf, belt and headband.
Staple pieces: Bodysuit, sets that appear as jumpsuits, sets that appear as dresses, dresses with interchangeable details.
Where to find it: parrti.com / @parrti_on
Austin Guyett
Brand: By A Guy
Origin story: By A Guy is a lifestyle brand established in 2016 that seeks to inspire and motivate creativity, fashion and music culture with the goal of contributing to the definition of the customer’s way of life.
What sets you apart? The range of sizes I offer and the sports/streetwear element.
Describe the By a Guy customer: Someone that seeks to inspire and motivate creativity, fashion and music through the clothing they put on every day.
What’s your favorite piece from your fall collection and why? I think it’s the new pants I’m designing with a zipper down the middle of each leg. You can wear them either as regular pants or unzip to make them flared. It’s a new concept for me, and I’m excited to drop these in my fall collection.
Creative vision: As a designer, my focus is fashion innovation and moving people through authenticity, not hype. My design inspiration comes from art, music, emotions/feelings and life experiences.
Staple piece: Denim jacket
Where to find it: byaguy.com / @byaguy_
Nathaly Delacruz
Brand: Mabdez Media
Origin story: I have always been making art, but after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a fashion design degree, I have continued to explore fashion as my main medium.
What sets you apart? I make clothing from a fine arts and mixed media background.
Describe the Mabdez customer: Someone who wants to be seen.
Creative vision: Clothes you don't want to keep in your closet! I love to cross-reference other artistic disciplines that I practice such as drawing, photography and interior design. It all plays a special role in my creation process for making wearable art pieces.
Tell us about your Polaroid Jacket: I made the Polaroid Jacket as a way to display my photography. My time as a performing artist inspires me to look at other art forms and find ways to make the display of work more inseparable from the artist who made them. It's my gift to photographers everywhere and the idea is to allow people to display the faces, places and objects they love with them anywhere they go. I am literally wearing my best friends, as well as some of my favorite shots I've taken.
Staple pieces: "I’m rlly f'kn busy" bag, leather hearts, multimedia vests and denim.
Where to find it: mabdez.com / @mabdez.media
Landon Moreis
Brand: LTM
Origin story: The pieces I create focus on bold surface design, unconventional use of reclaimed materials and sculptural silhouettes. Every garment created is a one-of-one made entirely from scratch in my studio on the West Side of Buffalo.
What sets you apart? Surface design and unique silhouettes.
Describe the LTM customer: Fashion-forward individuals.
Creative vision: To release small-batch capsule collections and one-of-one pieces
Staple pieces: Chore jacket, oversized hoodie, fitted long sleeve & cropped t-shirt.
Describe the print you are wearing: It’s actually a photo of my studio wall! All the fitted pieces are part of what I call “urban camo.” I search for different textures around the city using my film camera, and then I send those images out to be made into custom fabric.
Where to find it: landonmoreis.com / @landonmoreis
Landon Moreis x Urban Renewal, available at urbanoutfitters.com.
