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Bracing for Turbulence, Independent Designers Focus on What Sells

As recession looms and retailers pull back, finding the balance between creativity and commerciality, growth and caution is essential for young brands.
Looks from Dauphinette, Nahmias and Willy Chavarria.
Independent designers are bracing for a downturn. (Dauphinette, Nahmias, Willy Chavarria.)
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Los Angeles-based designer Doni Nahmias had a big launch planned in November for his first sneaker, which he designed as an ode to two classic shoes, the Converse Chuck Taylor and Nike Air Max. It was going to be a major step for Nahmias’ namesake California street-and-skate meets luxury menswear brand, founded in 2018.

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Further Reading

In New York, a New Model for Young Labels

Fledgling labels Susan Alexandra and Mirror Palais found traction with a model that melds Insta-friendly designs and direct-to-consumer sales with made-to-order local manufacturing.

About the author
Joan Kennedy
Joan Kennedy

Joan Kennedy is Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and covers beauty and marketing.

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