These 16 Up-and-Coming Fashion Brands Are the Ones to Watch in 2026

2026 is on the horizon and this aptly coined betwixmas period (I’d kindly appreciate it if someone could remind me what day of the week it is now?) is the perfect time to discover the up-and-coming fashion brands to know in 2026. This year, I’ve paid close attention to emerging fashion brands, noting interesting designs and interviewing founders about their creative process and the future of fashion. Through fashion months, I’ve discovered a rising number of emerging designers and lesser-known brands, with aspirational designs and talents that deserve to be celebrated.

Recently, we’ve seen firsthand how interest in independent brands has soared as we’re collectively searching for brands that resonate with our personal style. I’m passionate about this intersection of fashion, as there’s a magic in brands in their infancy, when they’re perfecting their style, honing their craft and highlighting a creative point of difference. I find emerging brands exude a strong DNA, champion quality craftsmanship, ethical production and problem-solve design woes (more on that later), making them especially attractive.