When we think of the world’s dominant fashion cities, Milan, Paris, New York and London are widely celebrated contenders. But with each passing year, a group of untapped designers lay the groundwork to propel new cities into the conversation. The latest to generate constant buzz as an emerging fashion city is none other than sunny Miami, Florida. But aside from the expected range of swimwear and beach-ready styles, there are few labels keen to show that Miami has much more to offer. Check out four Miami-based fashion brands that are bringing new life to the tropical city.
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
Good thought
With Good Thinking, founders Daniel El Yamen, Juan Duque and Gabriel Morejon are carving out a refreshed Miamian identity that is full of local and international influences. Founded in 2015, the streetwear-focused label is one of the few in the city dedicated to both skate culture and the rich personality of the palm-clad city.
When the trio first teamed up seven years ago, little was confirmed other than the brand name. But through bouncing design ideas, tapping into their local community, making best friends in Miami’s Andrew, and fusing their shared experiences, the group has now produced collections that are sold everywhere from Miami to Taiwan.
“At first it was not easy. He and I butted heads a lot the first two years,” explained El Yamen. “It was like we were speaking two different languages. Now, we finally found a language that works for both of us,” Duque continued. “Over time we’ve developed a similar, cohesive style.”
With El Yamen and Duque running the clothing operations, a key element that melded the two creators’ ideas was the simplicity of Miami’s focus. They wanted to incorporate elements into their graphics that anyone in Miami would recognize. For example, using a flooring company’s interstate billboard that has been up for years. Alongside the city references, incorporating El Yamen’s Lebanese heritage with Duque’s Colombian roots was a way to simultaneously establish the brand and take it to an international scale.
Beyond clothing, the trio’s ultimate goal is to make its brand synonymous with the community. From hosting parties and barbeques to birthing a music label component (which is Gabriel’s main focus), the trio admits that fostering a cosmopolitan identity goes hand in hand with supporting the people around them.
“Miami has always had that beach boy element where it’s a vacation and people dream of coming to Florida and Miami,” Duque said. “Here we are in this paradise, and we’re just trying to encapsulate that feeling for the people who live here and the people who don’t.”
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Eliou
Jewelry brand éliou finds the sweet spot between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary charm. Founded by Cristy Mantilla and Duda Teixeira, the label specializes in playful handmade designs that use natural materials.
From sunken shells to colorful beaded designs with flowers and more, the brand’s jewelry presents an elevated view of whimsical arts and crafts styles. As such, the pieces have been seen on the likes of Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Angus Cloud, Gigi Hadid and more.
In addition to jewelry, the brand also produces ready-to-wear pieces, including short-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, knitwear, denim pieces and dresses. At the same time as the vibrancy of the jewelry, the collection’s clothing features relaxed silhouettes, color-filled patchwork designs, soft crochet constructions, embroidered denim and more. At the top are colorful crocheted hats and recyclable bags.
Gabriel Salcedo
Gabriel Salcedo
Gabriel Salcedo
Gabriel Salcedo
Gabriel Salcedo
Founded in 2016, Gabriel Salcedo’s eponymous label sits at the intersection of nostalgic reverence and contemporary zeal. Born in New York City, the designer moved to Miami after high school, where he eventually birthed his ready-to-wear label.
With his designs, Salcedo’s main goal is to build clothes that not only look good, but are structured to last. His design aesthetic almost takes a uniform approach through modern garments and tailored silhouettes that focus on high-end fabrications. From natural-colored double-breasted Italian wool jackets to stretchy black leather pants and ripped jeans, Salcedo’s pieces are as versatile as they are refined.
“I don’t want you to buy my stuff and say it’s not the main thing anymore. It’s all about longevity and making sure these people keep everything in their closet.”
Gaucho-Buenos Aires
Gaucho – Buenos Aires
Gaucho – Buenos Aires
Gaucho – Buenos Aires
Gaucho – Buenos Aires
Gaucho – Buenos Aires
Gaucho – Buenos Aires
Although Gaucho – Buenos Aires was founded in Argentina, the label recently opened its flagship United States location in Miami in an effort to expand its base. Like the name, the brand focuses stylistically on the gaucho figure, merging its rich history with contemporary culture.
“We’re trying to bring the spirit of Argentina to the world,” said creative director Lautaro Garcia de la Peña. “The gaucho is like the American cowboy. Our goal is to combine this gaucho with Buenos Aires style.”
Created in Argentina, the brand includes ready-to-wear, including jackets, patterned sweatshirts, ponchos and tops. Channeling the gaucho, the brand focuses on the use of fine sheepskin and suede fabrics with jackets and vests.
Alongside the ready-to-wear pieces are leather bags, scarves, belts, hats and sunglasses. Additionally, the brand produces home decor items such as silver and copper items, knives and candles.
“I believe that good design is the art of mixing small things to create a nuanced whole,” said Garcia de la Peña.
