Our Instagram explore pages are filled with them: up-and-coming female designers cranking out tie dye sweats, slinky bikinis, and big furry bags. It’s incredible, and these cute styles are accessible right at our fingertips. But what are the guy designers up to? They’re spread among the never-ending internet algorithm; it just takes a little more searching. However, the discoveries are glorious.
We aren’t talking well-known Calvin Klein boxer-briefs or Christian Louboutin red bottoms, but rather—the unique, the ground-breaking, the bold. Three different brands, all founded by daring and dedicated dudes, breaking into the fashion industry with a fresh approach. And all of their designs are unisex, so everyone can look ultrachic, whether it be in a pair of futuristic sunnies, blanket pants, or even a tee with a slab of butter on it. Behind each well-crafted piece is a guy with a vision to fuse fashion with another pursuit that is close to them. These are pieces with purpose. So, who are these young creatives, and what are they fashioning for the world to see?
1. Different Youth
Designer Ben Brody blesses fashion devotees with his minimalistic clothing and accessory brand, Different Youth. Pieces start as simple as a white t-shirt adorned with an abstract figure of a human body to “A Dystopian Vision,” a pair of sunglasses seeping with 90s energy. These pieces receive a well-deserved debut on their Instagram page with bright white backgrounds, black snake skins bags, and static television sets. Visually perplexing, it’s no wonder that Brody has fashioned his simple, yet chic designs for Astroworld’s finest, Travis Scott. Not looking for wearable art? You can watch it instead! Made-to-order VHS tapes are available on the brand’s website for $25.00, where you can experience the dystopia right before your eyes.
2. Butter Slabs
It’s estimated that 10% of your diet should come from fats and oils, but it’s proven that 100% of it should be on your clothing. Friends-turned-business partners, Mike and Cole, fell into the clothing world unexpectedly. After creating audio-visual content called “slabs,” they decided they needed merch to go along with it! Babydoll tees, crewnecks, and even shot glasses decked out with hand-drawn sticks of butter are funky statement pieces from Butter Slabs that anyone can dig. Plus, you’ll be looking smooth, like butter.
3. Connektions
Make new clothing, but upcycle the old! Hunter Yee, a sewing novice, creates unique pieces using solely thrifted or reclaimed clothing items. From blanket pants to board shorts, you won’t find two of the same design, so call that one-of-a-kind! And Yee goes beyond his brand’s Instagram, capitalizing on the use of swap meets and vendors to display his products to the masses. As his father told him, business is all about making “connektions,” and he swears by the popular phrase, “It’s not about what you know, but who you know.” He’s here to dress the crowds, while being environmentally conscious right alongside it.
For more small brands SHEESH! loves check out 10 Trendy Small Businesses We’re Obsessed With and 7 Of The Best Depop Shops To Follow.
