When thinking about the world’s dominant fashion cities, Milan, Paris, New York and London are widely-celebrated contenders. But with each passing year, an assemblage of untapped designers lay the groundwork to propel new cities into the conversation. The latest to generate ongoing buzz as an emerging fashion city is none other than sunny Miami, Florida. But other than the expected range of swimwear and beach-ready styles, there are few labels eager to showcase that Miami has so much more to offer. Check out four Miami-based fashion brands that are bringing new life to the tropical city.
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 few in the city that is simultaneously dedicated to skate culture and the palm-tree-lined city’s rich personality.
When the trio first came together seven years ago, there was little that was confirmed other than the brand’s name. But through tossing around designs ideas, tapping into their local community, making best friends at Miami’s Andrew and fusing their shared experiences, the group has now produced collections that are sold all over from Miami to Taiwan.
“It was not easy at first. Me and him we 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,” continued Duque. “Over time we’ve developed a similar, cohesive style.”
With El Yamen and Duque leading the clothing operations, a key element that fused the two creatives’ ideas was the simplicity of centering Miami. They wanted to fuse elements in their graphics that anyone in Miami would recognize. For example, using a flooring company’s interstate bodybuilder billboard that has stood for years. Alongside city references, incorporating El Yamen’s Lebanese heritage with Duque’s Colombian roots was a way of simultaneously grounding the brand and taking it to an international scale.
Beyond clothes, the trio’s ultimate goal is to make its brand synonymous with community. From hosting parties and barbeques to birthing a music label component (which is Gabriel’s main focus), the trio recognizes that fostering a cosmopolitan identity goes hand in hand with championing the people around them.
“Miami has always had that beach boys element where it’s a vacation away and people dream of coming to Florida and Miami,” said Duque. “Here we are in this paradise and we’re just trying to encapsulate that feeling for the people that live here and for the people that don’t.”
Eliou
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Eliou
The 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 handcrafted designs that utilize natural materials.
From dipped seashells to multicolored floral beaded designs and more, the brand’s jewelry presents an elevated take on whimsical arts and crafts styles. As such, the pieces have been seen on figures like Bad Bunny, Harry Styles, Angus Cloud, Gigi Hadid and more.
Alongside jewelry, the brand also produces ready-to-wear pieces including short-sleeve button-down shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, knitwear, denim pieces and dresses. In tandem with the jewelry’s liveliness, collection garments feature relaxed silhouettes, color-filled patchwork designs, soft crochet constructions, embroidered denim and more. Topping it off are multicolored crochet hats and recyclable bags.
Gabriel Salcedo
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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 following middle school, where he ultimately birthed his ready-to-wear label.
With his designs, Salcedo’s premier goal is to build garments that not only look good but are structured to sit through time. His design aesthetic almost takes a uniform-like approach through modern suiting and tailored silhouettes that center elevated fabrications. From natural-colored Italian wool double-breasted blazers to supple black leather pants and waxed denim, Salcedo’s pieces are just as versatile as they are refined.
“I don’t want you to buy my stuff and say this is not the it thing anymore. It’s all about longevity, and making sure these people keep everything in their closet.”
Gaucho-Buenos Aires
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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 footing. Just like the name, the brand stylistically focuses on the gaucho figure, while 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.”
Crafted in Argentina, the brand includes ready-to-wear garments including jackets, patterned sweatsuits, ponchos and t-shirts. Channeling the gaucho, the brand centers the use of fine sheepskin and suede leather fabrics with jackets and vests.
Alongside the ready-to-wear pieces are leather bags, scarves, belts, caps and sunglasses. Additionally, the brand crafts home decor pieces like silver and copper tableware, knives and candles.
“I believe that good design is the art of mixing little things to create a nuanced whole,” said Garcia de la Peña.
