13 Contemporary American Brands to Know in 2024

Launched by Danish-born, Los Angeles-based designer Anine Bing, this eponymous brand perfectly encapsulates the essence of Scandinavian simplicity meets rock 'n' roll edge. Inspired by vintage finds and her own modern wardrobe needs, Bing offers timeless basics with a twist. The label is renowned for its perfectly cut blazers and lived-in tees, creating a cohesive wardrobe of elevated essentials that embody effortless, cool-girl style for the contemporary woman.

Born out of the friendship between childhood friends Sean Monahan and Monica Paolini, Sea captures a romantic, bohemian spirit with a touch of urban edge. Known for its intricate lacework, feminine silhouettes, and eclectic prints, the brand offers a range of ready-to-wear that combines Monica's eye for vintage-feeling pieces and Sean's leaning towards more modern, clean styles.

Established in 2020 by Amy Zurek, Savette specializes in minimalist leather goods. The brand's handbags and accessories blend architectural shapes with timeless elegance, appealing to those who appreciate understated luxury. Each piece is crafted in Italy, marrying American design sensibility with European craftsmanship.

Founded in 2016 by Santa Barbara-born sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, Dôen is a women-run business offering collections inspired by a nostalgia for the coastal California of decades past. The brand's ethereal dresses, vintage-inspired blouses, and cozy knitwear evoke a sense of California ease, and its commitment to ethical production and women's empowerment has garnered a loyal following among conscious consumers.

Los Angeles-based Sophie Buhai has carved a niche in the jewelry market with her sculptural, modernist designs. Her eponymous brand offers sterling silver and gold pieces that are both bold and timeless thanks to her unique approach to wearable art, which is informed by her background in furniture design.

Jasmin Larian's Cult Gaia burst onto the scene with its iconic Ark bag. The brand has since expanded into ready-to-wear, footwear, and accessories, all characterized by architectural shapes and natural materials. Cult Gaia's designs capture a balance between artful structure and effortless style.

A nod to the glamour and exuberance of decades past, New York-based Retrofête was founded in 2018 by Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin and injects glamour into contemporary wardrobes. With a name that translates to "vintage party," the brand brings a modern twist to nostalgic disco-era fashion and is known for its sparkly party dresses and separates that evoke the spirit of Studio 54.

Emily Oberg's Sporty & Rich began as a mood board and evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. Merging retro athleticism with modern luxury, the label offers minimalist loungewear and accessories that have become cult favorites among the fashion-forward fitness crowd.

Since its launch in September 2019, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand has become both a cultural phenomenon and an industry powerhouse, reinvigorating a dormant category. Having initially launched with a focus on inclusive, solution-oriented underwear and shapewear, offering a wide range of sizes and skin tone-matching shades to cater to diverse body types, SKIMS has since expanded its product line to include loungewear, sleepwear, and swimwear, all designed with a minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on comfort and versatility.

Beginning as a menswear line, Emily Adams Bode's eponymous brand stands out for its dedication to historical techniques and narrative-driven design. Launched in 2016, Bode quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to menswear, incorporating antique fabrics, intricate embroideries, and patchwork details inspired by American craft traditions. The brand's thoughtful reimagining of workwear silhouettes and commitment to sustainable practices resulted in one-of-a-kind garments that blend nostalgia with modern sensibilities. In January 2023, Bode launched its womenswear line, bringing its distinctive aesthetic and artisanal techniques to a new audience while maintaining the brand's core values of storytelling through clothing.

Designer Batsheva Hay's namesake brand reimagines traditional, modest dress codes through a contemporary, often subversive lens. Inspired by Victorian and prairie styles — as well as her own Orthodox Jewish background — Batsheva offers playful takes on high-necked dresses, puff sleeves, and ruffled details. The brand's unexpected fabric choices and bold prints have earned it a cult following among fashion insiders who appreciate its unique blend of nostalgia and modernity.

Launched in 2021 by The Row alum Alissa Zachary — who also worked with the likes of Khaite, The Line, and Rosetta Getty — High Sport blends luxury with athleticism. The brand reimagines sportswear through a high-fashion lens, offering elevated basics and statement pieces that transition seamlessly from workout to night out. High Sport's kick flare pants, for which searches spiked 42% on Lyst last quarter, have already been dubbed a new wardrobe essential.

Los Angeles-based brand Anemos was founded in 2018 by California natives Lauren Arapage and Joshua Shaub. Drawing inspiration from the laid-back ease of their shared home state — as well as the directional sensibility of New York City, where their fashion careers first began — the designers focus on elevated swimwear and resort wear. With a reverence for minimalism and a focus on sustainability, Anemos keeps its consumers at the center of its designs, and its impact on the planet is at the core of its production.