If like us, the productive hours in your day have been cut significantly by an addiction to Netflix’s binge-inducing Next in Fashion, then you’ll no doubt have a designer (or designers) in mind that you’ve been rooting for. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t worry, we won't tell you who wins.
The show, which filled the Project Runway-shaped hole in our lives, starts out with 18 contestants from across the globe, all of which are already considerably experienced in the fashion industry, whether through running their own labels, styling celebrity wardrobes or working for fashion houses. Hosted by Alexa Chung and Tan France, the competition sees the 18 designers work both in pairs and head to head, culminating with a battle of the best collections, with $250,000 and being stocked at Net-a-Porter at stake. It’s not just new designers that make the show an intriguing watch, though. Tommy Hilfiger, Phillip Lim, and Kerby Jean-Raymond also make cameos along the way.
While we won’t let any more spoilers slip, below you'll find the four designers that made it to the semi-final — Minju Kim, Daniel W Fletcher, Angel Chen, and Ashton Hirota. We’ve picked out highlight pieces from the designers' collections that are currently available online.
Scroll on for more on the highlight designers from Next in Fashion and where to shop them.
Minjukim
From the very start, Minju Kim is one of the show's clear favorites. Having run her eponymous label since 2014, Kim specializes in "slow fashion" womenswear, placing great emphasis on quality and care in production. Her designs are often boxy, exaggerated, and dream-like silhouettes that serve are an antidote to modern minimal. Pieces like the pink silk-twill dress below verge on fairy-tale-like cosplay.
Daniel W. Fletcher
Daniel W. Fletcher was no new name to us when we heard he was one of the show's 18 contestants, and we couldn't help but get behind the young British designer during the 10-part series. Also making it the final of the Woolmark Prize 2019, Daniel's claim to the title of the country's brightest young designer is backed up by new takes on classic British cuts, making use of twill, tweed, and check, adding his personal touch through elements such as hand-painted stripes.
Angel Chen
Having studied at Central Saint Martins at the same time as show teammate Minju Kim, things were pretty personal from the get-go for Angel Chen, who appeared on Forbes Asia's 30 Under 30 list aged 24. Her label, also launched in 2014, centers on genderless fashion and counts Bella Hadid amongst its fans. Urban Outfitters stocks a range of Angel's casual-leaning, versatile designs.
Ashton Hirota
Showcasing a considerably different aesthetic to many of the show's other contestants, LA-based Ashton Hirota made his name as a celebrity stylist and designer. His apparel is inspired by urban environments and often incorporates tactical and functional elements into casual pieces. The hoodie below is a good example.
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