In the fast paced but ever changing world of fashion, where big names dominate the runways and your social media feed, it's hard for the small independent designer to be seen. The small designers may have better or more impactful looks but they don't have the budget, team, or the same time-frames that the big brands do, making it harder to stay relevant and have a stream of exciting ideas to bless your feed with. They are however still finding ways to dress your favorite celebrities and have their designs on red carpets and end up on the best dressed lists without even having their name attached.
Two standout independent designers: Erik Charlotte and Howie B were able to showcase their incredible looks at the Video Music Awards and you have probably seen their looks in other places as well without even being aware of it. While they are not quite household names just yet they are paving the way for themselves and for other independent designers that share the same dream.
Erik Charlotte
Erik Charlotte is a womenswear designer known for creating bold, dramatic shapes that instantly grab your attention. Her work plays with exaggerated volume, structure, and divine femininity in a way that feels theatrical but still wearable. She creates clothes that aren't just outfits, they’re experiences.
She has managed to break through the noise of the fashion world and social media to get her work seen on a global scale. Whether it's Conan Gray on the red carpet at the VMAs or in a promo shoot for Emma Chamberlain's brand campaign, Charlotte’s designs have become a go-to for anyone looking to make a statement and knowing that putting on her designs they instantly become the best dressed in the room.
What makes her work stand out is how it makes people feel. Her silhouettes are powerful, they demand space and attention. At a time where fashion trends move faster than ever, Erik Charlotte is focused on creating pieces that last.
She has done all this without a big-name fashion house behind her. She still uses the sewing machine that her grandfather got her when she first learned how to sew and uses her apartment as her studio. Her rise has been slow but built on strong connections with stylists, performers, and people who care about fashion that says something. Erik Charlotte proves that you don’t need a big name to make a big impact or follow trends that will hopefully make you go viral, you just need a strong vision, serious talent, and hard work.
Howie B
Howie B, a designer whose work you’ve seen countless times, even if you didn’t realize it. He creates custom pieces for some of the biggest names in music and pop culture. From Ariana Grande to reality TV stars, his designs have been part of major moments in music videos, stage performances, and red carpets.
His latest look at the VMAs paid tribute to Pamela Anderson’s iconic VMAs outfit: a white corset, capri pants, and a fluffy hat. It was reimagined for 2025 and made headlines for its perfect mix of nostalgia and modern flair. That’s Howie B’s formula, being able to take inspiration from the past and turning it into something totally new that's just as exciting.
His work was also featured in the Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga video “Rain on Me,” and he regularly designs stage outfits that need to hold up under bright lights and fast choreography. That balance between beauty and function is what makes him so trusted by performers.
Howie even had the honor of showing his work at fashion’s biggest event, the Met Gala. But despite all this, he’s still not a household name. He’s become a secret weapon for celebrities and stylists who want something custom, original, and unforgettable.
What it Means to Be Successful Today
Designers like Erik Charlotte and Howie B are showing us that you don’t have to be part of a major fashion house to succeed. In fact, their independence gives them the freedom to be more creative. They don’t have to follow trends, stick to what sells, or stick to centuries old house codes, they can create from the heart.
Of course, staying independent comes with challenges. Without huge budgets, PR teams, or big teams of sewists, getting noticed can be tough. But it also means they’re not held back by corporate rules or seasonal calendars. They can focus on what matters most: the design itself.
And the world is starting to notice. Stylists, influencers, and even major celebrities are turning to indie designers for looks that feel fresh, authentic, and are one-of-a-kind. It’s no longer just about the brand name, it’s about the story behind the piece and the feeling it creates.
I believe that’s the future of fashion: a world where talent and vision matter more than the brand name. Where the next big thing isn’t coming from a faceless luxury brand’s studio in Europe, but from an independent designer’s apartment, sketchpad, or Instagram post.
One thing is now clear, independent designers are no longer waiting for the fashion world to notice them. They’re making sure they can’t be ignored.
