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Thanks to California's distinct influence on the fashion world, global retailers are eyeing Los Angeles now more than ever, and local designers are gladly marking their territory. Gone are the days of considering Rodarte and Band of Outsiders as our only claims to fame; today, LA's many up-and-coming brands are landing in the pages of Vogue and on the bodies of supermodels. Here are five of the best.
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Dani Brubaker
Who: Ahlem Eyewear
Why: Our love affair with Ahlem began earlier this year, when Racked Young Guns finalist Ahlem Manai-Platt invited us into her Venice studio to get up close and personal with her celebrity-beloved frames. Beyoncé and Vogue are big fans of the French-born designer's vintage acetate styles, and Kendall Jenner can't get enough of her metal frames.
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Who: Staud
Why: We introduced you to this game-changer last month, which offers more than 60 customizable options from just a handful of essential silhouettes, including dresses, rompers, culottes, skirts, and more. The made-in-LA brand was founded by former Reformation fashion director Sarah Staudinger and business partner George Augusto, and offers one of the most inspiring Instagram accounts we've seen in a while.
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Who: BreeLayne
Why: With famous friends like Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, and fans like fashion muse/girl crush Caroline Vreeland, it's no surprise that BreeLayne Carter is a success story. The designer/actress first caught our eye back in April, where she revealed that BreeLayne's edgy-luxe designs made of vintage and deadstock fabrics are inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Miroslava Duma. (Talk about a dream duo.)
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Who: The Line by K
Why: Blogger Karla Deras is one of those cool girls who doesn't need to Instagram every single meal or event to stay relevant. This local talent's feed reads like a true, thoughtfully-curated moodboard, offering daily style and vibe inspiration for her 120k superfans, which happen to include A-list actress Eva Mendes. For her debut collection, Deras has produced a range of super-sexy basics for just about every body type, and bold babes like Kylie Jenner are all over it.
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Who: Re/Done
Why: Just when we thought we'd seen it all when it comes to denim, a rad company like Re/Done comes along to turn the industry on its head. Founded by fashion vets Sean Barron and Jamie Mazur, the DTLA-based label is known for breathing new, butt-flattering life into vintage denim—primarily Levi's—that stars like Erin Wasson, Bella Hadid, Elle Fanning, and Mazur's fiancé Alessandra Ambrosio can't get enough of.