Fashion is a constantly evolving art form, and as we enter 2025, a new wave of influencers and designers is stepping onto the scene. These rising stars are redefining style, pushing boundaries, and setting trends that will likely shape the industry for years to come. From fresh faces in modeling to avant-garde designers, here are the emerging fashion icons you need to know about.
1. Zaya Asare: The Gen Z Style Guru
Who She Is: Zaya Asare is a fashion influencer and model making waves in the industry with her unique blend of street style and high fashion. Hailing from London, Zaya has quickly amassed a huge following for her bold choices and unapologetic approach to fashion.
Why She’s a Rising Icon: Zaya’s style is a mix of high-end designer pieces paired with thrifted gems, creating a look that is both accessible and aspirational. Her social media presence has made her a go-to source for fashion inspiration, with many following her for her daring color choices, oversized silhouettes, and inclusive messaging. Whether she’s rocking a vintage Chanel jacket or an offbeat, custom-designed dress, Zaya is known for making every outfit a statement.
What to Expect: Zaya is already being tapped for major fashion campaigns, and her influence is only set to grow. Her ability to merge sustainability with luxury fashion puts her at the forefront of Gen Z’s style revolution. Expect to see her featured in campaigns by iconic fashion houses and collaborating with eco-conscious brands.
2. Omar Fadlalla: The Designer Turning Traditional Threads into Contemporary Art
Who He Is: Omar Fadlalla is a London-based designer whose work celebrates his Sudanese heritage. Fadlalla’s pieces often incorporate traditional African textiles and patterns, blending them with modern silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.
Why He’s a Rising Icon: Fadlalla is making waves with his innovative fusion of cultural storytelling and contemporary fashion. His collections are a celebration of African heritage, using textiles and motifs that pay homage to Sudanese artistry, yet his designs are undeniably modern. His commitment to using sustainable materials also sets him apart as a designer who is conscious of both cultural and environmental impact.
What to Expect: Omar Fadlalla is poised to become one of the most talked-about designers of the next few years. As his work garners more recognition, we can expect to see him at international fashion weeks and collaborations with global brands looking to embrace cultural diversity and sustainability.
3. Tinashe: From Pop Star to Fashion Darling
Who She Is: Known for her chart-topping hits and powerful voice, Tinashe has seamlessly transitioned into the fashion world. The multi-talented artist has used her platform to showcase her bold, eclectic fashion sense, mixing streetwear with high fashion effortlessly.
Why She’s a Rising Icon: Tinashe’s ability to blend glamour with comfort and incorporate edgy, urban styles into her wardrobe has made her a standout figure in the fashion world. Her commitment to breaking conventional style norms, coupled with her rising influence in the music industry, has turned her into a fashion icon for a new generation. Whether she’s attending a red carpet event in a custom haute couture gown or stepping out in a mix of sneakers and tailored pieces, Tinashe knows how to command attention.
What to Expect: Tinashe’s fashion journey is just beginning. With upcoming collaborations in the works and frequent appearances in top-tier fashion magazines, we can expect to see her become a fixture in global fashion campaigns, especially with streetwear and luxury brands looking to tap into her dynamic appeal.
4. Sabina Socol: Parisian Chic with a Modern Twist
Who She Is: Sabina Socol is a Paris-based influencer and model known for her effortlessly chic, French-girl style. Her aesthetic blends vintage Parisian fashion with modern elements, creating a timeless yet contemporary look that has won her a loyal following across the globe.
Why She’s a Rising Icon: Sabina’s style is a perfect balance of laid-back elegance and boldness. Her ability to pair classic items like trench coats, blazers, and simple jeans with unexpected accessories like statement bags and chunky boots has made her a trendsetter. She is also admired for her deep connection to French fashion, often mixing high-street brands with luxury labels to create a style that feels approachable yet sophisticated.
What to Expect: Sabina’s influence will likely continue to grow as she collaborates with top European fashion houses and brands. Her style has already earned her a spot on Paris Fashion Week’s front row, and it’s only a matter of time before she launches her own line or makes waves in the high fashion world.
5. Luca Wang: The Designer Bridging Tech and Fashion
Who He Is: Luca Wang is a young, up-and-coming designer whose collections explore the intersection of technology and fashion. Known for incorporating innovative materials like LED fabrics, 3D-printed garments, and tech-infused accessories, Luca is a visionary in the realm of wearable technology.
Why He’s a Rising Icon: Wang is taking fashion to the next level with his futuristic designs that merge functionality with high fashion. His work challenges the status quo, blending sleek, futuristic silhouettes with cutting-edge tech elements. Each collection pushes the boundaries of what we perceive as fashion, proving that clothing can not only look good but can also enhance or alter our interactions with the world.
What to Expect: Luca Wang is a name to watch, especially as wearable tech continues to gain popularity. His designs are expected to be seen on the runway at major fashion weeks and in collaborations with tech giants. As he blends the worlds of fashion and technology, Luca’s impact will likely extend beyond clothing and into the realm of digital fashion and virtual experiences.
6. Lei Zhang: The Sustainable Fashion Pioneer
Who He Is: Lei Zhang is a Shanghai-based designer who is making waves in the world of sustainable fashion. His eco-conscious approach to design and his use of recycled, biodegradable, and plant-based materials has caught the attention of global fashion critics.
Why He’s a Rising Icon: Zhang’s designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also grounded in a strong commitment to sustainability. His collections often feature minimalist, modern silhouettes that highlight the beauty of eco-friendly materials. With the fashion industry under increasing pressure to address environmental issues, Lei Zhang’s focus on sustainable production methods is making him a standout figure in the fashion world.
What to Expect: As the demand for sustainable fashion continues to rise, Lei Zhang is set to become a leading voice in the industry. His work is expected to make an impact on global runways, and he’s likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of fashion towards more eco-conscious practices.
Conclusion: The Future of Fashion is Bright
These emerging fashion icons are not only influencing what we wear but also shaping the future of the industry. From sustainability to tech-infused designs, and from streetwear chic to Parisian elegance, they’re setting trends that challenge traditional norms and bring fresh perspectives to the fashion world.
As 2025 unfolds, keep an eye on these trailblazers—they’re not just creating new trends; they’re reshaping the very fabric of fashion. Whether you’re a fashion lover, trendsetter, or simply someone looking for new inspiration, these names will be the ones to watch in the coming years