Trendy Gay Hipster: Fashion Designers Who Are Defining Today’s Runway

For those of you who have been following me on Facebook and on Twitter (thank you!), you’ve probably noticed that I’ve gone slightly mad over the fact that a new season of Project Runway is beginning this summer season!

Though of course I am looking forward to my front row seat on the beach during the “eye candy” matinee during the day, there’s nothing like getting together with your girly-boys on a nice relaxing night, sipping on wine and watching some fierce Lifetime competition on and off the runway.

Obviously, I highly enjoy watching truly talented designers showing off their craft by creating something completely stunning out of almost nothing. And in today’s fashion world, there is a surge of talented designers far beyond the realty television realm that have made a name for themselves in this industry.

With all this talk about design, runway, and sipping on wine, I can’t seem to contain myself any longer! I’m at the point where I may start squealing like a banshee in the streets, looking for some innocent bystander to annoy. Believe me, I probably will!

Instead of doing that, however, I’ll just pay tribute to some great designers that deserve a little appreciation. Here are a few designers who I think are making the fashion world go oh la la.

Hwan Sung Park and Chung Chung Lee

Collection: A.HALLUCINATION

Forte: Contemporary Menswear

Trendy Gay Hipster Label: Hip English Dandy

The Skinny: With both designers having recently graduated with degrees in art and design, Lee and Park launched A.HALLUCINATION in 2010 at London Fashion Week. With an idea in mind to design for the 25 to 40 year-old-man, their clothing line has garnered a positive response from the media ever since its debut. Their very first collection, which was inspired by the great landmarks of London including ‘Big Ben,’ put an interesting twist on fashion.

How they are unique: Their line is a refreshingly sharp take on urban wear for the London boy in all of us. Combining components of formal wear and then blending them into casual wear, the collection is exquisite and sophisticated, nevertheless staying true to their brand.

Something to know: Both designers have had previous experience with several fashion houses, including the likes of Alexander McQueen, Ozwald Boateng, Tom Ford and Burberry.

Steven Cox and Daniel Silver

Collection: Duckie Brown

Forte: Avant-garde Menswear

TGH Label: Men’s Playground Apparel

The Skinny: Launched by Steven Cox and Daniel Silver in 2001, Duckie Brown’s menswear collection clearly showed the fashion world their sense of fun and humor. With the collection based in New York, the growing company has since achieved attention on an international scale and Duckie Brown can currently be found in many stores around the globe, including in New York and Tokyo.

How they are unique: Duckie Brown keeps all of their designs colorful and rousing thanks to their smart use of proportion and fabric. The concept for each collection builds in layers, redefining what is wearable for a man. Every garment is meant to be fun, but attractive; edgy, but also functional.

Something to know: To gain more exposure for their clothing line, Cox and Silver partnered up with shoe company Florsheim to create Florsheim by Duckie Brown. The collection ranges in an array of classic-styled shoes, which can currently be purchased worldwide.

Pierre Morisset

Collection: G-Star RAW

Forte: Urban Apparel for Men and Women

TGH Label: Denim/Urban Chic

The Skinny: Created by Pierre Morisset in 1989, G-Star is a denim-oriented company. From leather jackets to urbanwear, G-Star has built a reputation as one of the most appealing and authentic lines in the commercial market today.

How they are unique: Besides the impeccable designs of their jean line, G-Star is best known for their architectural style of design. All clothing is cut to be both functional and stylish. And with their current line, RAW, organic cotton is used in the majority of their materials, making their collection environment-friendly, while still containing quality and comfort.

Something to know: In addition to the success of his designs and collections, Morisset has owned five stores including “Depeche.” He eventually included his work in several international brands such as Liberto, Classic Nouveau, and Fiorucci.

Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra

Collection: Costello Tagliapietra

Forte: Womenswear

TGH Label: The Everyday Woman

The Skinny: Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra have been masters of draping and construction for womenswear for years, putting them in great demand in the world of fashion. Costello & Tagliapietra launched in 1994 and officially premiered as a collection in New York in Spring 2005.

How they are unique: The lumberjack wearing duo are best known for their timeless use of draping and tailoring in women's fashion. Their modern collection is wearable and appropriate for the everyday kind of woman, and can be found in select boutiques around the globe, including Barneys New York.

Something to know: Costello Tagliapietra recently joined forces with UNIQLO, a well-known Japanese casual wear design company, to develop a new collection. On a side note, both designers are not only business partners, but life-partners as well.

Jeremy Scott

Collection: Jeremy Scott

Forte: Avant-garde Men and Womenswear

TGH Label: Wild n’ Edgy!

The Skinny: Originating in Kansas City, Missouri, Jeremy Scott is one of the most outrageously fabulous designers in the industry today. Best known for his wild fashions, you can find many of today’s celebrities wearing some of his collection, including artists like Robyn, Björk, and Lady Gaga.

How they are unique: His “way-out-of-the-box” designs have made him a well known figure in the fashion world. Scott’s idiosyncratic creativity has given him a wide range of exposure and clientele, from designing costumes for music videos to constructing garments for the red carpet. Based on his experience in fashion, he has become a memorable designer among many.

Something from TGH: Mr. Scott will be hearing from me soon because this boy would love a custom outfit from that amazing man to complete his wardrobe.

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