By means of the Instagram account Up Subsequent Designer, public relations veteran Albert Ayal has established a world stage and launchpad for rising designers. The account, which has garnered practically 1 / 4 million followers, has leveled the enjoying subject for trend outsiders whereas additionally catapulting the careers of creatives featured.
“I do know the style world can appear daunting from the surface,” Ayal stated. “I would like Up Subsequent to play a pioneering position in making trend extra accessible and welcoming, in order that burgeoning designers, stylists, editors and different type casters can really feel impressed to chase their desires within the trade.”
Amongst Up Subsequent’s success tales is Barcelona-based label ONRUSHW23FH, worn by Irina Shayk and Addison Rae after being featured. Likewise, Kylie Jenner put L.A.-based Erika Maish on the map after Ayal related her stylist with the designer.
To find new, post-worthy expertise, Ayal scours indie magazines, the social accounts of area of interest stylists and worldwide influencers, and the work of scholars at trend faculties from Bangkok-based Silpakorn College to Central Saint Martins. Up Subsequent’s followers have additionally confirmed dependable sources, with DMs usually offering the names of designers behind its untagged kinds. Up Subsequent’s followers embrace the who’s who of the style group, from mannequin Kaia Gerber to trade veteran Carine Roitfeld. Lastly, younger designers have begun tagging the account when posting pics of labor they’re pleased with, hoping to get observed.
As for seems to be that make the reduce, Ayal stated he seems to be for “double-take-worthy ensembles” – issues more likely to make folks cease scrolling on their feed. He additionally considers the extent of expertise, noting that featured items might be “delicate” and “don’t need to be wearable,” in the event that they characteristic skilled tailoring or distinctive particulars.
Along with highlighting the work of recent expertise, Up Subsequent offers insider seems to be at huge trend occasions by way of Ayal’s runway and street-style pictures. And not less than as soon as a month, it hosts “Ask Me Something” reside occasions, placing influential trend creatives like stylist Karla Welch within the scorching seat. “I wish to present the subsequent era of trend with the entire vital instruments to thrive in such a aggressive trade,” he stated.
At present, Up Subsequent is a one-man present, with Ayal persevering with to tackle PR initiatives together with occasions whereas rising the enterprise with paid posts for folks “who wish to get on the market.” In September, Up Subsequent had a presence at New York Trend Week by way of a devoted exhibit inside Revolve’s biannual, mega-influencer-filled pop-up. The devoted room featured 12 seems to be on mannequins by manufacturers together with NYC-based Grace Ling, launched in 2020.
