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The Who What Wear Podcast: Discovering Fashion's Next Big Thing With Up Next Designer Founder Albert Ayal

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January 29, 2025

TLDR: Albert Ayal, founder of influential Instagram account Up Next Designer (500k+ followers), discusses career evolution and impact on fashion world with Editorial Director Lauren Eggertsen, plus shares favorite emerging designers.

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In the latest episode of the Who What Wear Podcast, host Lauren Eggertsen sits down with Albert Ayal, the founder of Up Next Designer, an Instagram account that has become a beacon for emerging fashion talent. With over 500,000 followers, Ayal's platform showcases innovative designers and connects them with industry resources. This post summarizes key insights from the episode while highlighting Ayal's journey and the rising stars in fashion he champions.

Albert Ayal's Journey into Fashion

From PR to Up Next Designer

Albert Ayal’s journey began in traditional fashion PR, where he utilized his expertise to elevate upcoming designers. His love for pop culture and fashion led him to start the Instagram account in 2019 to keep track of new talent he discovered.

  • Passion for Fashion: Albert's inspiration came from his childhood fascination with pop culture, particularly outfits worn by celebrities like Rihanna.
  • Transition to PR: After interning at a PR firm, Ayal immersed himself in the industry, learning vital skills like writing press releases and organizing events.
  • Establishing Up Next Designer: As Ayal's career progressed, he felt the need to support emerging designers directly, leading to the inception of Up Next Designer before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact of Up Next Designer

Championing Emerging Talent

Since its launch, Up Next Designer has played a crucial role in promoting new designers who may otherwise be overlooked in a competitive fashion landscape.

  • Networking and Support: Ayal not only highlights designers through social media but actively connects them with stylists and celebrities to help their brands grow.
  • Significant Growth: The community-oriented approach has rapidly attracted a loyal following, emphasizing that the platform aims to be more than just a showcase but rather a family of creators and supporters.

Notable Success Stories

Through Ayal's efforts, numerous designers have gained significant recognition, often leading to celebrity endorsements and press coverage.

  • Kylie Jenner's Endorsement: A pivotal moment for the account occurred when Kylie Jenner's stylist discovered Up Next Designer, showcasing Ayal's talent spotlighting design innovation.
  • Life-Changing Opportunities: Designers like Georgian Trochopoulos and Kim Mesches have seen their works worn by celebrities after being featured, reinforcing Ayal's impact on their careers.

Emerging Designers to Watch

During the podcast, Albert named several designers whose work excites him, each demonstrating unique craftsmanship and innovation:

  • Dixon Lim: Known for his upcycled men's suits, Lim is redefining menswear aesthetics and gaining attention on red carpets.
  • Mark Gong: After viral moments at Shanghai Fashion Week, his collections, inspired by cultural narratives, have made waves.
  • Andrea Brocca: This Italian designer excels in intricate couture that has captured the interest of high-profile clientele.
  • Clara Daguin: Based in Paris, Daguin creates stunning garments featuring innovative light-up elements, merging technology and fashion seamlessly.
  • Zhaoyi Yu and Kim Mesches: Young designers who are rapidly gaining traction for their unique interpretations of modern fashion.

The Importance of Community in Fashion

Building a Network

Albert emphasizes that success in fashion often hinges on community and collaboration. He runs a group chat for aspiring fashion professionals, offering job opportunities and networking connections.

  • Job Opportunities: Sharing resources for individuals seeking jobs in the industry exemplifies his commitment to fostering new talent.
  • Fashion Month Participation: Ayal discusses attending various fashion weeks, including Berlin and New York, showcasing the diversity of emerging talent across global locations.

Conclusion

Albert Ayal's journey and the inception of Up Next Designer highlight the evolving landscape of fashion, driven by innovation and a focus on community support. By connecting emerging designers with opportunities, Ayal continues to inspire the next generation of fashion creators. His insights serve as a valuable reminder that the future of fashion lies not only in established names but also in the fresh perspectives brought by new talent.

Takeaways for Aspiring Designers

  • Leverage Community Networks: Building and nurturing relationships within the industry is essential for visibility and growth.
  • Stay True to Your Vision: Emerging designers must stay authentic to their creative vision and find platforms that champion diversity in fashion.
  • Embrace Opportunities: As shown in Ayal's story, embracing chances—even when they seem daunting—can lead to remarkable career breakthroughs.

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