Fashion is at its best when it tells a story, and two rising brands, Rosina~Mae and AnnieLian.Love, are weaving narratives through texture, color, and unconventional materials. Their latest collections showcase an obsessive attention to detail, a love of experimentation, and a hands-on approach to making clothes that feel personal.
Rosina-Mae: A Patchwork of Innovation
For Rosina~Mae Resort 2025, textile artistry took center stage. The collection, built on a foundation of reclaimed stretch fabrics sourced through FabScrap, Materials for the Arts, and even dumpster diving, showcased an explosion of color and texture. Some swimsuits incorporated over 50 different fabric scraps in a single look—painstakingly crafted into intricate patchwork designs.
This labor-intensive, detail-rich approach is at the heart of designer Rosie’s slow fashion ethos. She experimented with chain mail-inspired overlays, handmade piping, and fabric-blended textures, pushing the boundaries of swimwear. Accessories—crafted from found objects like belt buckles, lobster claws, and regenerated nylon scraps—added an unexpected edge to the collection. Beyond aesthetics, functionality remained key, with thoughtful attachments ensuring wearers could carry essentials like house keys effortlessly.
AnnieLian.Love: DIY Aesthetic Meets Wearable Art
Brooklyn-based designer Annie Lian merges urban culture, DIY influences, and a fine arts background to create garments that double as self-expression. A graduate of FIT with a focus on fabric styling, she transforms ordinary materials into statement pieces through patchwork, deconstruction of dead stock fabric, and resin or thermoplastic casting.
Her latest collection marks a shift, introducing red into her typically monochromatic palette—a symbolic evolution in her work. Textured tops made from deadstock fabric, scrap-based canvases adorned with chains, and ruched skirts lending a romantic yet unconventional feel all contribute to her ever-evolving aesthetic. By sourcing materials from FabScrap, Materials for the Arts, and personal donations, she maintains a commitment to sustainability while encouraging a creative approach to combating fast fashion.
The Future of Fashion, One Scrap at a Time
Both designers challenge conventional fashion norms, proving that upcycling can be more than a trend—it can be a philosophy. Their meticulous craftsmanship, resourceful material sourcing, and fearless experimentation redefine the possibilities of sustainable fashion. As the industry grapples with waste and overproduction, brands like Rosina-Mae and Annie Lian Love are paving the way for a future where creativity and sustainability coexist seamlessly.
photos by @stefaniemurzaphoto & @jani__grigoryan
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