NYFW AW16: 10 must-see designers to check out from Mansur Gavriel to Novis

New York Fashion Week officially starts on 11 February, kicking off a new season in the style calendar. While the American fashion contingent carry the reputation for being safe and ultimately commercial, NYFW is also a breeding ground for new talent. Big players such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Zac Posen will always be the darlings of the week but there are so many exciting and established brands that are changing the fashion industry one Instagram it-bag at a time.

With the likes of Mansur Gavriel and Self-Portrait both anticipating their second timetabled show and bringing affordable fashion to the schedule, and home-grown favourites such as Novis and Tome continuing their quiet style revolution, it is a really exciting time for fashion across the pond.

If you want to stray from the mainstays this season and check out something new, these are the brands really shaking things up in New York.

Mansur Gavriel

The doyennes of the relaxed it-bag, New Yorkers Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel created their eponymous accessories in 2012 and have since ridden a wave of unprecedented success. Focusing on the classic bucket bag, they turned their simplistic designs into a fashion myth that were sold out everywhere. Their first NYFW show last season revealed their first foray into footwear, which was met equal gusto. The SS16 shoes have gone live on Net a Porter so you can get in on the action.

Showing: Monday 15 February, 4pm EST (9pm GMT)

Creatures of the Wind

Founded in 2008, the Chicago-established brand is the brain child of Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters. With Gabier starting out in menswear in Antwerp and Peters originally working with Nick Cave , the two designers have brought a variety of skills and influence to their collections. Showing first in 2010 and going on to be nominated for or winning countless awards, their designs are a firm favourite in the fashion crowd. Bold palettes and loose fabrics are always teamed with detailed prints and floral and natural motifs.

Showing: Thursday 11 February, 12pm EST (5pm GMT)

Novis

Designed and made in NYC, Jordana Warmflash's label Novis a celebration of form, colour and the city. With fans such as Taylor Swift and Gwen Stefani, the graphic prints and easy-to-wear silhouettes make Novis a highly versatile and fun brand. Recently nominated for the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, Warmflash is definitely paving her way as a NYFW giant.

Showing: Friday 12 February, Pier 59, 10am EST (3pm GMT)

Rodebjer

Founded in New York in 1999 by Swedish designer Carin Rodebjer, the brand blends Scandinavian simplicity with the glossy New York aesthetic with sleek suiting and draped easy-to-wear pieces. There is a real emphasis on the timeless quality of pared-back design at Rodebjer and this season will no doubt be another beautiful array of throw-on-and-look-fantastic-pieces.

Showing: Saturday 13 February, 632 on Hudson, 9pm EST (2am GMT)

Self-Portrait

If you haven't hear of Self-Portrait, you may have been hiding under a rock but you are in for a treat. Everyone from Gigi Hadid to Rachel McAdams have fallen for designer Han Chong's incredible lacework and really affordable prices. Set up in 2013, Self-Portrait was launched to create high-end contemporary fashion at an affordable price and with a second year on schedule at NYFW and the prices still staying the same, he has really achieved it. This year the deisgner has also teamed up with shoe designer Robert Clergerie for a head to toe luxury experience.

Showing: Saturday 13 February; 10am EST (5pm GMT)

Jonathan Simkhai

Jonathan Simkhai's designs are a year-on-year triumph in celebrating feminine form and delicate yet wearable design. An expert in contouring the body, his pieces cross between ultra sexy and athletic luxury. Simkhai works with a huge array of textures and fabrics in muted palettes to hone the label's style without ever being formulaic. A winner of the 2015 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, he is loved by the industry that has supported him since he launched the label in 2010.

Showing: Sunday 14 February, 4pm EST (9pm GMT)

Tome

Tome is another New York staple brand and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund alumni that is quietly dominating the fashion market. Started by Aussies Ryan Lobo and Ramon Martin in 2010, the two had waited 19 years since graduating to start the label after wanting to gain more experience in the industry – and it was certainly worth it. Lobo and Martin take inspiration from everything from 1990s Helmut Lang to Louise Bourgeois, resulting in a laid-back, layered aesthetic with expertly crafted pleating and draping that fits seamlessly into the NY wardrobe.

Showing: Sunday 14 February, The Dock at Moynihan Station, 360 W. 33rd St, 9am EST (2pm GMT)

Maiyet

With a focus for luxury craft and delicate artisan techniques, New York based Maiyet is a beautiful brand that is ever evolving. Resort '16 was creative director Declan Kearney's first collection for the brand but it was hailed as a triumph that turned the artisanal handiwork of the plethora of craftsman working remotely in India, Indonesia and Bolivia in desirable and wearable everyday designs.

Showing: Monday 15 February, Cedar Lake, 547 W. 26th St, 4pm EST (9pm GMT)

Nicopanda

Nicopanda is a fashion and lifestyle brand created by Lady Gaga's former stylist Nicola Formichetti and launched in 2011. Named after his own childhood name, the brand is based around a fictional Panda and the fashion is an eclectic montage of inspiration often blending street-culture with historical design influences. Large ruffles and bold features are key in this playful brand's aesthetic.

Showing: Wed 17 February, 11am EST (4pm GMT)

Delpozo

Founded in 1974 but relaunched in 2003, Delpozo hails from Italy but the brand is very much part of the NYFW family now. The current creative director, Josep Font, was appointed in 2012 and the former architect has truly revolutionised the brand. Vibrant colour palettes and a rich blend of diaphanous fabrics with rich, textured duchesse satins and cotton, Delpozo is the ideal red carpet alternative with fans such as Olivia Palermo and Kiernan Shipka already won over.

Showing: Wed 17 February, 11am EST (4pm GMT)