We the People Fashion Collective (WTP) will be opening its doors at 156 Stanton Street in Lower East Side on May 15, 2010 with a launch party scheduled for May 13, 2010. WTP was established in response to the growing need for talented, emerging designers to gain exposure by providing a space to showcase their lines.

We the People Fashion Collective

Among the designers premiering their Spring/Summer 2010 lines at the store opening are:

Apparel:

Alexa Galler (Eighteenth) – Eighteenth’s t-shirts combine unique detailing with a minimalist sensibility, focusing on bold geometric cutouts and asymmetrical necklines to compliment the soft fabric and clean silhouettes. http://www.eighteenthnyc.com

Rachel Cohen – Rachel’s pieces accentuate beauty by creating a balance between the fabric, the design and the draping. They adapt to the person and only make sense when worn. The designs are simple yet versatile and can be worn different ways. Rachel says “It is a lot about freedom…freedom of choice, freedom of movement.” http://www.coh-n.com/

Titania Inglis – Titania’s designs clothing for the modern woman: effortless, essential, cutting edge. Experimental construction and functional details elevate these signature pieces into the realm of high design working for daily life. http://titaniainglis.com

Cody Sai– Cody’s Spring 2010 is a casual ready to wear collection, focusing on subtle details, fabric comfort and natural colors. http://codysai.com/codysai/CodySai.html

Heather Klar– Heather’s Spring 2010 line was inspired by the idea of “handmade technology” and the compelling info-graphics in Data Flow. Heather’s new line takes cues from across the laboratory landscape. http://www.heatherklar.com/

James Yoest – James’ designs encapsulates sustainability & social awareness implementing concepts such as unorthodox recycled materials e.g. parachutes, organic fabrics and organic dying. His designs revolve around fitted and loose cuts combined with a hip, slouchy, edge. http://www.jamesyoestdesigns.com/

Jesica Milton – Jesica, a Seattle based designer, creates minimalist garments with a feminine sensibility. Her passion is for creating garments that are versatile, wearable, and current. The spring 2010 collection features classic warm weather staples with a slouchy, borrowed from boyfriend appeal. http://jesicamilton.com//index.php

Laura Williamson (Laura Lou) – Laura’s design approach is to combine easy to wear, flattering silhouettes with simple yet artistic surface designs. The pieces are hand-printed and sewn in New York City, resulting in fine construction and quality prints. www.lauralounyc.com

Fabio Costa (Lebi) – LEBI is originally from Belo Horizonte-Brazil, and its purely inspired by the baroque movement but with a flare of minimalism. Bringing forward questions of our modern times with a high dose of humor, the designers deconstruct the concept of flat pattern and presupposed shapes to play with organic and geometric lines and create one of kind pieces, made out of jersey, to bring a custom made luxury to casual everyday items. http://cargocollective.com/lebilebi

Accessory:

Xing Xu – (Kallisti Designs – jewelry) – Kallisti Designs are made to adorn and flatter the body while making a statement effortlessly. The concept is founded on creating bold designs composed of minimalist elements to make strong, edgy patterns with careful attention to how they drape on the body. http://www.kallistifashion.com/

Melany Wimpee (MelanyBe – jewelry) – MelanyBE currently carries accessory, jewelry, and custom book product lines, all of which seek to balance aesthetics and practical fabrication. Every item is handcrafted in Brooklyn. Each piece in the MelanyBE collection is intended to stand out with dramatic scale and finishes. http://melanybe.com/

Khoi Le (Key by Khoi Le –handbags/accessories) – Key by Khoi Le sprouted from the concept of absolute simplicity and utility for accessories, without sacrificing taste or a unique aesthetic. Each piece has a direct tangible relationship with the interactions with society as well every day life. http://www.notjustalabel.com/keybykhoile

Kara Laricks – (Collar, Stand + Tie – accessories) – Conceived of Kara’s love for the androgynous avant-garde and traditional menswear elements, Collar, Stand + Tie presents a “never before seen” accessory for Dapper Dans, the Poindexter chic and for those who stand confidently (and stylishly) apart from the crowd. http://www.collarstandtie.com/index.html

Jocelyn Negron (Nico & J – jewelry) – Nico & J presents modern textile jewelry that evokes the sense of touch. Using unique fabrics, fur and other found objects is what sets these pieces apart. http://nicoandj.com/

WTP works directly with designers to match their lines with their consumer base and brand. WTP will also respond aggressively to consumer input and emerging trends. Its offerings will rotate on a quarterly basis to feature a changing line-up of new designers. Every line that is carried in WTP is limited in quantities and is carefully curated to reflect the fresh and fashion forward style that is true to New York.

“The idea for this fashion collective was driven by the motivation to cultivate fresh talent in design, and to be more than just a boutique that carry their items,” says owner Vera Ng. WTP will serve as an incubator, a show space, and a collection of rising star designers. Its aim is to be the premiere destination for fashion enthusiasts to escape the cookie-cutter aesthetics of big name retail. To learn more about this season’s featured designers, please visit www.wethepeoplenyc.com