LABEL LOVER

ESTEBAN CORTAZAR

Anyone who stages their first show at New York Fashion Week at the age of 17 and goes on to be made creative director of luxury brand Emanuel Ungaro at just 23 is pretty impressive. Anyone who gets fired from said major fashion house three years later for refusing to work with Lindsay Lohan is, in our book, a bit of a legend. Following his departure, the Paris-based Colombian took some time to refine his craft and vision before relaunching his own label in 2012 in conjunction with Neta-porter. And, boy, is it fresh! Esteban brilliantly juxtaposes hard and soft—slickcut leathers or exotic skins are paired with bias-cut ribbed knits—and this season’s introduction of denim demonstrates his expertise in sportswear. The chocolate brown leather dungarees over a navy knit was an immensely wearable look, while furry-fronted skirts and crystal-bedecked jeans were for girls who like their streetwear out there. As with his three previous collections, Cortazar finished his line in time for the pre-collection buying cycle, so retailers have already placed their orders, meaning we can get our hands on it twice as quick.