SIMKHAI

There's something kind of fascinating about watching a designer completely reinvent themselves while staying true to their core. Jonathan Simkhai-now just SIMKHAI-started in New York back in 2010, but here's the thing: he's basically become an LA brand at heart, even though his roots are pure Manhattan fashion hustle.

The designer cut his teeth early. Like, really early. He was working retail at 14, learning the buyer game before most kids were thinking about college. That hands-on experience shows in everything the brand does now. After studying at both Parsons and FIT, Simkhai launched his namesake label at 25, and by 2015, he'd snagged the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award-basically fashion's stamp of approval that you're not just another designer with pretty sketches.

But what makes SIMKHAI interesting isn't just the accolades. It's this whole architectural approach to clothing. The brand takes inspiration from buildings and sculptors, translating geometric shapes and structural elements into wearable pieces that somehow manage to be both edgy and feminine. Think custom fabrics, contoured silhouettes, and those signature cut-outs that have become a calling card. It's the kind of stuff that looks amazing on a hanger but even better when someone's actually wearing it.

In 2018, Simkhai made the bold move to relocate his entire operation to West Hollywood-a 5,500-square-foot space on La Cienega that doubled as both headquarters and flagship store. And he didn't just move the business; he convinced most of his team to come with him. That's either really persuasive or California's weather is that good. The brand now operates four retail locations across the country, including spots in SoHo, Beverly Hills, Dallas's Highland Park Village, and Southampton in the Hamptons.

The collections have evolved too. What started as sophisticated women's ready-to-wear has expanded into denim (which wholesale buyers initially doubted but has become a bestseller), swimwear, accessories, and even menswear as of 2023. The brand's sold at all the heavy hitters-Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-porter, Harrods-but there's this interesting focus on direct-to-consumer retail that feels very now.

And yeah, the red carpet moments don't hurt. When Taraji P. Henson wore custom SIMKHAI to the 2024 Met Gala, or when Mindy Kaling showed up in that intricate beaded gown with 6,000-plus hand-applied embellishments, it reminded everyone that this isn't just another contemporary label. It's a brand that can do both the everyday elevated pieces and the showstopping moments.

The whole vibe is luxury without being stuffy, architectural without being unwearable, and California-cool without losing that New York edge. Which, honestly, is a pretty hard balance to strike. But after 15 years in the game and $55 million in revenue, it seems like SIMKHAI's figured something out.