Net-a-Porter selects three New York labels for 2026 Vanguard programme
Luxury e-tailer Net-a-Porter has selected three New York-based labels_ Kallmeyer_ Colleen Allen and Heirlome for its 2026 Vanguard mentorship programme dedicated to “championing the next generation of emerging designers” across the retailer.
In a statement_ British-based Net-a-Porter said the three brands had been selected as they are “fast emerging as influential voices in fashion_” and each had been recognised “for their distinctive creative perspectives and growing cultural impact”.
Being part of the Vanguard programme will see each designer receiving bespoke mentorship and strategic business guidance_ alongside dedicated campaign support to spotlight their spring/summer 2026 collections_ amplifying each brand across Net-a-Porter_s global platforms.
Brigitte Chartrand_ chief buying and merchandising officer at Net-a-Porter_ said: “The Vanguard programme reflects our continued commitment to identifying and investing in the most exciting emerging talent shaping the future of fashion.
“Kallmeyer_ Colleen Allen and Heirlome all demonstrate a distinctive design perspective_ strong brand identity and clear growth potential. By pairing them with industry leaders and providing dedicated strategic support_ we aim to help them scale thoughtfully and build enduring global businesses.”
Net-a-Porter to spotlight Kallmeyer_ Colleen Allen and Heirlome in Vanguard programme
Kallmeyer_ a New York-based fashion brand founded in 2012 by Daniella Kallmeyer_ reimagines everyday staples for the modern woman_ blending masculine and feminine energies with a focus on creating a modular wardrobe. Key styles include tailoring_ such as women_s suiting_ oversized trousers_ cotton-poplin shirts_ and draped stretch-jersey maxi dresses.
The label will receive mentoring from Heather Kaminetsky_ chief executive of Net-a-Porter_ and Johanna Sjöberg_ chief executive of Toteme.
Commenting on the initiative_ Kallmeyer_ founder and chief executive of Kallmeyer_ said: “While Kallmeyer is not an emerging designer_ we are an independently run brand with intentional priorities in sustainable business practices and strong customer relations.
“Being selected for The Vanguard programme is an exciting opportunity to focus on exactly those areas of scale that Net-a-Porter and their global team have clearly mastered_ making them such an incredible partner to our collection and company alike.”
Joining Kallmeyer in the programme is Brooklyn-based designer Colleen Allen_ who made her debut at New York Fashion Week in 2024_ after honing her craft at The Row and Raf Simons_ Calvin Klein.
Described as one of New York_s most exciting young designers_ Allen_s work has been described as having a "witchy" archetype_ drawing inspiration from historical and vintage-inspired silhouettes and blending them with utilitarian fabrics like fleece to “create a modern expression of femininity”.
Allen will receive mentorship from Elsa Lanzo_ chief executive at Rick Owens and Katie Shillingford_ stylist and fashion director at AnOther magazine_ and said she was “incredibly grateful for this opportunity to connect with such inspiring mentors and excited to be part of a community that supports emerging designers as we continue to grow and evolve.”
The final brand in the 2026 programme is New York-based Heirlome_ founded by Stephanie Suberville and Jeffrey Axford_ who collaborate each season with local Mexican and Latin American artisans_ exploring traditional techniques across print_ pattern_ weaving_ knitting and embroidery.
Suberville_ the creative director_ said she is looking forward to working with her mentors_ designer Gabriela Hearst and Aditi Mayer_ a sustainability advocate_ as well as being given the space “to promote our brand and the work we are doing at a global scale.”
Previous participants of Net-a-Porter's Vanguard programme include Diotima_ founded by Rachel Scott; Liberowe_ founded by Talia Loubaton; New York-based eveningwear designer Christopher John Rogers; South Korean designer Minju Kim; London Fashion Week favourite Connor Ives; and designer Peter Do.
