Vena Cava
The Label
California natives Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock had barely matriculated from Parsons the New School of Design when they debuted their line in September 2003. Within a few seasons, though, the team had established itself as a solid young American label with a steady retail following that looks to Vena Cava for its slightly vintage-feeling but never stuffy, staid, or dated wares. Earlier this year, they were awarded an Ecco Domani alongside other emerging New York names.
The Look
Fresh spins on vintage mixed with an arty palette.
The Designer
Buhai and Maycock met through mutual friends in the rarefied circles of Los Angeles’ Marlborough High School, a hotbed for celeb offspring. Now based in Brooklyn, they run in New York’s circle of hot young designers, including pals Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler.
