FASHION

“IT TAKES GRIT, PERSEVERANCE AND COURAGE TO SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF WHEN OTHERS DON’T BELIEVE IN THE VISION.”

- SAGE AUBREY

ESTABLISHED IN 2015 by former women’s boutique owner Sage Aubrey, the self-taught designer’s eponymous label creates accessible luxury handbags and accessories that are consciously crafted. Her love of community, iconic style and women’s advancements continue to guide her design approach and influences: shapes, conversations and aesthetic.

What does it mean to be an innovator to you?

I believe it’s having the courage of seeing things differently and executing on the vision. It’s pushing the boundaries in your said field. It takes grit, perseverance and courage to show up for yourself when others don’t believe in the vision. To think outside of the box or to go about a different direction isn’t always popular, so it’s understanding this, having patience in the process; it is a virtue. •

www.sageaubrey.com, @thesageaubrey

FASHION INNOVATOR

SAGE AUBREY

SAGE’S PICKS

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRES HER

SOLSTICE INTIMATES Solstice Intimates create vintage-inspired handmade intimate apparel from Tempe. Made with love, each piece is created and crafted with a level of expertise and attention to detail that will make your grandmother proud. www.solsticeintimates.com, @solsticeintimates

Joseph Maddon ,

WMP EYEWEAR WMP started as a big dream in a small Chicago apartment in 2012. Founded by a young husband-and-wife team on the belief that quality eyewear shouldn’t be exclusive to designer labels, the company has become one of Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Companies. Now based in Tempe, WMP remains committed to creating finely crafted, fashionable and affordable glasses that are accessible to everyone. Every product is (W)orn and (M)ade with (P)urpose.

As proud supporters of the Arizona Humane Society, the company donates a portion of every eyewear purchase to animals in need in our local community, where more than 100K cans of food and truckloads of other much-needed supplies have been donated to date. www.shopwearmepro.com, @wmpeyewear

WMP EYEWEAR

WMP EYEWEAR FOUNDERS DAVID & ULA

DARYL BLAND BLERR Daryl Bland is a self-described multi-hyphenate LGBTQ genderfluid Filipino fashionpreneur. Bland founded BLERR Magazine during the height of the pandemic with the goal of creating a platform to highlight fashion through queer-poc individuals focusing on diverse identities, self-expression and those who are looking to revolt and revolutionize as a creative. BLERR has since evolved into an umbrella encompassing a creative media production house and agency to elevate brands and individuals to their highest potential.

Bland’s related endeavor, Avant Yarde, is an immersive “yarde” and safe space that supports experimental ideas from queer-poc creatives and entreprenuers to be themselves and embrace the unknown space of possibilities, a constant state of BLERR. Bland also founded fragrance and beauty company Osai, which creates tranquil and transcending memories. www.blerrmagazine.com, @blerrmag, @doseofdaryl

DARYL BLAND WEARING ALEXANDER MCQUEEN PARKA PUFFER DRESS AND SHOES. , AUBREE TIPPETS MAYFAIR GROUP Mayfair is here to build your internet happy place through purposeful merch, feel-good content and an empowering digital community by changing the narrative around unrealistic societal standards and celebrating the unfiltered human experience that connects us all.

This mindset has been in the brand’s DNA since CEO Sam Abrahart launched The Mayfair Group in 2017. After years of struggling with her mental health, Abrahart sought to create a more meaningful life through uplifting content and a digital safe space. Mayfair is now a growing global lifestyle brand, including private label merch, wholesale sales management and strategic partnerships, where everyone is welcome in the #MayfairWorld. www.themayfairgroupllc.com, @themayfairgroup

WHISH BEAUTY Aimee Werner founded Whish in 2007 as a natural, luxury shaving line for women. Whish has since evolved into a high performance, all-natural skin care and body care global brand with 100-plus products, manufacturing and fulfilling the entire line out of the Scottsdale corporate facility.

Werner oversees many facets of Whish, including new-product development, sales strategy, supporting key customers and all aspects of marketing for the brand. Prior to founding Whish, Werner worked as a distribution channel manager for various semiconductor companies and directly managed over $40 million in sales. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Westminster University. www.whishbody.com, @whishbeauty