These up-and-comers first met at the ripe old age of 17, and as legend (or Google) has it, created their first line of 12 looks on the living room floor of their apartment. Now, they've set up shop in the industrial Gowanus neighborhood, home to a host of indie brands. Each season, their collection — sometimes inspired by japonismo and sometimes Egyptian history — evolves while staying consistent to their arty vision.

Vena Cava
Designers: Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock
Launch: 2003
City: Brooklyn, New York
Famous Fans: Rachel Bilson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rita Wilson
Signature Style: Sophisticated spin on vintage style