NET-A-PORTER has announced the three designers selected for its 2026 Vanguard mentorship programme: Kallmeyer, Colleen Allen and Heirlome. The initiative supports independent brands at key stages of development through business mentorship and campaign support across NET-A-PORTER’s global platforms, alongside visibility for their Spring/ Summer 2026 collections.
Each designer has been paired with industry mentors, with Kallmeyer working with Heather Kaminetsky, CEO of NET-A-PORTER, and Johanna Sjöberg, CEO of Toteme. Collen Allen joins Elsa Lanzo, CEO of Rick Owens, and stylist and fashion director Katie Shillingford of AnOther magazine, while Heirlome is supported by Gabriela Hearst and sustainability advocate Aditi Mayer.
Announcing the programme, NET-A-PORTER’s Chief Buying and Merchandising Officer Brigitte Chartrand said, “The Vanguard program 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.”
Kallmeyer
Founded in New York by Daniella Kallmeyer, Kallmeyer focuses on tailoring and wardrobe staples, and on the programme, Kallmeyer said: “While Kallmeyeris 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 program 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.”
Colleen Allen
Brooklyn-based designer Colleen Allen presented her first New York Fashion Week collection in 2024 after earlier roles at The Row and Raf Simons’ Calvin Klein. Allen shared: “I’m 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.”
Heirlome
Heirlome, which was founded by Stephanie Suberville and Jeffrey Axford, is known for working with artisans across Mexico and Latin America using traditional textile techniques, and being included in the cohort said: “I’m really looking forward to working with our mentors and be given the space to promote our brand and the work we are doing at a global scale via NET-A-PORTER.” We will see what the three brands have in store for SS26.
by Felicity Carter