With such an artful approach to men's and women's wear, it's not surprising Assembly's founder began his career in the art world. Greg Armas was at the helm of galleries before opening his store on the Lower East Side in 2008. A namesake line followed in 2012 and a second forward-thinking retail environment in Los Angeles three years later. In addition to their own label, Assembly New York and Los Angeles focus on international and otherwise independent designers who maintain an emphasis on craft and design as an ethos, regardless of trend.

Ever since she began making crochet accessories in 2010, Dani Griffiths has watched her small side project blossom into a full-blown brand. The Vancouver native learned the fashion industry ropes at Assembly NY while developing a following for her beautiful wool pieces. Focused on concise, minimalist design and individual expression, she expanded quickly to the sculptural hand block hats we love and a new line of accessories crafted with Italian leather. Everything is made in New York.