After holding design positions at design houses including Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, and Oscar de la Renta, New York-based Christian Juul Nielsen launched his collection, AKNVAS.

The emerging designer, who is also Creative Director of Herve Léger, saw a gap in the market: interesting and effortless styles designed for women who are professionals, lead dynamic lives, and are engaged with the world around them.

AKNVAS focuses on thoughtful, well-designed, and innovative clothing for discerning and dynamic women and men. Clients can expect luxury level products designed to move seamlessly from day to evening, with a focus on drape, flattering silhouettes, innovative knits, and an elevated palette. Drawing from Nielsen’s previous experience, the brand incorporates design techniques from his time designing couture gowns with each garment crafted with a similar attention to detail. Since launching the brand, it has quickly become a favorite of celebrities including Kate Bosworth, Nick Jonas, and Emilia Clarke.

The collection is currently sold on FRWD.com, Intermix, and other specialty stores and on the brand’s e-commerce site. From spring 2022, the collection will also be available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom in selected stores and online.

In 2020, Nielsen won the best new womenswear designer award at the Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Awards.