Under the Radar: SD Fashion Designers

From all the competition out there, this cutthroat industry can easily chew you up and spit you out if you don't have the knowledge of demand, but these San Diego-based fashion houses know what they are up against and are still giving it all they got. Like the San Diego Broadway scene, many great talents start here and end up in the mainstream spotlight. Here are three under-the-radar brands to keep your eye out for, with their humble back stories and characters to boot.

Discover three must-know San Diego fashion designers.

Owlchemy Society
Gretchen Eisner and Danielle Rushing were raised in San Diego and both have worked in sportswear for more than 10 years. They became friends about five years ago when working down the hall from one another. They couldn't be more opposite, but they have the greatest respect and love for one another and what better ingredients to make a swimwear line come alive.

To give themselves a bit of a challenge, they thought swimwear was new and fresh on resume of apparel. With their little fish in a big pond predicament, they had to stand out from all the surf companies that already set their foundation in the land of swimwear. So they added a bit of spice to all their swimsuits with the concept of gritty retro meets delicate and pretty. For them, inspiration can come from a spilled jar of vintage buttons, to a picture they took in New York; with every swimsuit there is a story behind their journey.

All in all, they have enjoyed the beginning stages and hopes for it to grow and lend itself to other categories of Owlchemy Society. As for now, they are in their first selling season. Times for retailers are difficult and it makes it hard for them as a new brand to push through their doors. So keep a look out for their swimsuits to pop up in stores and you will know it's Owlchemy because they truly stand out from the rest on the rack. For more information, visit Owlchemysociety.com.

RUFSKIN Denim
Head Designer Hubert Pouches and partner Douglas Coats founded RUFSKIN Denim in early 2000. They met in Paris, France in the early '90s when Douglas was a fashion model and Hubert owned a men's modeling agency. Rufskin's clothing is designed to enhance the individual male form. All designs are original and hand made; paying close attention to detail. Rufskin challenges the boundaries of male design by consistently creating fashions that allow men to define their personal style of sexy. Encouraging the guys to get their heads out of department store and mass-produced clothing, RUFSKIN lends that cool Euro vibe with its designs and modern fit.
The Rufskin brand offers a unique selection of denim jeans, underwear, swimwear, fitness clothing and accessories. You can find their products at their flagship store in North Park. For more information, visit Rufskin.com.

Vanteria Di Eleganza
Vanteria Di Eleganza (VDE) is a young women's contemporary fashion label, specializing in denim and jackets featuring unique treatments, washes, and embellishments. Born from the creative genius of Reggie Aguiluz, Vanteria Di Eleganza combines passion for styles with dominance, leadership and a desire for supremacy. The VDE consumer is a woman who never follows, but insists on leading; she is tough, shameless, and has a sexy elegance that embodies her every move. Vanteria Di Eleganza embraces the fashion rebel who yearns for edgy fashion, commanding them to defy the accustomed while living by their own rules and convictions. The VDE mission is simple: "Concede. Lead and Conquer."It's perfect for the female career powerhouses that don't take any bull. For more information, visit Vanteriadieleganza.com.