Meet the New Designer: Ryan Roche Started in Kidswear, Now Counts Maggie Gyllenhaal and Milla Jovovich as Fans

Both Maggie Gyllenhaal and Milla Jovovich had a hand in Ryan Roche's move from designing childrenswear to women's apparel. "I actually did [Maggie's] daughter's dress for her wedding ... and then Maggie started saying, Can I get the cashmere cape in my size?" Roche, 34, told the Cut. "And Milla was the same — she was buying for her daughter and then started asking for stuff for herself." That's not a bad way to break into ready-to-wear, an industry that Roche describes as oversaturated and operating at a much "higher level" than kids' clothes. But that didn't dissuade her or her devotees — Jovovich bought Roche's first collection (for fall 2011) in its entirety, and it was picked up by Eva Gentry, Steven Alan, and Metier, among other stockists. Shalom Harlow is also a fan.