The Best British Womenswear Brands
We may be biased but there’s nothing quite like British fashion. Eccentric meets classic, meets centuries of homegrown industry and outside influence that come together to make the Britain one of the most exciting places when it comes to fashion. It’s a place where anything goes, where clothing is deep rooted in history and culture and new trends and pieces are embraced as much as our heritage. The number of brands doing great things for fashion is endless, but these are best British womenswear brands you currently need on your radar.
One of the greatest Central Saint Martins’ graduate success stories, Christopher Kane has gone from young Scottish designer to international heavyweight in the past decade. His graduate collection, debuted in 2006, was met with critical acclaim, marking what was to become for the designer and his namesake label. Since then his womenswear collections have continued to redefine luxury fashion, with his pieces characterised by rebellious femininity, creativity and innovative designs.
London designer Rupert Sanderson hasn’t had the most traditional entries into the fashion industry. Starting out with a career in advertising, he soon quit to learn the art of shoe-making, spending time in Italy to learn from the masters and really hone his craft. His eponymous label came in the early 2000s with a simple yet surprisingly unique ethos: to make women’s shoes that were designed for women, with a focus on fit, length and shape. His designs are unique too, creating footwear season after season that’s bound to make a statement.
No list of British womenswear brands could be complete without a mention of Sir Paul Smith. The Nottingham designer learned everything he knew through night classes and from now-wife Pauline Denyer and soon became famous for his ‘classic with a twist’ suiting and tailoring. The PS by Paul Smith line is the modern, everyday diffusion line that blends those characteristic Paul Smith details (bold colours, refined shapes) with eccentric details (metallic finishes, bold prints), creating seasonal collections that are both classic and fashion-forward.
Since 2016, East London-based brand Perseverance London has been making waves in the industry thanks to its clothing made up of intricate lacework and delicate fabrics, but with a decidedly tough and contemporary attitude. Founded by Eudald Luis, Perseverance is the brand that represents modern femininity unlike any other, creating those special-occasion pieces you’ll return to again and again.
Like Perseverance, Three Floor knows how to create great evening wear. The London label founded by Yvonne Hoang in 2011 takes the traditional (feminine, pleated dresses and off-the-shoulder necklines) and turns them on their heads, adding fashion-forward details in the form of sheer panels, structured silhouettes and innovative fabric combinations.
