A new year is the perfect time to highlight the brilliant labels that are setting trends on the fashion scene (and thus inspiring a ton of dupes up and down the high street), and this list is an excellent starting point.
From the brand behind Instagram’s hit It sweatshirt, to the printed going out dresses you’ll have spotted across social media, they’re the labels to hit up for your every shopping need throughout the year…
Kai Collective
If you haven’t spotted any of Kai Collective’s bold geometric print dresses (and that stunning dressing gown), I’d be surprised. Founder Fisayo Longe launched the brand back in 2016 after constant queries from her followers about where her own clothes (that she’d made herself from fabrics she brought abroad) were from.
The sleek and sexy Gaia dress completely took off when it first launched, resulting in a waiting list for the next drop of stock hundreds of people long.
Grass Fields
If you’re looking for an out out dress, or the perfect statement top that you can wear with jeans, Grass Fields is the answer.
The brand was founded by stylish Cameroonian twins Michele and Christelle with the aim to put the love back into traditional African print again, and its fun, flattering designs do just that. Everything goes up to a size UK24, too.
Fear of God
There was a time when I couldn’t scroll my Instagram for a minute without spotting Fear of God’s ‘Essentials’ hoodie in a stylish neutral shade. If I sound slightly bitter it’s because I really wanted one myself, but they sold out in minutes every time they were back in stock.
Typically the brand has a high price point (think £1000 for a tailored blazer), but its luxury basics line of sweatshirts and tracksuit bottoms offers an entry into the brand via sleek off-duty wear – right up our street.
The Kemist Store
Fans of Zara and & Other Stories, take note. London-based brand The Kemist Store should be your go-to for classic-with-a-twist pieces: think a bright blue tailored trouser suit, or a smart faux leather trench in butterscotch. Think edgy every day wear in modern cuts and you’ve got The Kemist Store.
The label also has a super-chic plus-size range – Kemist Kurve – that goes up to a size UK24.
Lisou
Think the luxe dresses and smart tailoring LK Bennett does so well, with the quirky unique prints of Kitri, and throw in modern shapes that are as edgy as they are elegant, and you have the fab Lisou London.
If you’re on a budget, head to its outlet section which is full of gems that’ll update your party wardrobe or workwear looks with ease.
Aaks
Aaks’ raffia bags are handcrafted in Ghana using traditional weaving techniques, and the result is a chic and unique tote that you’ll want to sport year-round. They’re sustainable and much more stylish than your average straw bag, with fringing, colour block patterns and quirky shapes, too – you’ll be inundated with compliments on your raffia tote.
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