We should spend each and every day of the year celebrating women and all their achievements, but with International Women’s Day just around the corner, now is as good a time as any to put the ideology into practice.
Even better, this time of year is perfect for refreshing your wardrobe for the new season, so why not put some meaning behind your purchase by supporting a brand that’s female-owned? It’s never been easier thanks to the wide range of women-led brands on the market.
Whether it’s Kyiv-based elevated-sleepwear label Sleeper founded by ex-fashion-editors Kate Zubarieva and Asya Varetsa, or Scandi partywear brand Rotate which was launched by influencers Jeanette Madsen and Thora Vladimarsdottir, all the bases are covered by the spectrum of businesses on offer.
Even your accessories can be brimming with feminist goodness. From jewellery by Alighieri, Monica Vinader or Missoma, to fluffy hats by Emma Brewin or Amina Muaddi’s heels, you can be dressed head to toe in pieces that pack a stylish yet meaningful punch.
So, we’ve chosen a few of our favourites below that you can browse at your female-empowered heart’s content. Keep scrolling for the best.
Rixo
Founded by friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey (it’s suddenly clear where the name originates…), Rixo is a label that inspires a free spirited sense of fun and empowerment. Expect colourful hand painted prints, feminine silhouettes, luxurious fabrics and designs that could have been plucked from an eclectic flea market abroad.
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
Khaite
If you remember the iconic image of Katie Holmes crossing the street in a knitted bra-and-cardigan set, you’re familiar with New-York-based Khaite. The brainchild of Catherine Holstein, who remains as creative director since founding the label in 2016, it’s an influencer and upper-east-sider favourite that offers luxury womenswear with the prices to match.
Buy now, Khaite
Rotate
A Kardashian favourite that’s also been spotted on Emily in Paris, Rotate has taken the world by storm. Created by Copenhagen-based multi-brand retailer, Birger Christensen, in partnership with influencers Jeanette Madsen and Thora Vladimarsdottir, it’s a go-to for statement partywear that will see you through any cocktail party or night on the town.
Buy now, Selfridges
Sleeper
Launched in 2014 by former fashion editors Kate Zubarieva and Asya Varetsa, Sleeper’s collection of elevated sleepwear is a fashion industry favourite. Crafted using a luxe silk fabric, accessorised with the brand’s signature detachable feather trim, they work as easily for a Sunday on the sofa as they do for a fancy dinner. Even better, the range now includes dresses and accessories, too.
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
Stine Goya
Embracing the power of colour and print, Stine Goya is a Scandi-brand that’s not afraid to make a statement. Started by Stine Goya herself back in 2006, the Danish designer wants her customers to feel the best version of themselves in her bright, unique designs - even the silhouettes are playful.
Buy now, Selfridges
Wales Bonner
Established as a menswear brand, British designer Grace Wales Bonner’s collections now include both mens and womens, all designed with her unique perspective that blends European heritage with an Afro Atlantic spirit.
Having already experienced great success, from her collaboration with Adidas on a collection of tracksuits and trainers to her re-interpretation of Dior’s ‘new look’ for the Resort 2020 collection, she’s definitely one to watch.
Buy now, MatchesFashion
Hades
Birmingham-based label Hades founded and run by sister duo Isabel and Cassie Holland should definitely be on your radar.
Whether it’s the collaborations with the David Bowie estate, The Cure and The Sex Pistols, or the seasonal collections inspired by Greek mythology, it’s a hypey knitwear brand that’s amassed a cult fanbase which includes the likes of Frank Ocean, Alexa Chung and Chloe Sevigny.
Even better, the collections are produced responsibly with the environment in mind, from the small batch runs to the 100 per cent lambswool knitwear that’s handmade in Scotland.
Buy now, Hades
Arizona Love
You may have spotted Arizona Love’s sandals when scrolling the likes of Net-A-Porter or MatchesFashion for your new summer footwear. Well, the woman behind the brand is Leslie Halfon, who founded it out of the desire to create the perfect sandals that balance comfort and style.
Comining vintage and folk influences, the sandals are bohemian, casual and free-spirited thanks to the use of upcycled bandanas and charm embellishments.
Buy now, Flannels
Me + Em
Workwear for women is hard to get right - but London-based brand Me + Em run by Clare Hornby nails the brief season after season. Whether you’re in the market for wide leg trousers, expertly cut tailoring, or floaty blouses designed in first-rate fabrics, it’s a label that effortlessly balances functionality, style and comfort.
Buy now, Me + Em
Boteh
If you’re in the market for a new holiday wardrobe, look no further than Australian-based label Boteh.
Founder and creative director Amelia Mather is the archetypal Boteh girl - an avid yogi, adventurer and collector - so the swim and beachwear represent this spirit to a tee. Bohemian, earthy and crafty, it’s a brand for the free spirit.
Buy now, Boteh
Rejina Pyo
Treading the line between feminine and masculine, Rejina Pyo designs contemporary, wearable collections that every woman will want in her wardrobe. A London-based designer, she grew up in Seoul before launching her brand in 2014. Now, she’s stocked in over 100 stores worldwide and her designs have been spotted on the likes of Eva Chen and Leandra Medine. At once elegant and cool, expect puff sleeve dresses, boxy tailoring and easy-to-wear separates.
Buy now, MatchesFashion
Bella Freud
A stalwart on the London womenswear scene, Bella Freud is a cult favourite that’s well known for its knitwear - especially jumpers adorning playful and quippy statements.
The granddaughter of Sigmund Freud, it’s no wonder the slogans spark thought and conversation - especially the label’s ‘1970’ trademark, which actually just originates from a date Bella noticed in the corner of a catalogue while messing around on a photocopier.
Buy now, Bella Freud
Ahluwalia
LVMH prize-winning label Ahluwalia uses upcycling and deadstock fabrics to explore founder Priya Ahluwalia’s dual Nigerian-Indian heritage and London roots.
Well-known for the patchworking technique which she employs in each collection, her distinctive aesthetic uses traditional dying techniques and artianal methods to blend multicultural influences for pieces that are unique, responsibly made and easy-to-wear. A winning trifecta.
Buy now, Ahluwalia
Marine Serre
Whether you’ve watched Beyoncé’s Black is King video or are an avid follower of Kylie Jenner, Marine Serre’s crescent moon logo is one that we’re sure has crossed your path.
Having interned with the likes of Margiela, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga, Serre started her own label in 2017 - and went on to win the LVMH prize the same year. Now, her skin-tight logo tops and catsuits are famous worldwide.
Buy now, Marine Serre
Dora Larsen
Renowned for its impressive range of lingerie in a range of playful colour combinations, Dora Larsen’s underwear sets will quickly become your faves.
Founded in 2016 by Georgia Larsen, who, during her time as a lingerie buyer, spotted a gap in the market, it’s a label that’s gone from strength to strength ever since - and now offers sleepwear, too.
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
