The Great British Fashion Brands
Let Liberty guide you towards the designers putting the Great back into Britain's fashion scene
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The Great British Fashion Brands
Let Liberty guide you towards the designers putting the Great back into Britain's fashion scene
By: George ElliotWith its tailoring pedigree, world class textile mills and long list of decade-defining subcultures (think: glam rock, punk and new romantic), style is woven into the very fabric of British society. So, to discover the most exciting, innovative and coveted names in fashion, there’s really no need to look beyond our shores. But which are the best British fashion brands to keep on your radar, you ask? From cult legendary labels to a new generation of creative rule-breakers, which British brands should you induct into your wardrobe? With the intel on the designers putting Britain on the fashion map and those predicted to make waves this season, we asked Liberty’s Womenswear Buyer Larissa Stange for the five to know…
Stella McCartney
Renowned for her sharp but distinctly feminine tailoring and staunch refusal to use leather or fur in any of her collections, Stella McCartney's fusion of activism and fashion make her a force of innovation, says Stange. “Look at her svelte dresses and blazers with their clean lines and you’ll see that much of McCartney’s work is rooted in the tradition of elegant tailoring. But what I like most about McCartney’s animal-friendly, sustainability-minded designs is that they feel rebellious but always effortless to wear.”
The buyer’s pick: “For a new season nod to the power suit, add the Buttoned Single-Breasted Blazer, £990, to your wardrobe. Whether you wear it to work or a party, it’ll see you through the entire week in style.”
Shop Stella McCartney at Liberty
Barbour
Countryside staples are back in fashion’s favour, so it makes sense that Stange’s next pick is an iconic heritage brand that’s carving a name for itself among the British fashion scene: Barbour. “Ideal for weekend escapes to the country, their waxed and quilted jackets have helped us brave the elements for decades, but I particularly love how Barbour has been reinventing itself recently with a series of coveted collaborations with the likes of Roksanda and Ganni,” Stange explains. “Worn by rockstars and It-girls alike, practicality and has rarely looked so good.”
The buyer’s pick: “While the Barbour x GANNI Liddesdale Reversible Quilted Jacket, £295, harks back to classic Barbour outerwear, it’s modern cut and touches of Scandi-cool from GANNI make it a personal favourite of mine.”
Shop Barbour at Liberty
RIXO
Searching for a standout party piece or an alternative wedding dress? If so, Stange’s advice is simple: turn your attention to RIXO, whose elegant and vintage-inspired collections are distinctly of the moment. “Founded in 2015 by London-based design duo Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, the brand’s ever-playful spirit shines through their use of dopamine-inducing colours and incredible prints,” Stange notes. “Their aim is for everybody who wears RIXO to feel like the best version of themselves, and as a regular wearer myself, there really is a confidence-boosting quality to their creations.”
The buyer’s pick: “Patterned with painterly, technicolour florals, the Abrielle Lace-Front Mini-Dress, £245, captures the joy and brightness of the spring-summer season, so as a dress with mood-boosting potential, it’s the one I’d opt for.”
Shop RIXO at Liberty
JW Anderson
Revered for his off-the-wall womenswear and cult accessories, Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson is accustomed to making some of fashion's most talked about pieces so naturally, he’s next up on Stange’s list of names to know. “His brand, JW Anderson, is a pioneering trend-setter beloved by the fashion set for its quirkiness, storytelling and deconstructed silhouettes,” Stange says. “Award-winning and celebrated - not only in Britain but on an international scale - I’m always excited for what he does next.”
The buyer’s pick: “Bold and graphic jumpers are big news this season, so I’d recommend that hype-hunters get their hands on JW Anderson’s Knitted Apple V-Neck Vest, £380, while they can.”
Shop JW Anderson at Liberty
House of Sunny
Is your wardrobe awash with vibrant colours and patterns? When getting ready, do you live by the “more-is-more” mantra? If that’s a yes on both counts, familiarise yourself with Stange’s final favourite: House of Sunny. “Founded in Hackney back in 2011, this homegrown label is a master of maximalism and thrills me every season with its youthful energy and creativity,” Stange states. “A brand that’s especially popular among TikTok’s tastemakers, It’s great to see this new generation of casual designer bringing a lot of fun and joy to the fashion world without losing its cool edge.”
The buyer’s pick: “Lean into spring-summer’s Barbiecore trend with House of Sunny’s Daybreak Vol.2 Cardigan, £98; knitted from the label’s signature vegan yarn, it’s as cosy as it is chic.”