7 Top British Fashion Labels You Should Know About
Europe is the first continent that comes to mind when anyone says “fashion,” and Britain is always included in that statement. The United Kingdom is considered a fashion capital and home to many designers. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at Britain’s most popular fashion brands that have made their mark on the world. If you want to dress like a Brit, start here.
1. Burberry: Beige Tartan and Gabardine
British luxury fashion house Burberry designs ready-to-wear leather goods, fashion accessories, footwear, fragrances, eyewear, cosmetics, and trench coats. Of all their designs, their trench coats are their most famous, and their fabric, Gabardine, makes their outdoor attire waterproof and breathable. You can find these incredibly comfy and stylish men’s Burberry coats on SSENSE, along with other items that feature their iconic black & beige tartan pattern.
2. Vivienne Westwood: Queen of Punk
Designer and businesswoman Vivienne Westwood is credited for bringing modern new wave and punk fashion into the mainstream. Her iconic planet/orb emblem is seen across most of her fashion line and represents both British iconography and outer space. Westwood’s incredible ability to combine clothing with music shaped the 1970’s punk scene. However, her influence has surpassed the rock movement, as her clothing continues to be the rebellious choice.
3. Alexander McQueen: The Daring Enfant Terrible
It’s unfortunate that we lost McQueen in 2010 because he was far too young and talented to leave us at the age of 40. His legacy of bold and controversial designs, like his armadillo shoes and skull scarf, are often contested amongst designers. Even so, his ability to combine traditional tailoring techniques and new methods is what a McQueen outfit is known for. You can still find unique designs made by successor Sarah Burton on the red carpet and in stores.
4. Stella McCartney: Modern Classic Looks
Stella McCartney is the daughter of Beatles singer Paul McCartney. As an accomplished fashion designer and tailor, she broke away from her father’s shadow to become an incredible artist on her own. After graduating from Central Saint Martins, she created her brand in the early 2000s, which features intricate details and sharp tailoring. Keeping with McCartney’s animal activist roots, no feather, fur, or leather is found in any of her clothing or collections.
5. Victoria Beckham: Comfortable and Flattering
Victoria Beckham used to be 1/5th of the all-inspiring girl group, the Spice Girls. Going by the pseudonym of “Posh Spice” implied she had incredible fashion sense, and through her own line of Italian-made purses and bags, she proved it ten-fold. Beckham’s brand revolves around creating comfortable and flattering pieces for the everyday woman, so most of her clothing is easy to accessorize. Her entire line is feminine, chic, and full of girl power.
6. Christopher Kane: Inspiring and Unique
Anyone who gets the attention of Donatella Versace of Versace fame is bound to turn heads, but Christopher Kane gained that recognition almost immediately. At 24, his collection received the Young Designer of the Year for his capsule collection, and since then, he’s garnered nothing but positive reviews. While his clothing is definitely unique and unlike most other things you can buy off the rack, they’re still wearable art pieces that any creative would enjoy being seen in.
7. Paul Smith: Classy and Sophisticated
Sir Paul Smith has an exciting career that may have never happened if he didn’t get into a bicycling accident. Smith wanted to become a cyclist when he was younger but shifted to the fashion world with the help of his friends and family. Now, his designs are considered the epitome of sophisticated and classy British fashion. Smith has won multiple awards for his designs and was even knighted by the Queen for his contributions to modern men’s fashion.
Self-Portrait, Rigby & Peller, Craig Green, and Ozwald Boateng are other notable fashion designers you should pay attention to. Britain is home to many things, including the most incredible fashion labels that should be on your radar and within your closet.