25 great British fashion brands to know before London Fashion Week
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Britain has always been a hub for creative talent – think: Shakespeare, The Beatles, James Bond, and Tracey Emin – so when it comes to British fashion brands, it's no surprise that the UK has birthed equally iconic designers. From the late Lee McQueen to today's daring young generation of designers like Simone Rocha and Harris Reed, we're proud of our country to say the least.
Sure, the fashion industry has gone through its fair share of ups and downs in the last few years. From Brexit, to the Queen's passing coinciding with London Fashion Week, to a global recession, designers are having to navigate the fashion landscape at a particularly challenging time.
Which is why as we approach this season's London Fashion Week, which starts on the 13th September and celebrates its 40th birthday this year, it's more important than ever to look back on the creative geniuses who've contributed to making the British fashion industry so wonderfully eccentric – and honour their various contributions.
Whether you're looking to sharpen up your wardrobe or just brush up on your knowledge of British fashion brands, here are our favourite Brit-based womenswear labels to know…
Burberry
Established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the iconic British brand has had everyone from Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci to Daniel Lee (now) at its helm. It's arguably most renowned for its check patterns, but the label also patented gabardine; the breathable, waterproof and hard-wearing fabric.
The brand has dressed celebrities such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Naomi Campbell and even Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen was founded by the late Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992, with Sarah Burton as Creative Director after his death until 2023. The house's early collections developed its reputation for controversy and shock tactics (earning the title 'l'enfant terrible' and ‘the hooligan of English fashion’), with trousers aptly named ‘bumsters’. Today, it's celebrated for its quirky silhouettes, sharp tailoring and innovative takes on fashion trends.
Vivienne Westwood
Known for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream, Vivienne Westwood is quintessentially British. From her classic tartan designs to her corseted bridalwear gowns, she is a designer who is adored by the masses. Not only has she been titled DBE RD, but in 2022, Sky Arts also ranked her as the 4th most influential artist in Britain of the last 50 years – so if that doesn't speak volumes, we don't know what to tell you.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham's eponymous label was founded in 2008 with a collection of dresses that were celebrated for their cut and fit. Today, it forms the basis of the modern woman's wardrobe with versatile and wearable designs that are rooted in modernity. Find everything from ready-to-wear, footwear, timeless leather goods and even expertly crafted eyewear.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is all about sustainability and is celebrated for her use of fabrics such as mushroom leather and mycelium. Stella was the only fashion designer to attend COP26, the global climate change summit, launching the travelling “Future of Fashion” exhibit. She also attended the G7 UK conference and signed the Terra Carta treaty that same year. She's most known for her iconic Falabella tote bag and ongoing collaborations with adidas.
AllSaints
1994 is when AllSaints began, with Kait Bolongaro and Stuart Trevor at its helm. Inspired by the alternative fashion movement – including London's underground culture, grunge fashion, and alternative music and film – CEO Peter Wood says “I believe our brand’s DNA at its very core is not a look. I believe it’s an attitude.” From their bestselling biker jackets to logo-adored T-shirts, you'll struggle to walk the streets of any city in Britain and not spot something AllSaints.
The brand celebrates its 30th birthday this year and has created a special Anniversary Edit to honour its past, bringing archival pieces back to life. Included within it is the iconic AllSaints Rocks belt below which was famously modelled by Kate Moss at Glastonbury in 2005.
Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these AllSaints discount codes at checkout.
Barbour
Today, the 5th generation family owned business that is Barbour remains in the North East of England with its headquarters located in Simonside, South Shields. Although the brand sources products from all over the globe, some of its classic wax jackets (worn by celebrities such as Alexa Chung and Lily James) are still manufactured and repaired by hand in the Simonside factory.
Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.
Russell & Bromley
Russell & Bromley has remained synonymous with expert craftsmanship and fashion-led design since 1880. Specialising in luxury shoes and handbags for men and women, the brand continue to be the definitive choice for the well-dressed in Britain. Expect everything from the best loafers to fashion trainers, winter boots and even wedding shoes.
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TOVE
TOVE strives to curate collection after collection of elevated feminine pieces with distinctive silhouettes that transition seamlessly between occasions and seasons. The generosity in the cut of the fabric and the design detail in each piece epitomises the focus of the brand. The name TOVE originates from Denmark and stands for strength and beauty – something the label's founders Camille Perry and Holly Wright try to encapsulate.
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Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Molly Goddard
Best known for frothy tulle designs and hand-smocked taffeta dresses, Molly Goddard is a highlight of London Fashion Week every single year. A native Londoner, Molly Goddard is stocked at retailers like Net-A-Porter, Ssense and Browns (as well as her own website), and has been worn by celebrities such as Kaya Scodelario and Greta Gerwig.
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Wales Bonner
You may know Wales Bonner through its collaborations with adidas Originals, Dior or Anderson & Sheppard, but Grace Wales Bonner (the designer behind it all) has received numerous awards including Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards (2015), the LVMH Young Designer Prize (2016), Winner of the British Fashion Council/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (2019), CFDA International Men's Designer of the Year (2021) and Independent British Brand at the Fashion Awards (2022).
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ASOS
ASOS is a global retailer, but it originated in 2000 in London. Primarily aimed at young adults, the website carries over 850 brands, as well as stocking its own lines, and ships to 196 countries. The name stands for As Seen On Screen, because back in the day it exclusively sold imitations of clothing from TV and film; for example, Brad Pitt's red leather jacket from the 1999 film Fight Club. Now, it caters to a wider audience with more than 30 sizes on offer.
Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
ROKSANDA
In almost two decades since founding her label, Roksanda Ilinčić has evolved multidisciplinary and unmistakable woman-centred design aesthetic. As a woman consciously designing for women, she started ROKSANDA with a view of creating a platform to celebrate the equality of women whilst seeking to challenge the perceptions of traditional femininity. Stand out colour blocking, architectural shapes, modern, distinctive cuts, innovative use of fabrics and a dedicated focus on craftsmanship define the label's signature ready-to-wear and accessories – and we're obsessed.
JW Anderson
Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson established JW Anderson back in 2008. The brand has received several nominations from the Fashion Awards, including ‘Designer of the Year’, (2021 & 2022) and for ‘Independent British Brand of the Year’ (2022). In 2023, Jonathan was named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards, New York, and awarded with Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards, London. JW Anderson is celebrated for everything from quirky handbags to intriguing ready-to-wear items.
Richard Quinn
Richard Quinn was thrust into the spotlight when Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made a surprise appearance at his London Fashion Week show back in 2018 and presented him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. He has been praised for his use of bold colours and prints which he produces in his Peckham studio.
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Marks & Spencer
You'll have likely heard the story of how Marks & Spencer started; as a stall Kirkgate Market in Leeds in 1884. Today it carries everything from clothing and homeware to food and gifts, and is one of our favourite places to browse when it comes to new-in/new season buys.
Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Harris Reed
While still studying at Central Saint Martins, Reed caught the attention of celebrities like Harry Styles, Solange, Alessandro Michele and Ezra Miller, resulting in high-profile press and interviews, and since graduation he has continued to dress high profile VIPs in his demi-couture creations. The overall DNA of the Harris Reed brand and personal identity, is best described as Romanticism Gone Nonbinary. It puts the wearer and their fluidity – in whatever way it manifests, front and centre.
Chopova Lowena
Chopova Lowena is a London-based fashion brand that combines Bulgarian tradition with 1980s rock climbing, sportswear, and sustainability. A seemingly odd combination, but it works. The label is known for its signature skirts, which are pleated kilts made from recycled Bulgarian aprons, and quirky print combinations.
Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these Farfetch discount codes at checkout.
Ahluwalia
With London roots and Indian-Nigerian heritage, Ahluwalia explores the potential of vintage and surplus clothing by giving existing material a new life through various textile and patchwork techniques, making each of its pieces one of a kind. You'll see much of the brand's inspiration stemming from art, music and literature.
ERDEM
ERDEM has received global recognition and industry accolades including the 2010 inaugural British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Award and the 2014 BFC Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. The brand opened its flagship store in Mayfair in 2015, and in 2020 was honoured with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his contribution to the fashion industry. It is well known for its experimental textiles and intricate craftsmanship and high-profile clients such as Kate Middleton, Michelle Obama, Alexa Chung and Arizona Muse.
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Simone Rocha
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Simone Rocha graduated from the acclaimed Fashion MA at Central Saint Martin's College, London in 2008 and debuted at London Fashion Week in September 2010. From her bow-adored collections to pearl-accented accessories, she is celebrated and loved by A-listers such as Nicola Coughlan, Sarah Jessica Parker and Joey King.
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Emilia Wickstead
Established in 2008, the designer RTW label Emilia Wickstead has become the epitome of modern femininity. Known for her modern silhouettes and strong colour use, the techniques she utilises serve to create clothes that effortlessly combine traditional with contemporary with an insistence on quality and a clear point of distinction. Originally commencing as a made-to-measure atelier, Emilia’s collections are currently seasonal ready-to-wear and have been showcased at London Fashion Week since SS12.
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens (also known as Doc Martens, Docs, or DMs) began as a £2 work boot, selling primarily to Britain's working classes. It wasn't until Pete Townshend from the rock band The Who wore them as a symbol of his own working-class pride and rebellious attitude that the brand's history changed into a subcultural essential. By the end of the 1970s, the boot had become a symbol of self-expression at the very heart of British youth culture and has pretty much remained that way since.
Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these Dr Martens discount codes at checkout.
Reiss
Having started in 1971, Reiss has established a design philosophy centred on creating modern womenswear, menswear, accessories and more. With a London in-house atelier and a design team dedicated to delivering pieces that embody the legacy continuously, Reiss offers attainable luxury collections and pieces, which you can see evidence of below.
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Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
River Island
Founded in 1948 by Bernard Lewis, River Island has a presence in over 125 of worldwide markets, in stores and online. Best known for its trend-focused womenswear carrying everything from trench coats and knitwear to summer dresses and swimwear, RI also has menswear, kidswear and pet collections available.
Save when you shop for the best British fashion brands with these River Island discount codes at checkout.
Things are about to get very nostalgic.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Acting Fashion Editor Rosie Lai, follow her on Instagram @rosielai.
