May 17, 2024
When you think of Britain, your mind may land in one of two places: freshly brewed tea in china cups made for pinky-pointing, or Harry Potter. While we don’t disagree, Britain is so much more than high tea and fantasy fiction—take it from this UK editor (queue “God Save Our Queen”). We have art, culture, fish and chips, and most importantly, style, thanks to the British fashion brands at the forefront of the design world.
Open your closet and we’re certain you’ll find one of these three items: an Oxford shirt, Chelsea boots, or a trench coat. All of which are the brainchildren of a British designer. Instead of waiting for the next trending piece to land stateside, it's only right to lead you to the source.
From Burberry, which is responsible for staples like the gabardine trench coat, to Mulberry, which defined the aughts with its Alexa Chung-inspired It-bag, find the fashion houses (old and new) setting the style agenda while flying the British flag.
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Vivienne Westwood
You can’t write a piece about British clothing brands without mentioning Vivienne Westwood. When she started her design career in the early ’60s, Westwood’s focus was largely on costume jewelry. After opening a store with her partner (and Sex Pistols manager) Malcolm McLaren, Westwood decided to try her hand at clothes. Inspired by the Punk Movement, her garments were a sign of the times; a reflection of her own values. Loosely knitted mohair sweaters, slashed t-shirts, and spray-painted trousers hung proudly in the couple’s shop which quickly became a hub for members of the punk scene.
After the movement ended, Westwood still had an urge to create clothes as a reflection of the world around her. Since then, her ready-to-wear collections have worked as a constant commentary, touching on facets like climate change and capitalism, all tied together by the signature Westwood orb that she created while on holiday in Italy in the ‘80s. Though evolved, if you look closely, you can still see hints of her punk aesthetic in the form of combat boots and tartan accents.
Dame Vivienne Westwood passed away in December 2022, but her emblematic rock-rebel style will live on for generations to come.
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Victoria Beckham
An easy way to spice up your life (sorry, we had to) is by enlisting some Victoria Beckham-approved cladding in your wardrobe. The former Spice Girl-turned-designer has taken the fashion world by storm with her eponymous brand, focusing on new-age minimalism for the modern woman. Starting in 2008 with a collection of fitted dresses, Beckham’s design touch has grown into romantic floral blouses, durable denim, and androgynous tailoring that you can wear from morning to night with minimal fuss.
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House of Sunny
If you want a British clothing brand that will make you look good and feel and good, then stop your search at House of Sunny. Known for its ’70s patterns and colorful palette, the East London-based brand has caught the attention of shoppers on Instagram and TikTok for its refreshing product line. Last summer, Kendall Jenner sported the brand's bestselling Hockney Dress—an endorsement that caused the dress to fly off shelves four times.
Celebrity recognition aside, the brand’s success is anchored in not just aesthetics, but also its eco-conscious values. Only producing two collections a year and working on a “shop-it-before-we-drop-it” basis, House of Sunny aims to minimize its production of wasted materials with its retro-inspired garments.
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JW Anderson
Once the underdog, Jonathan Anderson is now one of the frontrunners of high-end fashion with his namesake brand JW Anderson. He first launched it in 2008 with menswear, eventually expanding to include womenswear two years later. The Irish-born designer has set himself apart from his contemporaries with his penchant for deconstructed tailoring and vibrant printing.
Thought a patron of quiet individualism, Anderson understands commerciality (an attribute that gained him a position as creative director of Loewe and financial backing from Bernard Arnault). His Chain-Embellished Leather Mules were the must-have quarantine shoe, and continue to crop up on our Instagram feeds today. What’s clear: this is Anderson’s world and we’re just living in it.
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Burberry
At the top of our list is Burberry. Founded in 1859 by a young draper called Thomas Burberry, the clothing brand quickly became popular for its functional, classic designs. The most prominent example of this is the trench coat. Created using a showerproof material called gabardine, the long-line, double-breasted top layer became popular in WW1 for its polished and pragmatic fusion. Queen Elizabeth II even gave her stamp approval when awarding Burberry a Royal Warrant as recognition for the brand’s services.
Though today, the British clothing brand still nods to its heritage of check patterns and classic outerwear, it shows a willingness to move with the times by using contemporary materials such as denim and leather. Burberry is also expanding its product offerings—see its new cult-favorite Olympia Bags.
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Erdem
Want to escape into the English woods? Look no further than Erdem. Founded in 2005 by designer Erdem Moralioglu, the British clothing brand has established itself as a key player in luxury, thanks to its fantastical collections. Each season, Erdem creates a different narrative through the medium of free-flowing dresses, opulent accessories, and distinctive patterns, which work together to depict a heroic muse that is both unafraid of the world and one with it.
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Self-Portrait
At only seven years old, Self-Portrait has skyrocketed to the top of our Instagram feeds and wishlists—and rightly so. Appealing to everyone from Meghan Markle to brand ambassador and Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor, the label has set itself apart from its competitors due to its affordable price point and recognizable aesthetic. The label is best-known for its bow-detailing and floral motifs, which work as a romantic addition to both your evening and daytime attire.
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Stella McCartney
After graduating from Central Saint Martins and having commercial success when she was the creative director of Chloé, British designer Stella McCartney decided to launch her own brand. A lifelong vegetarian, McCartney’s collections are defined by cruelty-free construction and on-trend appeal—just look at the label’s ’70-inspired platform. The introduction of the vegan Falabella bag in 2008 proved that accessories can be fashion-forward and animal-friendly, and has encouraged other designers such as Nanushka to follow suit. All in all, McCartney is constantly raising the bar for contemporary fashion.
9/9
Whistles
Founded in 1976, Whistles has become the go-to shopping destination for women who want a wardrobe that has true seven-days-a-week appeal, yet will set them apart from their contemporaries. Offering everything from sequined blazers suitable for holiday parties to striped tops for everyday wear, there’s a reason why women keep coming back to this classic British fashion brand.
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