Yahoo Finance 6 female-owned UK fashion brands to have on your radar
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6 female-owned UK fashion brands to have on your radar
To celebrate International Women's Day, we're shining a spotlight on female-owned fashion brands across the UK. There's a new generation of female designers doing it for themselves, creating some of the industry's most exciting labels and we've asked them for the 411 on their labels.
So, whether you're looking for something fresh to add to your wardrobe, or are simply keen to hear about a handful of style trailblazers, read on.
Cosmopolitan UK/Conor Clinch - 2/7
1) Sarah O Robinson
Who: Sarah Robinson, 24, Lytham St.Anne’s
What inspired you to start your own brand? After studying fashion design at university, starting my own brand was always a goal of mine but something I thought would happen in the future. It was only when the Coronavirus pandemic hit and the design job I was meant to start got pulled that I realised I was waiting for 'the right time' to start my own brand but really there is never a 'right time'. Sometimes you’ve got to bite the bullet, take the plunge and go for it. That's what I did and haven’t looked back since.
Describe your label in 3 words: Sustainable, versatile and chic.
What is one of the biggest highlights of your business so far? Starting my brand from my kitchen table and working from there for 11 out of the 12 months my label has been running is up there. Also, being recognised and worn by the likes of singer, rapper Stefflon Don and Pussycat Dolls' Ashley Roberts are definite highlights which surpassed my expectations, especially so early on in my career.
What’s your advice to other women looking to start their own label? Always believe you can achieve. If you have a goal and work hard you will get there - it will most likely be a bumpy ride, there will be highs and lows but being strong enough to push through and keep a positive mindset means the rewards are so worth it. Just remember there is never a ‘right time’ and if you are waiting for that you will be waiting forever.
Cosmopolitan UK/Conor Clinch - 3/7
2) Mimi Wade
Who: Mimi Xenia Tallulah Wade, 28, Gloucestershire/Santa Margherita Ligure
What inspired you to start your own brand? It happened quite naturally, after graduating from Central Saint Martins I was picked up by Fashion East (a sponsorship/mentoring program for fledgeling brands) and The Lobby, my wonderful PR team. They gave me a wonderful platform which spurred me on and gave me a lot of confidence. I’m so lucky to be able to carry on doing what I love every day.
Describe your label in 3 words: Kitsch, arty, sexy.
What is one of the biggest highlights of your business so far? I’ll never get over Pamela Anderson wearing one of my slip dresses in Playboy by Ellen Von Unwerth. That was huge for me, Pamela Anderson has always been my idol.
What’s your advice to other women looking to start their own label? Work very hard but remember to look after yourself. Focus on what your strengths are and play to that. Be authentic and true to yourself, it will make you stand out. Offer your unique perspective, create a world people want to exist in.
Cosmopolitan UK/Conor Clinch - 4/7
3) Nii HAi
Who: Rosie Williams, 24, from Palma de Mallorca (Spain)
What inspired you to start your own brand? The desire to have the freedom to make my own decisions
Describe your label in 3 words: Innovative, functional, uncompromising.
What is one of the biggest highlights of your business so far? Big achievements, like Dua Lipa wearing our clothes or our collection launching on ASOS, have been exciting. However, for me personally, it was our December Initiative that really gave me a sense of fulfilment. This allowed us to support and help promote small brands and charities. A highlight being the photosynthetic garments we created alongside PCL, as this is the kind of innovation that really embodies what Nii HAi is all about.
What’s your advice to other women looking to start their own label? Stick to your guns and trust your gut. Educate yourself - be curious and ask questions. Don’t rush but be consistent.
Cosmopolitan UK/Conor Clinch - 5/7
4) Sinead Gorey
Who: Sinead Gorey, 24, Bromley
What inspired you to start your own brand? Partly, I felt that there wasn’t a brand that represented me and my friends' interests, but mainly, I never wanted a boss or a 9-5 (although my job now is more 9-9).
Describe your label in 3 words: Rebellious, sexy and nostalgic.
What is one of the biggest highlights of your business so far? Being asked by the British Fashion Council to present my graduate collection at London Fashion Week.
What’s your advice to other women looking to start their own label? Put in the graft!
Cosmopolitan UK/Conor Clinch - 6/7
5) Masha Popova
Who: Masha Popova, (age is a trade secret), from Odessa (Ukraine)
What inspired you to start your own brand? A new strong generation of inspiring female designers.
Describe your label in 3 words: Irreverent, bold, sexy.
What is one of the biggest highlights of your business so far? To hear that artists I love (such as Zara Larsson, and Lisa and Rose of BlackPink) are also fans of my work and wear my clothes.
What’s your advice to other women looking to start their own label? Stay true to yourself, explore and declare a fresh feminine perspective. Don’t compare yourself.
Cosmopolitan UK/Conor Clinch - 7/7
6) Miscreants London
Who: Lily Hand, 28, Essex
What inspired you to start your own brand? I had just returned from a trip to Los Angeles a few months prior to launching Miscreants. When I came home I found that things were slow-moving for me here (I live in a very rural part of Essex in the countryside). I missed the hustle and bustle of LA and at the time I really needed something to focus on and put my energy into. Going out in LA, from West Hollywood to Venice and Beverly Hills, I was inspired by the diverse characters I was surrounded by. I could completely be myself to the truest extent and dress how I really wanted to – no matter how eccentric. I loved that freedom and started to build a collection around it.
Describe your label in 3 words: Feminine, elegant, playful.
What is one of the biggest highlights of your business so far? I designed a custom look for Lizzo for The Grammys after-party. The photos still give me goosebumps.
What’s your advice to other women looking to start their own label? Be true to yourself and your style. Don’t create something you think people want, create exactly what you think needs to be out there, persevere with it and believe in it.
Stylist: Natalie Michaelides
Photographer: Conor Clinch
Model: Clementine Chalfant at Anti Agency
Hair: Asahi Sano at Caren
Make-up & nails: Megumi Matsuno
Photographer's assistant: Guy Gunstone
Stylist's assistant: Emily-Elizabeth Clarke
Canine model: Toffee at Urban Paws
Cosmopolitan UK/Conor Clinch
Celebrity fans include Dua Lipa and Lizzo.
