International Women’s Day is finally here and to mark the occasion we’re celebrating women around the world and the progress that has been made over the years.
Did you know that only 32% of businesses in the UK are owned by women? Although this is a higher percentage than it’s ever been, it still shows gaps within gender equality and the changes that are still yet to happen.
With that being said, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate this fabulous day than championing those fashion brands owned, directed and led by strong independent women than – here’s our favourites you need to know about!
Emily Mortimer
Emily Mortimer created her brand seven years ago after being inspired in India at an ethically-run jewellery workshop, specialising in semi-precious gems and diamonds. Still sourcing her stones from India, today Emily is a powerhouse within the boutique jewellery industry.
Her gorgeous pieces are worn by many famous faces, including the Duchess of Sussex, Laura Whitmore and Vogue Williams.
Her carefully curated line is stocked in top department stores, including Fenwick and John Lewis & Partners, and, as of last year, has its first standalone store in Woodbridge, Suffolk. What started out as Emily’s dream business continues to craft luxury jewellery that will last a lifetime.
Ear cuff, £45
Earrings, £130
Necklace, £165
Topaz bangle, £250
Twist bangle, £175
Twist ring, £95
Topaz ring £165; all emilymortimer.co.uk
SUNDAYS
Founded by print and textile designer, Naomi Richards, SUNDAYS is a luxury lounge and resort wear brand that demands attention.
It’s all designed, developed and made in London by a team of highly talented women. SUNDAYS offers both style and comfort featuring bold prints, patterns and colours. The team strives to provide pieces that look as good on a beach in Greece as they feel on a long-haul flight, or even a lunch in the city.
Each collection is produced in small quantities, using certified organic cotton twill with recycled polyester buttons and woven labels. All the fabric is also printed digitally in order to minimise waste.
Shirt £145
Trousers £120; both Sundayslondon.com
Gaia Woman
The idea for swimwear line Gaia Woman came to founder Meg Lilley because she found a lack of sustainable options in the UK.
After trialling hundreds of fabric swatches to start her own brand, she finally found her winning soft Italian fabric, Carvico Vita, crafted from discarded fishing nets and landfill plastic.
The material is chlorine, UV, sun cream and oil resistant and also has muscle-fit technology so it will never lose shape when wet. Meg likes to emphasise that all women, whatever their shape, should feel confident and sexy in their bikinis.
Left to right: Bikini top’s £52, Bikini briefs’ £46, Wrap £46, Shirt, Stylists Own; all Gaia Woman
The Bias Cut
Jacynth Bassett launched her e-commerce platform The Bias Cut in 2016, the first age-inclusive online womenswear boutique.
She felt that older women like her mother were being increasingly treated as irrelevant by the fashion industry, so she decided to create her own business which celebrates females of all ages.
Jacynth continues to expand her online boutique and features 40-plus non-professional models in her fashion campaigns.
Dress Stella Nova, £219, Thebiascut.com
Blake LDN
Bridging the gap between designer and high-street knitwear is Blake LDN. Central Saint Martins graduate Alice Byrom started Blake LDN in 2012 at London Fashion Week.
The label is focused on superior quality and integrity, immersing itself into the importance of craftsmanship, from working with one of the oldest Scottish factories to the most prestigious Italian spinner.
Blake LDN is now stocked by leading online retailer Net-A-Porter, and has secured pop-up locations in Fenwick and Bluebird on London’s King’s Road.
Jumper, £125, Dress, stylist’s own, Blake-ldn.com
Kirstie Le Marque
Pals Kirstie Beecroft and Claire Le Marquand launched their jewellery line in 2017, with the aim of creating vintage styles at a more affordable price.
Their gems have been worn by Jodie Comer and even has a collaboration with Holly Willoughby’s new brand Wylde Moon.
Diamond chunky star necklace, £385
Double-sided star necklace, £275
Diamond chunky lock necklace, £465; all Kirstielemarque.com
Pink City Prints
Known as India’s Pink City, Jaipur provided the inspiration for Pink City Prints founder Molly Russell.
She had her business idea while working with craft communities there.
Each piece of clothing has been worked on by hand, whether hand-spun, printed or embroidered. An embroidered dress takes up to three days to complete.
If you’re a lover of printed pieces, cute jackets and floaty dresses, this brand is for you.
Dress, £190, pinkcityprints.com
Seraphina
Former Vogue personal assistant Fiona Hodges created modern clothing brand Seraphina in 2014 when she was captivated by the work of Indian artisans.
The colour, texture and the beauty of fabrics inspired Fiona to begin her label.
Each piece is crafted from the finest Indian natural fabrics, including cottons and silks, with prints designed in-house.
Fiona is still inspired by the vibrancy and colours of India and captures that essence in each collection. We think her dresses are to die for!
Children’s dress, £55
Matching women’s dress, £295; both Seraphinalondon.com
Orelia
Chain Friends Collette Flood and Louisa Hirst, both buyers in the industry, started Orelia after finding themselves inspired while on a trip to Delhi.
They wanted to create beautiful, good quality and affordable jewellery, and they did just that.
The brand has been going for 14 years now and we can guarantee there’s a gem for everyone on their extensive website.
Chunky Chain Pearl Drop Earrings, £30
Pearl Asymmetric Necklace, £35
Pearl Drop Earrings, £30
Pearl Asymmetric Necklace, £35; all orelia.co.uk
Never Fully Dressed
Founder Lucy Aylen started sewing and customising samples to sell at London’s Portobello and Spitalfields markets.
Five years later she opened her first store in her home town, Buckhurst Hill in Essex, and has expanded ever since.
Expect to see bright printed co-ords and dresses – perfect for making an entrance.
Dress, £89, neverfullydressed.co.uk
One Essentials
Launched by Carrie Davies, One Essentials is all about creating inclusive, stylish T-shirts, sweatshirts and underwear that reinvent the everyday wardrobe in a sustainable way.
The clothes are manufactured for maximum utility, minimal waste and the least possible harm to the environment, with each piece designed to last. What’s not to love?
Prices from £19, onee.earth
LRM Goods
Libby Robinson and Rachel McCoubrie, founders of LRM, had the idea of personalising leather goods for a reasonable price back in 2017.
Seven years on, they have a team of ladies in Guildford creating stylish personalised gifts. We’re obsessed.
The Beverly Cross Body Bag, £70, Lrmgoods.co.uk
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