Celebrate International Women’s Day with These Women-Owned brands
Women owning fashion, from Beyoncé-approved L’Enchanteur and SZA-frequented Myaemade, to the stunning Supriya Lele and whimsical By Liv Handmade
Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate women from all walks of life. While we believe such a celebration should not be subjected nor limited to one day, it is an irrefutable opportunity to express gratitude, appreciation and recognition for women of the past and present, and an exciting chance to engage in positive conversation about women’s rights.
Women in fashion continue to push the boundaries of convention, transcending pre-established standards and pave the way for the future generation of creatives to thrive in this industry. In celebration of International Women’s Day, here are a few favorite women-owned independent fashion labels.
Bonheur Jewerly
Founded by sisters Ally and Albin Mataj, Bonheur Jewelry has an array of architecturally inspired feminine pieces that offer an understated yet chic aesthetic. Interchangeable betweeen day and night wear, their designs are handcrafted in Los Angeles and New York City using reclaimed precious metals— upholding a commitment to giving it’s customers eco-friendly gold and silver.
Myaemade
Bristol-based Twenty-something-year-old Mia Joseph released her initial Myaemade designs on Depop, helming the patchwork trend with her sheer cardigans and tops. Following an ever-growing increase in demand, you can now shop Joseph’s design at myaemade.com.
niLuu
Launched last year, niLuu‘s luxurious loungewear arrives in Peta-approved vegan-silk with a variety of deep and vibrant colors. Founder, Nilufer Bracco brought her brand to life with the vision of combining her design expertise with an eco-conscious ethos while creating economic opportunities for women in her native country Turkey.
Da Wang
Chinese-born founder Daisy Wang celebrates her heritage and current New York cityscape with contemporary streetwear. Having absorbed style from both American and Chinese cultures, Wang blends traditional chinoiserie apparel with Western tailoring and trends. Da Wang‘s commitment to celebrating a modern take on traditional Chinese aesthetics arrives in colorful and sporty looks.
Gimaguas
These Spanish twin sisters have garnered a cult following with their sultry linen dresses, colorful caftans and jewelry. Each capsule collection is created in close collaboration with artisans from around the world: Laos, Mexico, Jaipur and Madagascar, just to name a few. These handcrafted and unique garments and accessories make for an affordable and ethical brand.
House of Aama
Mother daughter duo Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, are the masterminds behind House of Aama‘s inclusive and beguiling creations. Rooted in exploring and honoring the African continent and diaspora, this culturally inspired lifestyle brand creates timeless garments that are an ode and celebration of lineage.
Apparis
Longtime friends, Lauren Nouchi and Amélie Brick co-founded Apparis with a commitment to creating cruelty-free designs. What started out as a small faux-fur brand is now experiencing ever-growing popularity and recognition, extending their expertise into an array of product categories including statement-making ready-to-wear, knitwear and home. Apparis’ latest collaborative feat was with Juicy Couture, a pretty iconic stamp of approval if there ever was one. The New York-based label has just launched a new collection featuring 100% cruelty-free, vegan lineup including jackets, puffer coats and cashmere sweaters.
L’Enchanteur
L’Echanteur is the conceptual brainchild of identical twin designers, Dynasty & Soul Ogun. From jewelry and clothing, to minimalist planters, the pairs designs are manifestations of spirituality often inspired by the sciences, color theory, numerology, religion, mythologies, magic and fairy tales.
MaisonCléo
Marie Dewet’s label has cultivated a reputation for gorgeous design, and ethical focus. Beloved silk and cotton blouses stand central to MaisonCléo’s cottagecore aesthetic, spotted on everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to blogger Camille Charriere. With the brand’s primary seamstress being non another than Marie’s mother—every piece is handmade-to-order out of surplus fabrics from French Couture Houses, designers and factories.
Supriya Lele
British-Indian designer, Supriya Lele explores the distinctions and intersections of her own mixed identity through her namesake brand. Her work takes on an autobiographical form; a nuanced marriage between traditional sari-inspired drapery with contemporary nylon sportwear exists as visual representation of the tugging tension between eastern and western cultures. Avant-garde with her experimental ethos, yet delicate in shape, Lele unveils the beauty in the expression of hybridity. Her designs are sold exclusively with Farfetch.
By Liv Handmade
Vintage fabric scraps take on a new life at the hands of Liv Reinertson, a Brooklyn-based clothing designer. Liv’s pieces are handmade and often custom-crafted, ranging from frill trimmed mini-dresses and patchwork sets, to fabulous bags and zero waste pillows. By Liv Handmade’s dreamy custom work has been seen on artists ranging from Rita Ora, Adwoa Aboah and Diana Silvers. Her new collection is set to drop on her website on March 21st, and is currently available at Cafe Forgot, LoveShackfancy, Annie’s Ibiza, and Gigina Japan to name a few.
Paloma Wool
Locally made and often brought to life in co-operation with local artists, photographers and illustrators, Paloma Wool beautifully blends community values with artisanal artistry and a land and cityscape inspired aesthetic. Wool’s designs arrive in cozy sweaters, stylish sets and more, with an addictive color palette fuelling the brand’s longstanding frenzy of instagram followers.
Labeca London
Sisters, Lara and Bercis created Labeca with a vision for travel friendly, work from home appropriate, comfortable and chic pieces for everyday-wear. Easily dressed up or down, everything from their wool sets to their cashmere separates prove comfort need compromise style.
Verguenza
The Italian label made it’s debut last year, founded by 24-year-old designer Sofia Marsili. Taking a step back from fast fashion, Sofia’s designs are handcrafted in Tuscany. Sensuous silks and frisky feathers make for sleek garments, easily transformed from daywear to evening glam, Verguenza is versatile and timeless.