When we hear the word designer, there's something of an automatic expectation that the price point will be so eye watering you'll have no choice but to start flogging your organs on the black market in order to secure a piece.
But we are very pleased to say that this will not be necessary (do leave your organs where they are), as there are some killer labels out there offering show-stopping, ultra-wearable pieces for vastly more moderate price points than their top-end counterparts.
While owning something designed by a luxury brand can feel like possessing a piece of fashion history, it's not something that's realistic for all of us (but don't sleep on vintage offerings). But on the other end of the scale, fast fashion has been proved time and time again to be so incredibly damaging to the planet.
However, fashion fans are getting savvier, and many are looking to top up their wardrobes with carefully crafted pieces from chic, mid-priced market disruptors.
How we chose:
- Style: Obviously, style is imperative. While each of our chosen brands have their own individual aesthetics, they are united by the fact that their pieces are adored by fashion editors and It-girls alike. Some celebrate a loosely vintage outlook - Rixo and Needle & Thread are both great choices for retro-feel evening wear - whereas the likes of Rouje and Réalisation Par excel in chic, cool-girl cuts.
- Quality: Designers, stylists, technicians and skilled garment construction workers are at the heart of these labels. While they can't offer you bespoke couture, the creatives who lead these brands opt for quality fabrics and specialise in attention to detail.
- Price: Costing more than the usual high street labels but less than the top luxury houses, these brands represent something of a much-needed middle ground.
Hello! Fashion shares the affordable designer brands that fashion editors love:
Best for coquettish romance: LoveShackFancy
Founded by esteemed stylist Rebecca Hessel Cohen, LoveShackFancy is all about über-feminine, romantic vibes. It practically spearheaded the Cottagecore mania that did the rounds on TikTok. Renowned for bucolic florals and pretty ruffles, look no further if you're wanting to serve Little House on the Prairie with a healthy dose of saccharine spirit.
Best for cool-girl vibes: Ganni
Scandi label Ganni has amassed a cult following for excellent reason. With husband-and-wife duo Nicolaj Reffstrup and Ditte Reffstrup at its helm, the brand has certain instantly recognisable design signatures - flattering ruching, tiered shapes, statement collars and the like. But it also pays heed to the latest trends, reflected in its well-considered limited-edition collaborations with other major industry players.
Best for luxe accessories: Anine Bing
Los Angeles-based Anine Bing excels in investment pieces that are built to last – its collections are essentially the devout minimalist's idea of heaven. The label is adored for its cool-girl blazers, staple tanks and oversized sporty sweatshirts (very Princess Diana). But its accessory collection is equally well thought out.
Best for wedding Copenhagen cool: Rotate
It's no word of a lie reader, that that this writer owns 12 Rotate dresses because she simply can't get enough of their 80s silhouettes and high-octane pieces that you can wear everyday. Founded by influencers and stylists Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimarsdottir, the pair wanted to plug the gaps in their wardrobe by designing their own dream pieces. The plan worked a treat and the brand counts Emily in Paris among its fans
Best for minimalist staples: Tove
Founded in 2019, Tove is still a relative newcomer to the fashion landscape, and yet it had made a serious splash among those who favour crisp lines and understated concepts. The brainchild of Camille Perry and Holly Wright has won over capsule wardrobe devotees and its runway shows make a serious splash on the London Fashion Week calendar.
Best for party glam: Self-Portrait
Meghan Markle created some serious buzz around Hang Chong's mid-priced London label when she wore a piece by Self-Portrait on her first royal tour. The brand's lace creations will go down in fashion history, but these days we're lusting after the London-based label's highly covetable accessories – ideal for wedding season. "From the start I wanted to create a brand that is really inclusive, so price point was always a big part of it," Hang told The Guardian. "I design for people to wear, not just for my own creative desire."
Best for vintage romance: Needle & Thread
Founded by Hannah Coffin in 2013, Needle & Thread is perfect if you're on the hunt for a proper fairytale moment. Look no further than its exquisite selection of pretty evening wear, inspired by "classic English gardens, vintage textiles, delicate florals and antique prints". Expect romantic ruffles, calculated embellishment, botanical appliqué and lots of attention.
Best for chic workwear: Veronica Beard
With a sister-in-law design duo at its helm, Veronica Beard is widely heralded for its beautifully tailored Dickey jackets – perfect for stepping your workwear game up a notch. Painstakingly sculpted to flatter, its hero style, often completed with gilded statement buttons, presents an excellent affordable alternative to those by Balmain.
Best for bold prints: Rixo
You'd be hard pressed to find a Rixo dress that we didn't adore. With best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey at its core, the brand excels in elevating vintage-esque prints with its uber-flattering silhouettes. We're equally besotted with its extremely covetable accessory selection - think chic skinny scarves and versatile gold coin belts - but its print designs are its true heroes.
Best for timeless silhouettes: Musier Paris
Masterminded by Anne-Laure Mais, Musier Paris is all about flattering shapes that endure well into next season and beyond. "Each piece has been designed to be worn and re-worn without getting tired or outdated," the brand writes. "We believe that it is important today not to encourage over-consumption, which is why we offer small collections and quality pieces that will follow you through the years." One quick glance at Musier's new-in section is enough to leave us anguished with longing for days. We want everything.
Best for heavenly dresses: Réalisation Par
Simply put, for us mere mortals, Réalisation Par dresses are our best shot at looking divine. Founded by Alexandra Spencer and Teale Talbot, the brand focuses on delivering stylish individual pieces rather than traditional seasonal collections. Aiming to deliver the "special items" the founders felt their own wardrobes lacked, the label is all about flattering cuts and well-thought-out ditsy prints.
Best for super wearable accessories: Rouje
Created by Parisian chic poster girl Jeanne Damas, Rouje is steeped in French-girl flair. Think clever cuts, luxe-looking fabrics and enduring appeal. Its prints have much in common with the aforementioned Réalisation Par, but its versatile accessories are next-level if you're in the market for minimalist sandals, chic scarves and easy-breezy bag silhouettes.
Why you should trust me:
Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.
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