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September 23, 2021 at 07:00AM

Despite the pervading uncertainty, it feels as though 2020 and 2021 were the years of the small brand. Of course, that is not to diminish the struggles that independent brands have faced (and still face) through the pandemic, but as the parameters of our lives shrunk, our fascination for small-scale production only grew. Whether it’s due to concern for the environment or purely a fear that independent businesses would fail without our support, platforms such as Etsy and Instagram gave us a chance to discover new names like never before. 

As a team, we’re passionate about championing small brands, and like intrepid explorers, we’ve spent many an evening wading through the internet to hunt down those unknown labels. When you stumble across a gem, there’s nothing quite like it. It also helps that big-name e-commerce sites like Net-a-Porter are becoming so much better at celebrating up-and-coming talent. More than ever, it’s so easy to support small brands in a big way.

In celebration of all things small but mighty, I asked some of our editors to tell me the brands that they’re championing this season. From Musier Paris’s vintage-inspired charm to Tove’s elegant minimalism, scroll down to see our edit.

I have always loved how Musier Paris manages to tread the line between timeless minimalism and vintage-inspired cool (essentially how my wardrobe is divided), and its latest drop is packed full of lust-worthy designs that I can’t stop thinking about.

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Since its inception in 2018, it’s fair to say that I’ve loved pretty much everything that La Veste has created. As it’s colourful, feel-good, and quirky in a world of copycat Insta ensembles, I’ve been in awe of the brand’s use of colour and print.

I first spotted Cawley Studio on Instagram and was instantly won over by its homely yet impactful designs. Offering up two collections a year, each piece is individually hand-cut and made in London from all-natural materials—mostly cotton and linens with the addition of wool and sheepskin in the colder seasons. 

With its innovative take on upcycling old knitwear, I couldn’t not include Mad Brown Knitwear in my small brands round-up. Using colourful threads to give new life to old cable knits, it’s no surprise that the drops sell out super quick, so keep your eyes peels for the latest drops. The brand also does bespoke  commissions if you want to create something truly unique.

This is one of my favourite brands for dainty, fine jewellery. I got a Lily & Roo pearl necklace this summer and have worn it every day since. The collections are full of pieces you’ll never want to take off.

Already championed by some of the chicest women on Instagram (Monikh and Lucy Williams included), Tove is the up-and-coming brand that is big news this year. Its signature pleated dress is at the top of my wish list and will be a worthy investment.

I love discovering brands that have prioritised sustainability as a part of their ethos from the very beginning. Monika the Label manufactures all of its products right here in London and works with eco-friendly fabrics like Regenesis Light Satin, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Known for its use of sustainable materials and championing of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, Rave Review creates the most amazing patchwork, picnic rug–style designs. I’m particularly obsessed with the brand’s statement-making checked dresses.

Combining classic silhouettes with unusual fabrics and prints, Aje has all the makings of a true fashion classic. I instantly fell for the brand’s hand-dyed linen dress this year. 

If you’re looking for basics with a design-led twist, I can’t recommend Lvir enough. I have my eye on the beige bodysuit, which will layer so nicely under both jeans and dresses.

Up Next: Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know

Author Joy Montgomery | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC