Despite the rise of cheap fashion, consumers have become more discerning when it comes to product quality – looking at where and how things are made. Even in the wake of the credit crunch, people want to buy products that are unique. Here we examine five "sleeping beauties" of the fashion and design worlds, vintage names that are due for a revival.
Delvaux
Despite being the world's oldest fine leather luxury goods company, founded in 1829 and patronised by the Belgian royal family, not many have heard of Delvaux. Their designs are simple and beautiful, often compared with Hermes. The company recently appointed Veronique Branquinho as artistic director, to freshen up their image, while the Belgian model Hannelore Knuts has collaborated on a selection of handbags.
Heschung
A former ski boot maker, Heschung has a strong presence in France but is relatively unknown elsewhere. Initially designed for skiing, hunting, and hiking, Heschung have developed a more cosmopolitan style while keeping their sense of tradition. Each pair of shoes is handmade and requires three to four weeks of production time. The focus on natural materials creates an authentic feel, while the designs are sober and clean, offering a combination of elegance and attitude.
Cacharel
The French fashion house Cacharel is known for its contemporary sportswear and perfume lines but has suffered an identity crisis in recent times after going through multiple creative directors. The head of womenswear, Cedric Charlier, appears to have succeeded in turning things around, creating collections full of youth, poetry and authenticity, whilst maintaining the brand's sense of heritage.
Lee
Lee, which was founded in 1889 in Kansas, missed the last boom for designer jeans but their persistence seems to have finally paid off. In the 1970s Lee shifted its focus from workwear to fashion but struggled to escape its middle America reputation until Terry Richardson's provocative advertising campaign helped put the company back on the map. The transition from work overalls to skinny jeans hasn't been pretty but Lee is finally there.
Iittala
Iittala could be the homeware accessories company of choice but is rarely appreciated outside its home of Finland. Iittala's products aim to reflect modern Scandinavian design and are widely recognised for their style and quality. From glassware to candle holders, items are created to achieve long-lasting, everyday use – at the core of their philosophy is an aversion to the modern cult of "throw away-ism". Responsible for interior design classics such as Oiva Toikka's mouth-blown glass birds, Iittala is deserving of international recognition.
