1. Ami Paris
At last, très cool menswear brand Ami Paris has launched “menswear for women” within its AW18 collection. Known for its smiley logos and bright branded sweatshirts that have always attracted the girls, it has brought out boyfriend-style tailored trousers and sharp-shouldered coats specifically for women. For now it’s only available at Ami’s Left-Bank store. (amiparis.com)
2. Arket
The most recent fashion chain from the H&M group launched in the UK a year ago and has just opened a fifth store in Liverpool. It’s a godsend for high-quality Scandi style at a reasonable price. This season we like the navy wide-cut corduroy trousers (£79) and fluffy alpaca camel coat (£250). (arket.com)
3. Realisation Par
Can a label with more than 400,000 followers on Instagram really be under the radar? Yes, if you’re not an Instagram devotee. One of the fashion successes of the past year, this Australian brand does a flirty line in French-style slip skirts and dresses – all loved by influencers. Prices are in US dollars, import taxes are not included and shipping costs around £12. (realisationpar.com)
4. Kitri
Designer Haeni Kim delivers affordable doses of what’s-hot-right-now in limited weekly drops. Her distinctive, trend-led designs are often in vivid colours. Dresses seem to sell out particularly quickly. This month’s tan vegan leather Jacqueline dress (£165) already has a waiting list. (kitristudio.com)
5. & Daughter
Support industry in the British Isles by buying this super-chic knitwear brand designed by Londoner Buffy Reid and made at age-old factories in Ireland and Scotland. Its strong A/W collection includes a stripe-sleeved Aran (£285), chunky rib knit (£385) and black tartan cashmere (£325). (and-daughter.com)
6. Find
It launched last year but so discreetly is it displayed in the general mix that you wouldn’t know that Find is Amazon’s first fashion own brand. Expect trend-following, street style “finds” at low prices – with T-shirts from £10 – from the retailer that made the world go faster. (amazon.co.uk/find)
7. Lilian Von Trapp
Made from 100% certified recycled gold sourced in Germany from old jewellery and electronics, Lilian Von Trapp’s pieces are elegant and minimalist. Simple stud earrings start at approximately £130, while the statement triple hoops in yellow, white and rose 14ct gold are £1,100. Delivery is free for the EU – so go get them while you still can! (lilianvontrapp.com)
8. Eve Denim
Designer Adelaide Bourbon was born in France and raised in the United States. Her vintage-inspired denim reflects her dual heritage: imagine the jeans that Jane Birkin would wear on a trip to the West Coast. Or, as Bourbon describes them, “Chic enough to wear in Paris, rugged enough to run around and get things done in.” Starting at around £300, this is premium denim and no mistake. It is now available to buy in this country at matchesfashion.com, brownsfashion.com and, from next month, net-a-porter.com. (evedenim.com)
9. Ferian
Leonie Branston launched her bag label in 2016 with the mission to create high-quality leather accessories made in the UK and to support our native craftspeople. Teamed with a simple, chic aesthetic – broad envelope styles with minimal hardware – these are the kind of understated bags that last a lifetime and only get better with age. From £585. (ferian.co.uk)
10. Aeyde
Its sunny python pump (pictured) would slide quite easily into a wardrobe that aspired to be a little bit Céline – but at half the price of the designer labels. The company is based in Berlin, and all the products are made in family-owned factories in Italy’s Marche region. Prices are in euros. (aeyde.com)
11. Ninety Percent
Started by fashion industry stalwarts who wanted to give back, Ninety Percent does exactly that: reinvesting 90% of its profits in charitable organisations. The clothes themselves – mostly casual designs in quality jersey – feel high-end and look chic. It’s a do-good, feel-stylish way in which to build a capsule wardrobe. From £25 for a cotton cami. (ninetypercent.com)
12. YSE Lingerie
There is something wonderful about getting your lingerie from Paris, and YSE’s modern take gives you all the ooh-la-la that French underwear (and swimwear) is famous for, with great online service, too. There is a bricks-and-mortar store in the French capital, but it’s very easy to shop from Britain, by using the English version of the website. (Lace bras cost from about £50, with knickers from £30.) Delivery to the UK takes just a few days. (yse-lingerie.com/fr)
13. Raey
Beloved of fashion editors who like to work a looser look, matchesfashion.com’s own brand oozes cool. It features wide cuts, slouchy cashmere and oversized, mannish trousers, as well as great denim for around £145, and laidback, sexy silk dresses for women who want to look well dressed but not dolled up. (matchesfashion.com/raey)
14. Giuliva Heritage
If they ever do a female remake of The Godfather, the cast should be dressed in Giuliva. The luxury Italian label inspired by Italian menswear tailoring and craft boasts gorgeous coats (from £1,400) and tailored trousers of the kind of old-fashioned quality that you would more likely unearth in an exclusive vintage store in Rome. These are pieces for life. They are available this season at matchesfashion.com and netaporter.com. (giulivaheritagecollection.com)
15. Rains
Fact: life is approximately 100% improved when you have a properly waterproof jacket. This Danish brand (which has a store in Islington, north London) does excellent wet-weather outerwear in an array of vibrant colours, mostly for less than £100. New for September are the glossy styles that they have done exclusively for Net-a-Porter, and available at that site. (rains.com)
