Lately, the British fashion scene has been having a real spotlight moment as the hottest place for cool, up-and-coming designers and labels—and rightfully so! With so much amazing young design talent and fashion’s favorite it-Brits like Alexa Chung, Cara Delevingne, and Edie Campbell wearing British labels, it’s easy to see how the British fashion scene is the coolest new kid on the block. What are the British names and brands you need to know about now? We’ve rounded up six of our favorites below, so keep reading!
1. Antipodium
Started by Ashe Peacock in 2006, the label Antipodium has been bringing its edgy dose of cool to London Fashion Week since 2010. The label is known for its fresh, youthful energy and artistic print collaborations with well-known artists and architects. Antipodium is also a favorite of the ultimate British it-girl, Alexa Chung, so you know it has major chic creds.
2. Whistles
This British fashion brand was re-launched in 2008 under CEO Jane Shepherdson and it has been a favorite of style mavens and bloggers ever since. Whistles is known for its emphasis on amazing design and lasts-you-forever quality. We love the way the brand’s edgy, minimalist pieces make a subtle but chic impact, like in this photo from their Autumn/Winter 2014 lookbook.
3. Peter Jensen
British style icons love a cheeky whimsical print. Their go-to designer? Peter Jensen. Jensen started his namesake label in 1999, and is known for his fun, colorful designs. We’re obsessed with his crewneck sweaters, sweatshirts and blouses that feature his adorable signature bunny motif.
4. Marques’Almeida
Designed by the duo of Marta Marques and Paulo Almeida, Marques’Almeida has sparked comparisons to the other fashion-crowd favorite, Helmut Lang. The brand is known for its effortless designs, edgy designs that give off the perfect British cool-girl vibe. We especially love the edged-up asymmetric pieces featured in their S/S 2015 collection.
5. House of Holland
A go-to favorite of Agyness Deyn, head designer Henry Holland is probably best known for his famous line of slogan T-shirts he put out in 2006 with hilarious slogans like “I’ll tell you who’s boss, Kate Moss.” His line, House of Holland, is equally as tongue-in-cheek and fun, with bright pops of color and prints that are a favorite of London’s trendsetters.
6. Planet London
Launched just this year (the debut fall collection was made available stateside at Lord & Taylor), this outerwear line features the sort of quintessential, classic coats that every sophisticated collegiette should own. Made with wools of the highest quality, you'll find double-breasted styles and other elegant silhouettes. We're particularly excited about the new spring collection, too—we have our eyes on the cocoon coats in pretty pastels and the asymmetrical-zip jackets.
Do you have a favorite of these British labels, collegiettes? Tell us in the comments!