Cool brands that will have people asking “Where did you get that?”
Is there a compliment more valuable to a fashion girl than being asked, “Where did you get that?” Seeing other cool girls recognise your impeccable taste and low-key shopping addiction is invaluable. Since sharing is caring, there’s nothing like discussing cool brands with like-minded people.
But what makes a brand cool? In an era where, thanks to social media, fashion trends rise, more often than not, from the bottom up rather than being imposed by the Olympus of celebrities, there are more ways to be cool than one can count.
“It” brands and “it” pieces go viral all the time, making it hard to keep up. A few labels, though, seem to consistently pop up during “what are cool girls wearing today” conversations. These brands, albeit different from each other, all have that je ne sais quoi that makes others, without fail, go, “Wait, where did you get that?”. Here are our favourite nine.
Launched in 2009 by Yael Aflalo, Reformation is known both for its perfect basics and snazzy occasionwear. The brand’s mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone has earned them a “Good” rating on the sustainability platform good on you. They pledge to become Climate Positive within 2025 and to achieve full circularity by 2030. And not only that, Reformation boasts Olivia Rodrigo, Emily Ratajkowski, and Taylor Swift as its biggest fans.
Reformation
Wiley boat-neck top - Brown
£78.00
FARFETCH
Reformation
Zoe midi skirt - Black
£158.00
FARFETCH
Reformation
Jeany satin-finish silk dress - Blue
£348.00
FARFETCH
Reformation
Florie Twist sweater - Neutrals Beige
£243.00
FARFETCH
-15%
Reformation
Prescott dress - Blue
£213.00
£250.00
FARFETCH
2. Ganni
Ganni, the ultimate Scandi brand, began as a cashmere seller in 2000 before becoming iconic in the 2010s for its bold and unique designs.
Their price point is another huge perk of Ganni: while the brand is considered luxury, most, if not all, of their pieces sit below $/£1,200.
The phenomenon of the #GanniGirls has also helped the brand’s meteoric rise, and its celeb endorsements boast the likes of Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, and Bella Hadid.
Passionate about sustainability and transparency, Ganni has been a B-Corp since 2022.
Ganni
Green Canvas Cap
£90.00
GANNI
-50%
Ganni
Leopard-print ruffled chiffon maxi skirt Brown
£122.00
£245.00
Mytheresa
Ganni
Burgundy Red Small Bou Bag
£375.00
GANNI
-40%
Ganni
Black Small Bucky Crossbody Bag
£171.00
£285.00
GANNI
Ganni
Grey Light Small Bou Bag
£375.00
GANNI
-40%
Ganni
Black Medium Hobo Bag
£315.00
£525.00
GANNI
-50%
Ganni
Mixed Leopard Cotton Poplin V-neck Maxi Dress - Size 32 Organic
£117.50
£235.00
GANNI
3. Staud
When it comes to fashion, STAUD believes accessible pricing should go hand in hand with empowering designs. Founded by Jenner-bestie Sarah Staudinger in 2015, STAUD’s collection details the pursuit of style without breaking the bank.
The brand is well-known for its aesthetic which marries vintage inspirations with modern sensibilities and a strong Californian flair. STAUD’s pieces—like their beloved mid-range line of handbags—are meant to be worn again and again.
STAUD boasts a cohort of A-list fans, including the Duchess of Sussex herself. Meghan Markle stunned at the 2024 ESPY Awards this past July, wearing a cowl-neck, backless gown from the Californian brand.
-15%
Staud
Moon small leather shoulder bag - Brown
£280.00
£328.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Staud
Sheila belted midi dress Beige
£231.00
£330.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Staud
Millie maxi dress Blue
£287.00
£410.00
Mytheresa
Staud
Raft Linen Blend Mini Dress Size XS Yellow
£150.00
HEWI
Staud
Palm leather-trimmed raffia top-handle bag Beige
£335.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Staud
Wells cotton midi dress Blue
£171.00
£285.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Staud
Pleated ponte and grosgrain maxi dress Red
£237.00
£475.00
Mytheresa
-60%
Staud
Harrington chino and poplin maxi dress Blue
£174.00
£435.00
Mytheresa
4. A.P.C.
Authentic and affordable in terms of style, cost, and philosophy, A.P.C. is a French label founded by Jean Touitou in 1987.
Minimalism and timelessness are core pillars of Touitou’s vision for the brand. Originally known for its iconic raw denim classic jeans, A.P.C. today boasts a whole line of clothes and accessories for both men and women.
A.P.C. provides minimal and casual looks, perfect for everyday life.
-12%
A.P.C.
Grace Small Bag - female - A.P.C. - Shoulder Bags - Black - ONE SIZE - Bags
£516.50
£584.00
Miinto
-50%
A.P.C.
Aubrey floral linen-blend blouse Red
£118.00
£236.00
Mytheresa
-10%
A.P.C.
Demi Lune cross body bag - Black
£315.00
FARFETCH
-45%
-7%
A.P.C.
Ninon Bag - female - A.P.C. - Cross Body Bags - Black - ONE SIZE - Bags
£242.50
£261.00
Miinto
-7%
A.P.C.
Ninon Mini Shoulder Bag - female - A.P.C. - Cross Body Bags - Black - ONE SIZE - Bags
£217.50
£234.00
Miinto
-24%
A.P.C.
VPC T-Shirt - female - A.P.C. - T-Shirts - White - S - Tops
£70.50
£93.00
Miinto
Founded in Indonesia in 2014, Faithfull The Brand is all about quality and authenticity. Co-founders Sarah-Jane Abrahams and Helle Them-Enger collaborate with their community in Bali to handcraft garments that evoke a sense of summer.
Thanks to their community-based efforts and commitment to considered and certified materials, Faithfull received B-Corp status in 2021.
Even Kate Middleton has been a fan of the brand since 2020!
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Striped cotton poplin shirt Orange
£112.00
£160.00
Mytheresa
Faithfull The Brand
Petro polka-dot strapless linen top Brown
£190.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Ambra linen minidress Yellow
£161.00
£230.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Faithfull The Brand
Aloisa linen minidress Brown
£176.00
£220.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Faithfull The Brand
Jane linen vest Brown
£135.00
£225.00
Mytheresa
Sea New York was founded by childhood friends Sean Monahan and Monica Paolini, who created the brand by bringing together their seemingly opposed styles: Monahan’s taste for modern, clean lines and Paolini’s eye for vintage pieces.
Lace, embroidery, knits, and technical fabrics can be found throughout Sea’s collection, always used in purposeful and distinctive manners. Their collections are inviting and elegant, romantic and boyish at the same time.
Sea New York
White Guipure Mini Dress Size XS
£90.00
HEWI
Sea New York
Ruffled Sage Green Midi Dress Size S
£105.40
HEWI
Sea New York
puff-sleeve V-neck midi dress - Pink
£264.00
FARFETCH
Sea New York
Crochet Tassel Top Size XS White
£145.00
HEWI
Sea New York
Gianna blouse - Black
£391.00
FARFETCH
Sea New York
Lace White Top Size XS
£105.00
HEWI
Sea New York
Roanna floral-print midi dress - Neutrals
£441.00
FARFETCH
7. Collina Strada
Directly translating to “hill road” in Italian, Collina Strada is all about the journey. Collina is more than a brand; it is a self-contained cosmos that intertwines sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity.
Known for their bold, clashing prints and kooky aesthetic, Collina Strada boasts a number of high street collaborations: Melissa, Desigual, UGG, and BAGGU to name a few.
The brand’s founder, Hillary Taymour, defines Collina as conscious and ethical, and her practice puts inclusivity and care at the forefront.
-50%
Collina Strada
V-neck Logo T-shirt - female - Collina Strada - T-Shirts - Pink - S - Tops
£131.50
£262.00
Miinto
-73%
Collina Strada
graphic-print cotton sweatshirt - Blue
£82.00
£303.00
FARFETCH
-73%
Collina Strada
Dante graphic-print trousers - Green
£152.00
£561.00
FARFETCH
-67%
Collina Strada
Gina T-shirt - Green
£133.00
£409.00
FARFETCH
-73%
Collina Strada
ruffle graphic-print trousers - Blue
£148.00
£546.00
FARFETCH
-64%
Collina Strada
Mikaela sequin lace-detail jeans - Blue
£326.00
£894.00
FARFETCH
-51%
Collina Strada
floral-print sequin-detail shirt - Green
£221.00
£453.00
FARFETCH
-73%
Collina Strada
cotton cargo track pants - Green
£111.00
£409.00
FARFETCH
8. Wales Bonner
Best known for their multiple collaborations with Adidas, which have been going on since 2020, Wales Bonner is a brand to watch.
Founded by Central Saint Martin alumna Grace Wales Bonner, the brand’s aesthetic is informed by the founder’s biracial and Jamaican identities, and is rooted in black visual culture.
Grace’s unique eye for sharp tailoring has made her an industry darling with countless awards and Paris Fashion Week shows in her back pocket.
-50%
Wales Bonner
X Howard University Hoodie - Womens - Cotton/Elastane Grey
£265.00
£530.00
Browns
-50%
Wales Bonner
Atlantic cotton shirt Blue
£225.00
£450.00
Mytheresa
Wales Bonner
Myth Shirt Dress - Womens - Wool/Silk Blue
£820.00
Browns
Wales Bonner
Pink Mix Wool A Line Midi Skirt Size S
£121.40
HEWI
Wales Bonner
Pink Mix A Line Mid Skirt Size XS
£121.40
HEWI
Wales Bonner
A Line Mid Skirt Size M Pink
£121.40
HEWI
Ukrainian heritage and minimalism perfectly coexist at Bevza, one of the biggest brands in Ukraine and a regular New York Fashion Week shower.
Launched in 2006 by Svitlana Bevza, the label has become a favourite amongst influencers over the past few years.
Bevza is known for its shapely accessories, as well as its modern take on traditional Ukrainian symbols and silhouettes, like the spikelet jewellery inspired by wheat and traditional shawls.
Bevza
stand-up collar blouse - Neutrals Beige
£612.00
FARFETCH
Bevza
Grey Longline Wool Coat Size S
£275.00
HEWI
-49%
Bevza
gathered-detailed mini dress - White
£289.00
£572.00
FARFETCH
-49%
Bevza
Bee dress - Black
£437.00
£864.00
FARFETCH
-51%
Bevza
panelled short dress - Black
£288.00
£590.00
FARFETCH
-51%
Bevza
A-line midi skirt - Green
£214.00
£438.00
FARFETCH
Bevza
stand-up collar blouse - Neutrals Beige
£612.00
FARFETCH
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
