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Smaller/ethical/British/other lesser known brands thread

121 replies

Sasuma · 28/12/2020 13:37

Through various threads on here I’ve been introduced to some amazing brands.

So I thought it would be good to start a thread to let each other know about our best lesser known brands - I’m thinking for those of us trying to buy less and focus on good quality items, as well as a environmental friendly products (so this might be sustainable, recycled and/or vegan brands for example) and avoid support those companies that have poor working conditions (Boohoo I’m looking at you....) I’d love to know more small producers which focus on single products, hand made items, or niche British heritage brands (or heritage brands from anywhere else!)

So here are a few finds of my own:

The Knotty Ones: knitwear (obviously!) made by women in Lithuania, fair conditions, focus on quality over quantity. Expensive but I love the organic cotton jumper I have from them and will wear it for years and years. www.theknottyones.com/

Genevieve Sweeney: small knitwear company based in the UK. Amazing sparkly socks, great little gifts. www.genevievesweeney.com/

Bhava: US brand but with some UK stockists, non-leather shoes and boots, amazing quality, beautiful designs. bhavastudio.com/

Angela Roi: non-leather bags, simple classic designs. US brand but shocked at Naturismo and Shop Treen in the UK. www.angelaroi.com/

Wills Vegan Shoes: as the name suggests, non-leather shoes and boots, really good quality. Environmentally friendly practices and produced in fair conditions in Europe. wills-vegan-shoes.com/

Mackintosh: British brand, hand made coats (inventors of the Macintosh), very expensive but would last a lifetime, and can pick up coats with a good discount in the sales. www.mackintosh.com/gb/woman

Hiut: denim, made in Wales, gorgeous jeans! hiutdenim.co.uk/

Girlfriend collective: activewear, made from recycled materials. www.girlfriend.com/

ImparfaitParis: vintage/second hand site, bit like eBay. Some gorgeous stuff. www.imparfaiteparis.com/en/ see also Depop and Vestaire.

I think those are my best finds. Please share some of yours Grin

OP posts:
B0G0F · 22/11/2021 11:42

Stalf, Beaumont Organic
Lanx shoes

almahart · 22/11/2021 20:00

Thanks @B0G0F I think I might have just found the Chelsea boots I've been looking for on that Lanx site

mrschocolatte · 23/11/2021 06:23

Love this thread! Can’t believe I missed it the first time around. My only contribution is Beija London. Such fabulous bras.

Beija London

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/11/2021 06:37

@Sadik

Everything I've bought from Finisterre I've worn & worn, I'd definitely recommend them.
Absolutely this
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/11/2021 06:43

Lucy and Yak
BAM
Moshulu
Conker Shoes
Celtic and Co
Earth Kind Originals

Squiz81 · 23/11/2021 08:12

I got a lovely jumper from www.glencroftcountrywear.co.uk/product-category/jumpers/
Packaged with a handwritten note thanking me - definitely a small family business! It’s run from a farm in Yorkshire.

Also recommend Solovair and Rapanui.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 23/11/2021 08:28

The Nearly New Cashmere Company

B0G0F · 23/11/2021 09:58

@almahart, they've got a sale on. I'm tempted but I have a few pairs of solovairs, which I love. I'm looking at the hiking boots...

HelensHomely22 · 23/11/2021 11:37

I would definitely recommend www.onehundredstars.co.uk
They are small family run and based in Sheffield and seem to have pretty good ethical credentials.
I bought one of their robes for my mum last Christmas and she still continues to go on about how much she loves it! A bit pricey for gifting but they did have some good Black Friday offers last year

NeedWineNow · 23/11/2021 14:01

Seconding onehundredstars.co.uk/

I bought this at a local winter fair at the weekend and it is beautiful. I am putting out several hints for a longer kimono for Christmas Grin

onehundredstars.co.uk/products/indian-lily-original-kimono

HelensHomely22 · 24/11/2021 09:37

[quote NeedWineNow]Seconding onehundredstars.co.uk/

I bought this at a local winter fair at the weekend and it is beautiful. I am putting out several hints for a longer kimono for Christmas Grin

onehundredstars.co.uk/products/indian-lily-original-kimono[/quote]
@NeedWineNow That one is gorgeous

I thought they would just be suitable for the summer but I've seen them styled online and on Instagram with polonecks and they look great

LIKE THIS
www.instagram.com/p/CVn3U_hsuRn/

Really want to try some of their heavier weight ones, defo dropping hints!

Postdatedpandemic · 26/11/2021 13:16

www.semoncashmere.com/collections/jumpers-tunics-sweaters
SEMON is a prestigious Cashmere brand based in London founded by Semka Dashnyam in 2005. Semka was born and grew up in Mongolia before coming to London to follow her dreams.

Just stumbled upon this and they have some nice stuff.

Cailleach1 · 26/11/2021 14:08

@ZaraW

Izzy Lane wool comes from sheep rescued from slaughter. I've been shopping with them for years. Excellent quality. Mirta amazing handbags from Italy. &Daughter they have a sale at the moment expensive but worth it. Article Green someone mentioned it on the Toast thread. Clothes are simple and made by costume designer in Bristol as a source of income during Covid.
Second the Izzy Lane woollens and woven fabrics. They have wools from different sheep breeds and you know they are not just a byproduct of slaughter. How many ways can I say I love mine?
Notajogger · 26/11/2021 14:20

I've just done a big People Tree order - good basics and some more quirky prints etc

nordica · 26/11/2021 15:19

Wilder Ones - one woman business selling kids wear and womens sweatshirts in beautiful printed designs - I follow her on Instagram and she is bringing out lots of new lines next year as well expanding from just sweatshirts. They are super soft organic cotton and wash beautifully.

Aesthetic Laundry - also sweatshirts and other super comfy clothes made out of sweatshirt fabric and fleece. They make everything to order in London.

Amelion · 26/11/2021 17:05

I just recommended these knitwear brands on another thread, and think they broadly fit the bill of smaller/lesser known brands!

Oh, and Genevieve Sweeney. And Oubas.

www.and-daughter.com/

mossandcable.com/

www.theknottyones.com/

amiamalia.com/

www.genevievesweeney.com/

www.oubasknitwear.co.uk/

Amelion · 26/11/2021 17:06

Sorry mossandcable.com/ and amiamalia.com/ didn’t link properly.

molyro · 14/12/2021 14:42

@AntiCornLawLeague Wild Clouds have now extended their size range, yay! www.wildclouds.com x

YouGotThisKeepGoing · 14/12/2021 16:27

Ecoalf

Southbucksldn · 14/12/2021 16:33

Some Paul smith knits are UK made and are considerably cheaper during the sales.
Slightly outside of the clothing parameters but many mid priced cushions in John Lewis are now made in the UK….I bought a couple without realising and saw that they are made in Lancashire. Slightly more expensive than usual but not eye watering either….

Sunflower101 · 14/12/2021 19:10

David Neipier, clothing and underwear made in Derbyshire
John Smedley, mainly knitwear, again made in Derbyshire

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