By Kristen Bingle
Fashion has always been synonymous with Britishness. High-end, couture brands like Burbery, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney exude luxury and tradition and are big names on the world’s stage. Worlds apart from couture and tradition, but still British in their own right, there exists a whole collective of independent brands making a name for themselves both at home and abroad.
The UK’s fashion scene is a movement all of its own and has been growing and developing at a crazy pace.
So, to celebrate British fashion in its many forms – from street style to classic tailoring – here is our pick of some of the UK’s hottest and most iconic brands right now:
The Ugliest
2020; the year of torrential storms, coronavirus, self isolation and J Hus. Not only did the East London rapper release his sophomore album Big Conspiracy, he also dropped his new clothing brand The Ugliest – the latest addition to the UK’s vibrant and diverse fashion scene.
With The Ugliest, it’s almost as if you can wear Hus’ music, as it’s such a clearcut reflection of his persona and musical vibe. The collection features durags, puffers, socks, t-shirts and pyjamas created in sumptuous materials like silk. The pieces are utilitarian at the core but motifs like butterflies, tanks and gorillas add a unique edge to the collection. The Ugliest oozes effortless, forward thinking and luxurious street style. The first drop Gorilla Warfare is sold out online, highlighting J Hus’ influence over both the music and fashion industry.
‘Told me I was UGLY, so I took ugly and turned it in gold.’
Benjart
Benjart is a UK based premium clothing brand. Specialising in tracksuits, outerwear and accessories – like bum bags and hats – the brand was established eponymously in 2007 by Mr Benjart. The brand prides itself on being both premium – attention to detail and fine craftsmanship – and exclusive – producing only a small number of each item. Embodying an experience of London that straddles between street living and a luxurious highlife, Benjart represents a dichotomy that resonates with the brand’s biggest supporters.
A-COLD-WALL*
With a foundation rooted in architecture and industrial design, this British brand was established in 2015. The focus is on minimalism and formalism which results in a clean, sharp collection designed specifically for the ‘modern man.’
A-COLD-WALL* prides itself on being more than just a clothing brand but an artistic expression of innovation and luxury. The collections are as functional as they are innovative and the overall aim is to break down the divide between the creator and the wearer.
MYAEMADE
Mia Joseph is the creator behind MYAEMADE. Mia is a Central Saint Martins grad whose designs have been seen on the likes of Jorja Smith, Mabel and Jordyn Woods. Colourful, vibrant and a little bit risqué – in all the best ways – each piece is a one off and hand sewn by Mia herself in her London studio. Mia’s collection which include bodycon dresses, skirts and crop tops are sold exclusively on Depop.
maharishi
The word ‘maharishi’ is Sanskrit for ‘great seer’ or ‘visionary.’ Built on the style of utilitarianism, and with an ethos of sustainability, fair-trade practices and high quality, maharishi was founded in 1994. Creator Hardy Blechman set out to create a brand that embraced technology but that had a respect for the natural environment at its core. The result is a robust collection of contemporary mens streetwear which often feature Eastern inspired motifs.
The brand’s latest collaboration is with the Tate Modern and the Andy Warhol Foundation to celebrate the museum’s Andy Warhol retrospective. A capsule of 6 pieces under the name maharishi x Warhol x TATE was released a few weeks ago and features prominent motifs from Warhol’s work. Maharishi has stores in both London and New York.
clothsurgeon
Sportswear, streetwear and classic tailoring come together in this innovative British brand. Founder and Creative Director Rav Matharu established clothsurgeon in 2012 and since then the brand has been creating luxurious and edgy streetwear. The brand’s aim is to remould its wearers’ perception of what menswear should look like by blending the classic tailored silhouette, high quality materials and attention to detail with urban street culture trends. The result, wearable and fashionable pieces that stand the test of time.
Mains London
Hus isn’t the first UK rapper to cross over into the fashion industry. Skepta launched his brand Mains in 2017. Created with minimal branding, Mains is effortless streetwear that is as much about comfort as it is about style. Trackies, t shirts, socks, bags, hats, coats – this unisex brand has it all.
‘It’s gonna be for the streets, for your everyday person who doesn’t want to wear jeans all the time and wants to be comfortable. You won’t feel inferior in my sportswear!’ – Skepta.
Marbek
Marbek is the unadulterated voice of London. Inspired by London street style and culture, the brand was established in 2014 whilst the 2 founding members were studying fashion in London. Dramatic prints and a dynamic colour palette that never stays the same is what gives Marbek an edge. Staying true to its roots in London street style, hoodies, tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirts, graphic tees and baseball hats are all staples in all of the brand’s collections. Footwear, swimwear and twin sets also make regular appearances.
Trapstar – London
Ask anyone about an iconic London streetwear brand and Trapstar will definitely be a name at the top of the list. Sported religiously abroad and at home, the brand embodies what it means to be an iconic and contemporary British streetwear collection in the 21st century. Staple pieces include graphic t-shirts, hoodies, caps, biker jackets and trackies all emblazoned with the iconic, gothic-style Trapstar logo.
Created in 2006, Trapstar is as much about supporting urban music as it is about street style. Co-founder Mikey Trapstar has a personal relationship with many of the musicians that rock the brand – Stormzy, ASAP Rocky, The Weeknd and Dave – creating an organic link between Trapstar and the music scene. Jay Z also signed Trapstar to Roc Nation, making it the first clothing brand to be signed to his label.
As Trapstar grows there is still a desire to keep the aura of exclusivity that was a prominent part of the brand in its early days.
‘It’s important for us to still keep that secret, members-only vibe.’
