23 best female-led British fashion brands to support every day of the year
At GLAMOUR, we are all about celebrating women and their achievements – whether they are social, economic, cultural, or political – every single day of the year. But having one day dedicated to not only celebrating these achievements but also raising awareness around gender bias and promoting equality, is something we’re also on board with – so we’re throwing our full weight behind this International Women’s Day this March 8.
There are many ways to support the day and what it stands for, like listening to and educating yourself with feminist podcasts and celebrating and uplifting the women in your life. But as we all look to refresh our wardrobes in time for spring, one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the movement is by putting your money where your beliefs are. Buying from a female-owned or run fashion brand from the UK this International Women’s Day is a great way to use your spending power for the collective, feminist good – all of course whilst looking stylish.
From the high street to designer brands and small independent stores there are endless, inspiring, and sartorially on-point women owned fashion brands to buy from. ASOS is home to a load of female-owned clothing and accessories brands all at an affordable price point, and Net-A-Porter champions tonnes of female-led fashion brands like Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham. Looking good has never felt so great.
Elsewhere, there are plenty of up and coming brands that you may not have even known are female led. Take Bijoux de Mimi, for example; founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt back in June of 2020 as a lockdown project, it has since been nominated as Emerging Jewellery Brand of the Year by the UK Jewellery Awards.
If you really want your spending power to be a force for good this International Women's Day, there are also a number of charities that support women and girls worldwide. Take a look at Women for Women International, Smart Works, Women's Aid and White Ribbon, and check out some other violence against women charities here.
Scroll down for our edit of the best female-led fashion brands to shop on International Women's Day and beyond.
Founded by Emma Hill, Damson Madder is – safe to say – one of the top ‘it’ brands of the moment in the fashion sphere. All the girlies are wearing it. Working with organic and recycled fabrics, there's a sustainability attraction to this label, not to mention their on-trend and Scandi-esque roster of products.
Founded by Mireia Llusia-Lindh and based in London, DeMellier provides the fashion set with what we'd call affordable designer handbags. Some of our favourites, in fact.
Monica Vinader celebrates women by making them feel individual and confident every day. She designs jewellery that empowers, uplifts and endures using only recycled gold vermeil, sterling silver and sustainably sourced natural gemstones, diamonds and pearls.
Save when you shop with these Monica Vinader discount codes at checkout.
Lucy Aylen founded Never Fully Dressed by sewing and customising a small number of samples out of her parents attic. Known (and loved by influencers and celebrities like Kendall Jenner) for their beautiful prints – many of which are designed in house – this affordable high street brand is a go-to when you’re in search of the perfect dress.
Save when you shop with these Never Fully Dressed discount codes at checkout.
Founded by two female best friends, Orlagh and Henrietta, who bonded over their love of vintage, RIXO bridges the gap between amazing fits, unique designs and bold prints. Pieces that you'll treasure for years to come.
Save when you shop with these RIXO discount codes at checkout.
Simone's eponymous label continues to be one of the crown jewels of London's fashion scene even after 15 years. Her edgy-feminine aesthetic revolutionised the fashion landscape and her designs have inspired a whole generation of aspiring creatives. Thanks to her, Balletcore never looked so lush.
A favourite of fashion editors and stylish women in the know, a piece of Alighieri’s gold jewellery is just the glow-up every jewellery box needs. As part of Net a Porter’s exclusive International Women’s Day edit, London-based Rosh Mahtani has designed a gold, Artemis pendant – named after the Greek hunter goddess and the protector of women and children. With 100% of all profits going to Women for Women International, these stylish necklace is already in our shopping bags.
What can't Posh Spice do? The former Spice Girl and mum-of-four turned her fashion label into a veritable cult brand that shows at Paris Fashion Week for those who share her sophisticated taste, and continues to offer gorgeous tailoring and delicious dresses season after season. We can't tell if we want to be her or her BFF.
Founded by Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein, this resortwear label is perfect for spring/summer holidays. One of our favourite swimwear brands, they have everything from the best bikinis to the best one-piece swimsuits.
Rat & Boa is built on celebrating a woman’s spirit and creating beautiful clothing to inspire and empower. They value and champion every individual involved in the label, from their core UK team to the people who are making their clothes, because they know that empowering their customers isn't enough – it needs to extend to their employees too.
Part of Net a Porter’s exclusive International Women’s Day edit, Tove was founded by friends Camille Perry and Holly Wright with the goal of designing modern, feminine clothing.
Founded by its namesake, Rachel Jackson originally started on a market stall in Spitalfields London. It's since evolved into environmentally friendly accessories brand which has been named one of the eight Best of British Designers by Goldsmiths.
Arguably the first designer to make sustainable luxury fashion, Stella McCartney continues to be a pioneer in the space, constantly innovating to find ways to make fashion more responsible. This spring/summer 2025, her latest collection is the most sustainable to date, using 96% conscious materials.
Founded in 2003 by Mandy Watkins, an Aussie so traumatised by her first experience of a northern hemisphere winter that she started designing her own wardrobe for those long cosy nights escaping the British weather, Hush is a women’s fashion and lifestyle brand with a modern laid-back sense of style, an easy-going attitude and a positive outlook on life.
Save when you shop with these Hush discount codes at checkout.
Courtesy of CompletedworksFounded by Anna Jewsbury, the London-based jewellery and ceramics brand has fast become the fashion-lover's go-to for sculptural pieces that are often made from recyclable materials.
Designer and creative director Jori Papa has a background in architecture which has been invaluable in executing her vision and constructing new silhouettes. Based in London, the label is renowned for elegant creative silhouettes in beautiful colour combinations with a modern aesthetic.
Living on the British coast, designer Danielle Windsor is passionate about protecting the ocean and created her shirt brand with those values in mind. Her label has become well-known for her crisp shirting and loungewear staples that allow fashion lovers to look good while feeling good, knowing the pieces adhere to strict transparency and sustainability standards.
Inspired by her travels and first-hand observations of the natural world, Daphne created Pebble and Loop during one of the many lockdowns. She sources 18ct gold vermeil elements, freshwater baroque, biwa and rice pearls for each piece, and every design features a signature handmade macrame loop and hook clasp.
Female founded and London based, Cou Cou Intimates are designed to be both cute and sexy, bridging the gap between underwear and lingerie drawers. While super comfy, Cou Cou Intimates pieces are also compostable - so you're saving the planet and backing women.
Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt back in June of 2020 as a lockdown project, Bijoux de Mimi has since been nominated as Emerging Jewellery Brand of the Year by the UK Jewellery Awards. We love the vibrant hues of the huggie hoops.
The best period pants might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to fashion brands, but these sustainable period alternatives are something we’d highly recommend adding to your underwear drawer. HeyGirls is an all-female team and was founded by a mother-daughter trio, Celia, Becky and Kate, who knew first-hand the financial strain of buying period products whilst struggling to survive on benefits. With a range of different cuts of period pants, you’ll be sure to find a pair that works with your wardrobe and their newly launched Essential Bikini Period Pant will see donations from each sale going exclusively to Freedom4Girls an organization that fights period poverty, and a lack of education and stigma around periods.
Founded in 2017 by Haeni Kim, Kitri has become beloved for their playful printed frocks and elegant staples that defy seasons, making it the go-to label for the busy London girl. “Premium quality. Not-so-premium prices” is one of their core brand values.
Natalie founded ByGlaze with her mother after her mum lost her job during the pandemic. The idea came after they spotted a gap in the market for beautiful timeless sustainable jewellery that didn’t break the bank. The company’s first collection sold out in 10 minutes and has since made over £100k of sales, providing her mother with a steady income. No better time to support the brand than IWD.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, she earned her journalism degree in America and spent time at GLAMOUR US and People Magazine. She then returned to Hong Kong and became Tatler Asia's fashion director, where she ... Read More
