I have to admit, I’ve lost count of how deep into lockdown we are now. Safe to say it’s been several weeks and months. We have all experienced the personal effects of lockdown; life abruptly grinding to a halt and being all but housebound. We’re not the only ones who are affected though, small businesses are struggling so I wanted to share ten independent brands to support during the lockdown.
Although there is so much uncertainty right now, one thing is for sure; the global pandemic has affected every one of us. As the country as, to all intents and purposes shut down, all businesses are struggling to survive. Small brands are going to be the hardest hit. I try to shop with independent brands usually but since lockdown, I have made a concerted effort to shop small.
Last year, I wrote a blog post about the importance of supporting independent brands. The most important aspect is that you are often supporting a community, not just a designer. If a small business fails, an entire ecosystem takes the hit. Small brands are often more ethical and sustainable than large brands, particularly when it comes to fashion.
Ten Amazing Independent Brands to Support During Lockdown
Olivia Rose The Label
It’s highly likely that you’ve already spotted Olivia Rose on my blog or Instagram. It’s one of my favourite brands. Olivia Rose is a small, sustainable and inclusive fashion brand. Honestly, how can you not stan? Olivia handmakes each piece to order from deadstock fabric, which makes the brand super ethical and sustainable. As each piece is made-to-order, Olivia takes custom sizing. Keep an eye on Instagram to find out when her next collection is dropping, roughly every two weeks. Most pieces are priced between £100-200.
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AVAVAV
This is a relatively new discovery through Instagram. AVAVAV is based in Florence but they shop globally. The brand produces small, exclusive weekly drops from beautiful deadstock fabric which is leftover from luxury Italian fashion houses. They aim to reduce industry waste by producing micro collections at minimal cost. I picked up a dress recently and can personally attest to the beautiful quality fabrics and the craftsmanship.
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Palones
I’ve had my eye on Palones for quite a while. The London-based brand has quietly become one of the labels to know. The design team have roots in the high street, so they have a great eye for highly covetable, trend-led pieces which will make you stand out from the crowd. Prices tend to be under £200.
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Kai Collective
Founded by fashion and travel blogger Fisayo Longe, Kai Collective is a beautiful London-based fashion brand. The collection features statement pieces with puffy sleeves, bold prints and vegan leather. As well as having a bold, dramatic aesthetic, Fisayo works with ethical manufacturers to ensure her brand is ethically produced. Currently, most of the collection is sold out but I managed to snag a beautiful shirt which I’ll share on IG soon. Most pieces are under £100.
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Harmur
It’s a family affair. Harmur is a young British brand which was founded by a mother and her two daughters. The brand focuses on backless pieces, every piece is backless and made from or lined with silk. They are made in the UK using hand-finished couture techniques. I can’t wait to get my hands on a piece soon. Prices are between £100-300.
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Tessa Metcalfe
Ok, stick with me here. Tessa is a taxidermist-turned-jeweller. She creates unique pieces inspired by pigeons. While they may not be my favourite muse, I utterly adore Tessa’s jewellery. Most of her site is sold out at the moment but bookmark it and save it for later. You’ll owe yourself a little jewelled treasure sooner or later. Prices vary from under £100 to £400+.
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Liha Beauty
I’m sure you’ve seen Liha Beauty on the blog before. I attended an event with the beauty brand last autumn and I have been obsessed ever since. Founders Abi and Liha create beautiful, nourishing products using Yoruba beauty traditions and English aromatherapy to create a beautiful collection of oils, body butters and candles. Products are priced under £50.
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Kana London
Towards the end of last year, I took a pottery class with Kana London. I’d never done pottery before and I wasn’t sure whether I’d like it or even be good at it. As it happens, I loved it. It was incredibly therapeutic and even meditative. I made three pieces and planned to go back to learn more…and then COVID happened. They are currently offering home kits and a video masterclass to learn pottery techniques at home.
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The Completist
I met Jana and Mark, the duo behind The Completist, last year and I fell in love with their company. They produce the cutest stationery which is very thoughtfully designed to be super functional and flexible. I bought a day planner at the beginning of lockdown to help me keep some structure in my life. It has an hourly schedule as well as spaces to write to-do lists, priorities and doodling. Planners are around £20.
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Moxon
If you fancy browsing through a bunch of gorgeous design-led goodies? Moxon is the place for you. It is a platform for emerging designers across homeware, art, stationery and jewellery, the team have a great eye for curating the most covetable pieces. Prices vary.
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