BEST OF BRITISH

Vivienne Westwood needs no introduction. The queen of punk redefined fashion over her incredible 50-year career. Her boutique, SEX, which she shared with Sex Pistol’s manager Malcolm McLaren, created looks that defined the punk movement, and Westwood was the first to create a relationship between a brand and a subculture. Her designs merged French couture with Saville Row tailoring. The result? Subversive styles cut with traditional English heritage aesthetics. And they’re just as relevant today as they were then. Think lots of leather, high-energy tartan and renaissance-style corsets. Following her death in 2022, her brand has continued with her husband Andreas Kronthaler at the helm, drawing from the late legend’s own wardrobe, rebellion and style to inspire his collections.

For Spring/Summer 2025, Kronthaler stripped the collection back to womenswear and honoured Westwood’s anarchist approach by revisiting the brand’s punk origins but with a modern twist. The runway was adorned with a selection of sheer fabrics, sequins layering and tailored suits; accessorised with large headphones, sunglasses and a heartfelt detailing of ‘A&V’ written in diamond studs on a golden belt.

Big things are happening at Burberry. Daniel Lee’s debut gave the brand a contemporary refresh while paying homage to its heritage and honouring great British design. Think quilted jackets, statement scarves, and strong sneaker game.

Their most recent ‘London in Love’ series celebrates the brand’s roots, starring some of the UK’s most-loved celebrities. From Kate Winslet and Naomi Campbell to Richard E. Grant, the star-studded cast wear variations of the brand’s iconic trench in the backdrop of the rainy capital. This love letter to London connects British culture to luxury, with their trench-appropriate phrase ‘It’s Always Burberry Weather’. It doesn’t get more quintessentially British than Burberry.

What started as a line of T-shirts has quickly become one of the biggest names in British menswear. A lifestyle as much as a collection of wardrobe staples, Buxton credits his community and their aligned values with the brand’s almost overnight success: “We have such a great understanding of our communities, because we are ultimately a part of it. Six years ago, we were in that community – obsessed with fashion to a degree and a love of dressing well.” As they venture further into experimental menswear with leather workwear and trucker caps, we can’t wait to see what they do next. For now, we’re loving their staple tees, heavyweight hoodies, and insulated puffers.

The British popstar turned designer has always been a fashion icon, known for everything from her on-stage Posh Spice looks to red carpet couture, and airport style. So, when Victoria Beckham released her eponymous clothing brand in 2008, we couldn’t wait to see what she would create. Taking inspiration from her own signature style, her brand is built around modern takes on elevated wardrobe stapes. Think polished feminine silhouettes, elegant tailoring and, of course, timeless British luxury.

Her most recent collection was a series of sleek garments contoured to the female body, with looks ranging from almost-naked corset-style dresses and tops and form fitting playsuits, to a contrast of relaxed and unbuttoned suit trousers and shirts. For her, SS25 is all about getting dressed, and if we’re going to take advice on how to get dressed from anyone, Victoria Beckham would be our go to.

One of the coolest brands in London right now? It’s a big claim, but it’s one that Aries has earned. Founded by Sofia Prantera in 2010, Aries has established itself as one of the hottest names on the streetwear scene. The appeal? Aries was made for the underdog. The brand has reached cult status thanks - in no small part - to its signature attitude. Think low-key, punk cool. The brand’s first brick-and-mortar was the Soho set’s hottest opening in 2023, and their collabs with streetwear giant Puma and footwear favourite New Balance, tells us it’ll only get bigger and better from here. Aries has cemented itself as the must-have uniform for the coolest person you know, and their ready-to-wear styles are a non-negotiable in your wardrobe, from their elevated sportswear to their signature scarves and graphic tees.

High energy, feminine and dripping in sex appeal: these are the pillars of David Koma’s designs. The Georgian-born designer founded his namesake brand in 2009, launching at London Fashion Week as a Central Saint Martin’s graduate. Since then, the brand has achieved It status thanks to its body-contouring silhouettes, form-fitting dresses and elevated LBDs; following in the tradition of brands like Mugler and LaQuan Smith to become a partywear heavyweight.

Koma’s latest collection has every look you’ll lust after this summer. With a juxtaposition of pastel and black colours, his pieces will have you party-ready from Ibiza’s Pacha to Berlin’s Berghain. The London-based designer subverts the norm bringing fur into summer styles, balanced with sheer, lightweight materials, frills, and sparkles. With Beyoncé, Adele, and J-Lo, as just a handful of his fans, the KOMA Club just keeps growing, with no sign of slowing down.

Into statement-making fashion? Alexander McQueen is the one. The late designer, who earned a reputation as the industry’s ultimate bad boy, got the world talking. And in 2024, his eponymous label has continued to make waves. Gritty, raw and bold, Alexander McQueen has always felt rebellious. Provocative and experimental, this is a brand that doesn’t play by anyone’s rules. Archival pieces like the notorious Bumster pants are just as relevant today as they were in the early ‘90s. There wasn’t a skull in sight as McGirr’s debut collection sought to “let the light in” to the iconic house. But the revival of McQueen’s OG muses, and references to the legend’s ‘Banshee’ and ‘The Birds,’ shows tells us that this new era for the house continues to hold its heritage in high esteem. While we await the brand’s next move, right now we’re as obsessed with their signature new-romantic, goth-core dresses as ever. Some key pieces to add to your collection? Think heavy silver jewellery, compressed leather tailoring and statement-making knitwear.

Founded in 2011 by brothers George and Michael Heaton, Represent has taken the world of luxury streetwear by storm. Their mission? As George Heaton explained in an interview with FLANNELS, is “to build the biggest brand in the world.” No big deal. To date, the brand is known for its cult following, pop-up experiences and mammoth queues. And the brand has more than established itself as a leading voice in the industry. The Heatons have released an archival story book, capsule collections with FLANNELS and heritage boxing brand Everlast, hosted a triumphant collaboration with MARCHON and Puresport to explore “using fitness as a tool to manifest successful business,” and their now infamous Run Clubs.

When we say big moves? We mean it. Represent have just launched their much-anticipated womenswear label working with Toni Purdie, who previously dominated design at Topshop during their glory days. The drop, titled ‘Overdive’ draws inspiration from the speed driving scene of the 1960s, taking cues from the brand’s streetwear origins. The Heaton brother design duo and Purdie have taken to the wheel, creating a range of suitably baggy tracksuits, leather motor jackets, denim jumpsuits and jeans, and have cranked the engine on their newfound femininity with tailored silhouettes and elegant silk slip dresses. Represent have made a bold start joining the womenswear game, and we’re already gearing up for the next drop.

Bright, playful and experimental, JW Anderson knows how to deliver. The past year has been big for the Northern Irish designer as his fun-loving designs have been setting the fashion world on fire.

Anderson isn’t afraid to subvert expectations and fashion trends, creating outlandish designs that construct his own world of wonder. Each collection tells a different story, with playful looks and fun object-like accessories. Some of our faves include: the Pigeon Clutch, the House Bag, and most recently the Penny Loafer bag. Anderson merges concept and creativity with his designs that give a refreshing and colourful animation to the runway. His creativity seemingly never stops, and we can’t get enough. The last few months Anderson has given us a plethora of exciting collaborations to enjoy. From working with artist Christiane Kubrick and Harry Styles, with his brand Pleasing, to Luca Guadagnino on the beautiful costumes he created for Challengers.

Anderson’s next move? It can’t be predicted but we just know you’ll love it. We told ya.

Stella McCartney has always been ahead of the game. Rock royalty, and ex-Chloe creative director, McCartney has surpassed being a nepo baby and created her own legacy becoming a household name in British luxury fashion with her innovative designs. Known for her sharp silhouettes, detail orientated suits and statement accessories, McCartney ranges from womenswear to sportswear, skiwear, and Savile Row tailoring – she proves you really can do it all.

She released her must-have Falabella bag 16 years ago, which quickly became an It bag, and is just as popular today, released in new style variations every season.

Horse-girl meets fashion It girl for McCartney’s most recent Spring/Summer 2025 collection, which saw the release of her newest must-have bag, the Stella Ryder. Its curved shape gives the illusion of a horse’s back and is sure to be on our Spring wish lists.

This collection also honours McCartney’s long-term partnership with Adidas, introducing the ‘Rasant’ trainer. The brands collaborated to build this new variation based on the Adidas ‘Monza’– a nod to the fashion house’s heritage, having used this style in their debut presentation in 2001. The Rasant merges McCartney-esque fringing and the trendy boxing boot style, giving us our dream combo of sporty and boho this summer.

Big news. Piferi are re-writing the rules of party-proof footwear. With their surrealist designs, innovative tech, and timeless craftsmanship the brand has established itself as an essential to any It Girl’s wardrobe. To date, their roster of celebrity fans includes the likes of Tyla, Normani, Olivia Dean, Dua Lipa, and Megan Thee Stallion. Sounds like a party, where’s our invite? Expect flats, sandals, and platforms in sculptural designs and high-shine finishes. All that’s missing is the dancefloor.