Cool brands that will have people asking “Where did you get that?”
Is there a compliment more valuable to a fashion girl than being asked, “Where did you get that?” Seeing other cool girls recognise your impeccable taste and low-key shopping addiction is invaluable. Since sharing is caring, there’s nothing like discussing cool brands with like-minded people.
But what makes a brand cool? In an era where, thanks to social media, fashion trends rise, more often than not, from the bottom up rather than being imposed by the Olympus of celebrities, there are more ways to be cool than one can count.
“It” brands and “it” pieces go viral all the time, making it hard to keep up. A few labels, though, seem to consistently pop up during “what are cool girls wearing today” conversations. These brands, albeit different from each other, all have that je ne sais quoi that makes others, without fail, go, “Wait, where did you get that?”. Here are our favourite nine.
Launched in 2009 by Yael Aflalo, Reformation is known both for its perfect basics and snazzy occasionwear. The brand’s mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone has earned them a “Good” rating on the sustainability platform good on you. They pledge to become Climate Positive within 2025 and to achieve full circularity by 2030. And not only that, Reformation boasts Olivia Rodrigo, Emily Ratajkowski, and Taylor Swift as its biggest fans.
-39%
Reformation
Val 90s Mid-Rise Straight Jeans Brown
$119.95
$198.00
Anthropologie
Reformation
Malika Linen Halter Jumpsuit in Black at Nordstrom, Size 10
$228.00
Nordstrom
-64%
Reformation
Paula Slingback Sandal in White Mesh at Nordstrom, Size 11
$99.97
$278.00
Nordstrom
2. Ganni
Ganni, the ultimate Scandi brand, began as a cashmere seller in 2000 before becoming iconic in the 2010s for its bold and unique designs.
Their price point is another huge perk of Ganni: while the brand is considered luxury, most, if not all, of their pieces sit below $/£1,200.
The phenomenon of the #GanniGirls has also helped the brand’s meteoric rise, and its celeb endorsements boast the likes of Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner, and Bella Hadid.
Passionate about sustainability and transparency, Ganni has been a B-Corp since 2022.
-68%
Ganni
Ankle boots Beige
$147.00
$458.00
Yoox.com
-30%
Ganni
Printed ruched mesh maxi dress Blue
$241.00
$345.00
Mytheresa
-40%
Ganni
Ankle boots Green
$253.00
$423.00
Yoox.com
Ganni
A-line denim skirt - women - Cotton - 36 - Blue
$203.00
FARFETCH
-54%
Ganni
Mules & Clogs Black
$177.00
$384.00
Yoox.com
-24%
Ganni
Suiting crop top - women - Viscose/Organic Cotton - 36 - Green
$207.00
$271.00
FARFETCH
-59%
Ganni
Tops White
$76.00
$185.00
Yoox.com
3. Staud
When it comes to fashion, STAUD believes accessible pricing should go hand in hand with empowering designs. Founded by Jenner-bestie Sarah Staudinger in 2015, STAUD’s collection details the pursuit of style without breaking the bank.
The brand is well-known for its aesthetic which marries vintage inspirations with modern sensibilities and a strong Californian flair. STAUD’s pieces—like their beloved mid-range line of handbags—are meant to be worn again and again.
STAUD boasts a cohort of A-list fans, including the Duchess of Sussex herself. Meghan Markle stunned at the 2024 ESPY Awards this past July, wearing a cowl-neck, backless gown from the Californian brand.
Staud
Ollie Zip Leather Shoulder Bag White
$250.00
Neiman Marcus
-30%
Staud
Mini Naomi Suede Satchel in Tan at Nordstrom Brown
$315.00
$450.00
Nordstrom
Staud
Maude Mini leather tote bag Brown
$395.00
Mytheresa
Staud
Wally Suede Knee-High Boots
$495.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-20%
Staud
Tina ruched velvet gown Black
$676.00
$845.00
Mytheresa
-62%
Staud
Rhinestone Nadja Sandal in Black Rhinestone at Nordstrom, Size 5Us
$149.97
$395.00
Nordstrom
-20%
Staud
Phare one-shoulder cotton maxi dress Brown
$532.00
$665.00
Mytheresa
-62%
Staud
Alba Ballet Flat in Natural Raffia at Nordstrom, Size 6.5Us
$169.97
$450.00
Nordstrom
4. A.P.C.
Authentic and affordable in terms of style, cost, and philosophy, A.P.C. is a French label founded by Jean Touitou in 1987.
Minimalism and timelessness are core pillars of Touitou’s vision for the brand. Originally known for its iconic raw denim classic jeans, A.P.C. today boasts a whole line of clothes and accessories for both men and women.
A.P.C. provides minimal and casual looks, perfect for everyday life.
A.P.C.
T-shirt with crew neck in ecru with logo Beige
$102.58
TheDoubleF
A.P.C.
Short Dresses, female, Black, Size: M Satin Dress
$155.00
Miinto
-55%
A.P.C.
Double-breasted jacket in écru cotton White
$205.63
$456.96
TheDoubleF
-35%
A.P.C.
A. P.C. - Laurie Skirts White
$179.00
$276.00
Wanan Luxury
-15%
A.P.C.
double-breasted wool coat - women - Wool - 34 - Black
$1,107.00
$1,302.00
FARFETCH
Founded in Indonesia in 2014, Faithfull The Brand is all about quality and authenticity. Co-founders Sarah-Jane Abrahams and Helle Them-Enger collaborate with their community in Bali to handcraft garments that evoke a sense of summer.
Thanks to their community-based efforts and commitment to considered and certified materials, Faithfull received B-Corp status in 2021.
Even Kate Middleton has been a fan of the brand since 2020!
-10%
Faithfull The Brand
Palermo linen-blend maxi dress - women - Linen/Flax/Rayon/Rayon - S - Blue
$454.00
$505.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Vida maxi dress Brown
$238.00
$340.00
Mytheresa
-70%
Faithfull The Brand
Midi dresses Black
$102.00
$340.00
Yoox.com
-20%
Faithfull The Brand
Soleil linen maxi dress Black
$360.00
$450.00
Mytheresa
-38%
Faithfull The Brand
Faithfull Axel Halter Maxi Dress Blue
$209.95
$340.00
Anthropologie
-61%
Faithfull The Brand
Miel Tie Waist Sleeveless Top in Hydra Stripe at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$89.97
$230.00
Nordstrom
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Dalicenca striped linen maxi skirt Brown
$259.00
$370.00
Mytheresa
-73%
Faithfull The Brand
Faithfull The Brand Valras Mini Dress Black
$48.99
$180.00
Rue La La
Sea New York was founded by childhood friends Sean Monahan and Monica Paolini, who created the brand by bringing together their seemingly opposed styles: Monahan’s taste for modern, clean lines and Paolini’s eye for vintage pieces.
Lace, embroidery, knits, and technical fabrics can be found throughout Sea’s collection, always used in purposeful and distinctive manners. Their collections are inviting and elegant, romantic and boyish at the same time.
-75%
Sea New York
Pants Beige
$100.00
$394.00
Yoox.com
-69%
Sea New York
Sea New York Fabiola Silk Top Black
$116.99
$380.00
Rue La La
Sea New York
Jolie Floral Long-Sleeve Blouse
$325.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-40%
Sea New York
Midi skirts Black
$313.00
$524.00
Yoox.com
-70%
Sea New York
Sea New York Diana Taffeta Mini Dress Black
$116.99
$395.00
Rue La La
Sea New York
Regine Long-Sleeve Burnout Midi Dress Black
$395.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-69%
Sea New York
Sea New York Lucie Leather Pant Black
$206.99
$675.00
Rue La La
Sea New York
Arielle Lace V-Neck Midi Dress Black
$475.00
Bergdorf Goodman
7. Collina Strada
Directly translating to “hill road” in Italian, Collina Strada is all about the journey. Collina is more than a brand; it is a self-contained cosmos that intertwines sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity.
Known for their bold, clashing prints and kooky aesthetic, Collina Strada boasts a number of high street collaborations: Melissa, Desigual, UGG, and BAGGU to name a few.
The brand’s founder, Hillary Taymour, defines Collina as conscious and ethical, and her practice puts inclusivity and care at the forefront.
-60%
Collina Strada
T-shirts
$54.00
$135.00
Yoox.com
-30%
Collina Strada
Geranium Triple Plaid Trousers in Brown Multi Plaid at Nordstrom, Size Medium
$339.50
$485.00
Nordstrom
-79%
Collina Strada
Pants Brown
$112.00
$529.00
Yoox.com
-30%
Collina Strada
star-embellished tie-dye pants - women - pure cotton - M - Green
$390.00
$555.00
FARFETCH
-80%
Collina Strada
Midi dresses Blue
$144.00
$703.00
Yoox.com
-30%
Collina Strada
Wide Leg Cargo Pants in Navy Plaid at Nordstrom, Size X-Small Blue
$322.00
$460.00
Nordstrom
-70%
Collina Strada
T-shirts Orange
$70.00
$230.00
Yoox.com
-16%
Collina Strada
Sara skirt - women - Cotton - S - Yellow
$406.00
$484.00
FARFETCH
8. Wales Bonner
Best known for their multiple collaborations with Adidas, which have been going on since 2020, Wales Bonner is a brand to watch.
Founded by Central Saint Martin alumna Grace Wales Bonner, the brand’s aesthetic is informed by the founder’s biracial and Jamaican identities, and is rooted in black visual culture.
Grace’s unique eye for sharp tailoring has made her an industry darling with countless awards and Paris Fashion Week shows in her back pocket.
-60%
Wales Bonner
Highlife bowling shirt with purple print
$214.50
$536.24
TheDoubleF
-78%
Wales Bonner
Sandals Brown
$157.00
$708.00
Yoox.com
-20%
Wales Bonner
leather stripe sneakers - women - Calf Leather/Calf Leather/Calf Leather - 36 - Black
$1,049.00
$1,310.00
FARFETCH
-31%
Wales Bonner
Maxi dresses Black
$453.00
$652.00
Yoox.com
-42%
Wales Bonner
Maxi dresses Black
$523.00
$903.00
Yoox.com
-75%
Wales Bonner
Sandals Beige
$249.00
$1,001.00
Yoox.com
-72%
Wales Bonner
Midi dresses Green
$371.00
$1,337.00
Yoox.com
-75%
Wales Bonner
Midi dresses Green
$341.00
$1,376.00
Yoox.com
Ukrainian heritage and minimalism perfectly coexist at Bevza, one of the biggest brands in Ukraine and a regular New York Fashion Week shower.
Launched in 2006 by Svitlana Bevza, the label has become a favourite amongst influencers over the past few years.
Bevza is known for its shapely accessories, as well as its modern take on traditional Ukrainian symbols and silhouettes, like the spikelet jewellery inspired by wheat and traditional shawls.
-77%
Bevza
Handbags Brown
$138.00
$613.00
Yoox.com
-10%
Bevza
panelled short dress - women - Viscose - M - Black
$592.00
$655.00
FARFETCH
-36%
Bevza
A-line midi skirt - women - Linen/Flax - M - Green
$447.00
$701.00
FARFETCH
Bevza
Grey Longline Wool Coat Size S Gray
$367.77
HEWI
-25%
Bevza
Bee dress - women - Silk - M - Black
$861.00
$1,147.00
FARFETCH
-70%
Bevza
Balaklava Sweater Black
$119.00
$402.00
Baltini
-25%
Bevza
gathered-detailed mini dress - women - Viscose - M - White
$660.00
$878.00
FARFETCH
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
