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.
-59%
Reformation
Sandals Black
$158.00
$383.00
Yoox
Reformation
Elise Velvet Knit Dress Black
$178.00
Anthropologie
Reformation
Black Ethan Trousers
$225.00
SSENSE
Reformation
Genni leather sandals - women - Leather - 10 - White
$298.00
FARFETCH
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.
-19%
Ganni
Tri Layer Parka Green
$770.00
$950.00
Balardi
Ganni
Womens Logo wool Tuque Hat Purple
$145.00
Simons
-33%
Ganni
Hats Brown
$90.00
$134.00
Yoox
Ganni
Womens Merino wool and alpaca hood scarf Black
$215.00
Simons
-19%
Ganni
Black Shiny Quilt Midi Jacket
$528.00
$648.00
Balardi
Ganni
Womens Embroidered micro-logo t-shirt Black
$165.00
Simons
-68%
Ganni
Ankle boots Yellow
$147.00
$458.00
Yoox
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
Staud
Womens Romy poplin dress Blue
$495.00
Simons
Staud
Ollie Shoulder Bag Silver
$352.00
Eraldo
Staud
Womens Roux sparkling overlaid dress Black
$795.00
Simons
Staud
Jewel Beaded Tote Bag Brown
$562.00
Eraldo
-58%
Staud
Womens Phare draped dress Blue
$399.95
$950.00
Simons
Staud
Leopard-pattern Buckle-detail Shoulder Bag Brown
$633.00
Eraldo
Staud
Womens Ayla ruched top Blue
$295.00
Simons
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.
-24%
A.P.C.
Wallets Black
$401.00
$531.00
Balardi
A.P.C.
Womens Ninon supple faux-leather XL tote bag Black
$395.00
Simons
-23%
A.P.C.
Marc Jacobs Capsule The Jean A.P.C.Jeans Blue
$342.00
$444.00
Balardi
A.P.C.
Womens Metallic leather card holder Silver
$250.00
Simons
-28%
A.P.C.
Elisabeth Jeans Blue
$321.00
$444.00
Balardi
-27%
A.P.C.
Bonnet Michelle
$176.00
$241.00
Balardi
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
Faithfull The Brand
Clemente Striped Pattern Shirt Green
$227.00
Eraldo
-58%
Faithfull The Brand
Midi dresses Black
$142.00
$340.00
Yoox
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Fleuri Midi Dress Black
$268.00
$382.00
Eraldo
Faithfull The Brand
Rosa Polka-dot Maxi Dress Brown
$239.00
Eraldo
Faithfull The Brand
Gingham Pattern Trousers Brown
$311.00
Eraldo
Faithfull The Brand
Lonia Striped Shorts Blue
$179.00
Eraldo
-50%
Faithfull The Brand
Wide-leg Canvas Shorts White
$102.00
$203.00
Eraldo
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.
-25%
Sea New York
Pleated V-neck Mini Dress White
$412.00
$550.00
Eraldo
-45%
Sea New York
Shirts Blue
$188.00
$342.00
Yoox
Sea New York
Alexandra Embroidered Shirt Blue
$591.00
Eraldo
-76%
Sea New York
Pants Beige
$95.00
$394.00
Yoox
-25%
Sea New York
Two-tone Midi Skirt White
$340.00
$454.00
Eraldo
-54%
Sea New York
Midi skirts Black
$240.00
$524.00
Yoox
-25%
Sea New York
Lace-collar Tie-front Dress White
$412.00
$550.00
Eraldo
-60%
Sea New York
Tops Brown
$201.00
$497.00
Yoox
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.
-66%
Collina Strada
Tops Orange
$111.00
$324.00
Yoox
-75%
Collina Strada
T-shirts
$34.00
$135.00
Yoox
-78%
Collina Strada
Pants Brown
$116.00
$529.00
Yoox
-30%
Collina Strada
T-shirts Orange
$117.00
$167.00
Yoox
-36%
Collina Strada
T-shirts White
$114.00
$179.00
Yoox
-76%
Collina Strada
T-shirts Orange
$56.00
$230.00
Yoox
-79%
Collina Strada
Midi dresses Blue
$148.00
$703.00
Yoox
-66%
Collina Strada
T-shirts Black
$91.00
$266.00
Yoox
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.
-53%
Wales Bonner
Stanza Knit Vest
$631.00
$1,330.00
Balardi
-81%
Wales Bonner
Maxi dresses Black
$416.00
$2,235.00
Yoox
-54%
Wales Bonner
Roam Cargo Bermuda Shorts Beige
$488.00
$1,067.00
Balardi
-77%
Wales Bonner
Pants Brown
$143.00
$633.00
Yoox
-53%
Wales Bonner
Life Shorts
$522.00
$1,102.00
Balardi
-74%
Wales Bonner
Midi skirts Black
$565.00
$2,133.00
Yoox
-55%
Wales Bonner
River Shirt
$540.00
$1,192.00
Balardi
-74%
Wales Bonner
Pants Black
$425.00
$1,654.00
Yoox
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.
-78%
Bevza
Handbags Brown
$134.00
$613.00
Yoox
Bevza
Black High-Rise Faux-Leather Trousers
$450.00
SSENSE
Bevza
Sharp jacket - women - Elastane/Viscose/Wool - M - Black
$726.00
FARFETCH
Bevza
Black Colorblocked Turtleneck
$265.00
SSENSE
Bevza
satin long skirt - women - Viscose - S - Black
$570.00
FARFETCH
Bevza
White Bra Closure Cardigan
$290.00
SSENSE
Bevza
Black Seashell Bra Maxi Dress
$795.00
SSENSE
Bevza
hooded knit jumper - women - Cotton - M - Blue
$691.00
FARFETCH
Original text and content: Kayla Kuefler
