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1 year ago
Look no further than these homegrown household names for your next event outfit
Special event coming up? Whether it’s a wedding, a day at the races of just dinner with friends, dress to impress with the help of these fantastic designers and fashion houses. Read on for the best British dress brands to add to your radar this season.
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
Your summer dresses, sorted.
Founded by university friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey in 2015, RIXO is a fashion label that was built on a shared love of vintage fashion. This is the place to go for timeless styles with throwback flair and unique, hand-painted prints that will encourage more than one compliment.
Best For:Â Colourful prints, elegant silhouettes and vintage glamour. RIXO dresses come with plenty of playful character.
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Designed by British designer Suzannah Crabb, all the dresses in this exquisite homegrown label are beautifully cut and thoughtfully designed.
Best For: Occasionwear that’s polished, feminine and confident.
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Inspired by city and country life, Natalie Lake’s Really Wild designs are timeless and versatile. Think feminine florals, breezy silhouettes, and luxurious fabrications.
Best For: Wardrobes that need to work for both the week and weekend.
Whether you’re heading to Royal Ascot or a wedding this social season, Lalage Beaumont has beautiful dresses for all occasions. Having previously designed for Mulberry, Burberry and Aquascutum, the brand’s namesake founder is passionate about tailoring, and sophisticated style.
Best For: Event guests who want to look as polished and poised as the Princess of Wales.
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One of Britain’s oldest fashion houses (founded all the way back in 1856), Burberry designs are instantly recognisable amongst the fashion set. Dresses here are both elegant and preppy, with plenty of seasonal options spanning from knitwear and shirt-dresses to crochet beachwear.
Best For:Â Preppy-chic dresses in Burberry’s signature check. Ideal for fans of the brand’s iconic trench.
A leader in modern British design, Alexander McQueen is known for marrying conflicting styles into one – from femininity and masculinity to romance and rebellion – while showing off intricate technical details.
Best For:Â Gowns that are both sophisticated and sexy (think daring hemlines, slinky silhouettes and cut-outs galore), with an edge of contemporary flair.
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Celebrating 15 years since its founding is British fashion label Victoria Beckham, which was founded by its namesake and former Spice Girl in 2008. The brand is known for its contemporary vision, with sleek designs and gorgeous tailoring.
Best For:Â Simple yet elegant designs that you could easily take from the office to a night out. Expect clean lines, block colours and sharp tailoring.
Stella McCartney is synonymous with sustainability in the fashion world, having pioneered a number of innovative materials and fabrics (and avoided using animal products like leather and fur).
Best For: Contemporary silhouettes with plenty of drapery, as well as fun detailing – think asymmetrical hemlines, interesting prints and textures and bold colours.
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With over 20 years under its belt, Temperley London has become a defining brand in the British luxury landscape. It was founded by Alice Temperley MBE in 2000, who brought the brand to life by creating romantic designs, ultra-feminine silhouettes and intricate details.
Best For:Â A contemporary take on boho chic, with lots of florals, sheer fabrics and, for dressier occasions, plenty of glitter and sequins.
This independent fashion house is based in London, and was founded by designer Erdem Moralioglu MBE in 2005. Any design from the brand is bound to come with beautiful prints, intricate embroideries and sophisticated silhouettes.
Best For:Â Feminine dresses splashed with elegant patterns inspired by art, history and nature.
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Another London-based brand, Roksanda was founded by Serbian designer Roksanda Ilinčić in 2014 and has since become a hit both on the runway and the red carpet. The brand is perhaps known for combining feminine silhouettes with colour blocking, which comes to the fore in its range of evening gowns and formal dresses.
Best For:Â Pushing the boat out and making a statement. Think bold colours, sculptural details and artsy designs.
Celebrities are often spotted wearing Jenny Packham’s designs, including the likes of Kate Middleton, Kate Winslet and Angelina Jolie. The brand was founded back in 2003, and has spent the last two decades carving a name for itself as the place to go for gorgeous evening gowns.
Best For:Â Glamour and luxury, with an emphasis on delicate fabrics, twinkling embellishments and eveningwear.
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Founded by Malaysian-born designer Han Chong, cult brand Self-Portrait designs all of its collections in London with a focus on feminity and empowerment. When it comes to dresses, the brand is perhaps best known for its contemporary designs, intricate lacework and sheer panels.
Best For:Â Dresses for all occasions, ranging from sophisticated daywear to glitzy party dresses and red carpet-worthy gowns.
A pioneer of British fashion during her lifetime, Vivienne Westwood was known for her avant-garde (and often unexpected) designs. The brand continues to live by this ethos today, with its dresses featuring unconventional cuts, haphazard draping and punky detailing.
Best For:Â Rebellious and unconventional designs that would sit right at home with a punk rock band. Ideal for making a statement and turning heads.
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Featured image: Alexey Turenkov, Unsplash
