I’m sure you have a few sites you always visit. You know, the specific sites you go to for a party dress or jeans. I assume you have sites in mind because I do, too.
In fact, I have them in list form. I refer to these sites for all my shopping needs, but before I had Style Files’ Brand Directory (As it’s currently known. Previously: “WHERE TO SHOP”), I was lost.
I used to spend hours scouring the web for sites that fit my style and wants. I was tired of department stores like Macy’s. The rarely patterned, neutral-colored, “trendy” clothes they provided were uninspired at best, hideous at worst.
I wanted a site I could go to that had colors, patterns and unique designs. Something uninhibited by the conventions of modern department store buyers who think they know what I want. I searched for a long time for a website that had a large selection like a department store, except with thrilling products. Then I found 4.
The below sites are revolutionary shopping tools. They showcase cutting-edge designs from all over the world in nearly every women’s category. They’re all beacons in the dark, dark night of lame clothes. And it’s all thanks to the independent designers they showcase.
Why Shop From Independent Designers?
Independent fashion designers are defined as creatives who operate without the backing of large corporations. Their crafts are often executed in small studios with small teams. The intimate nature of designing on this scale ensures every piece is made with intention and from the brain of one or a few people.
Often with independent designers you’re paying a premium to support a team of a few people who make quality garments; no mass production, no out-sourcing. You’re getting the product of one or a few people’s hard work and creativity which is exactly the kind of clothing I want to wear! I’d much rather buy directly from someone wholly responsible for a garment I love than other brands with fishy manufacturing processes.
Also independent designers’ creativity in their designs is unmatched. By supporting independent instead of big-box brands, you’re fueling contemporary fashion!
Wolf & Badger
Image courtesy of wolfandbadger.com
Wolf and Badger is a platform created for ethically- and sustainably- produced independent designers. They have the best in avant-garde, new-to-market fashion. Even their search system is innovative: the options available for filtering results include the option to find products based on ”sustainabaility stataus” and ”designer location” along with the usual choices.
I go to Wolf and Badger for all my special occasion shopping. The dress selection is always fresh and rare. Even more important than the clothing, it excites me to shop only independent designers with high ethical standards.
Check Wolf and Badger out for all your ethically made, independent designer needs!
W Concept
W Concept’s mission is to offer the future of fashion at your fingertips. Their massive amount of independent designers make all kinds of forward apparel and accessories. They also pride themselves on offering many designers that aren’t available anywhere other than their site.
Whenever I’m on W Concept’s site I know I’ll find something I’ve never seen before. The designers in their catalog take risks. Their selection showcases exactly what fashion is and can be.
Visit W Concept to see new designers design for the future!
Not Just a Label
Not Just a Label is an international marketplace that features more than 50,000 of the newest and brightest names in contemporary fashion. It’s the spot for innovative fashion. They only source the best quality and most unique designers to feature.
I only recently found NJAL by happenstance on Instagram. I saw a top that was absolutely stunning which led me to also discover thousands of other incredible designers. I keep it in mind to shop for truly special occasions since a lot of the designers’ apparel is made-to-order. Still, their large range in price and style makes Not Just a Label an indispensable shopping resource.
Shop NJAL for all your statement, contemporary pieces!
Rooney
Rooney offers many independent designers mixed with familiar names who all specialize in street style. The site has everything trendy from sneakers and candles to hoodies and joggers.
Image courtesy of rooneyshop.com
I love Rooney for their deals on the best designer brands. Most recently, they had a Ganni bag I loved that was on super sale! It’s the best site to visit for all your fashionable essentials plus some new finds.
Rooney is the site to shop the best in independent and familiar street style!