Every International Fashion Line You Need to Follow on Instagram

We’ve been relying on the world’s fashion capitals — Paris, London, New York, and Milan — for far too long. During this past fashion month for Spring and Summer 2018, some of our favorite trendsetters proved that it’s time for traditional luxury brands to share the spotlight with up-and-comers from all over the world. Let’s just say that when celebs like Kim Kardashian West and Bella Hadid step out wearing lesser-known, international designers, we take note. Scroll down for all the fashion lines from around the world to follow on Instagram that are about to be the next big thing.

ARGENTINA

1. Laita BA-Paris: We can’t get enough of this environmentally responsible, boho-chic line of luxury handbags and leather goods. Each hand-crafted, Argentine masterpiece keeps the country’s traditions alive even though the brand is based in Paris.

2. Belén Amigo: Think: creative hemlines, unique silhouettes, and mixed-textile garments that work for almost every occasion.

DENMARK

3. Saks Potts: Here is your one-stop shop for vivid designs made for frigid temps. Vibrant shades, playful prints, and trendy color-blocked details make good on the season’s girly trend.

4. Stine Goya: This fashion-week-regular should def be on your radar by now. Stylish RTW items for ladies are their forté — and those rose-velvet ankle boots prove it.

EGYPT

5. Okhtein: FYI, Beyoncé is a fan of these crazy-cool handbags — so no explanation needed. Peep their Insta for avant-garde purses with edgy, modern vibes for days.

6. Kojak Studio: The gorgeous head to toe tone-on-tone ensemble is reason enough to fall in love. But the inventiveness of the line’s 22-year-old designer takes the prize.

FINLAND

7. Samuji – Finland: Helsinki-based, minimalist-approved RTW items with an emphasis on textures versus prints are what this fashion house does best. Imagine a futuristic take on Theory.

8. Sasu Kauppi: Designer Sasu Kauppi dreamed up on-trend streetwear — bombers, letterman jackets, and all — with subversive notes and jaw-dropping details. Case in point: The above photo is just of the jacket’s lining.

GEORGIA

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dress: BEssARION model: @sashapanika

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9. Bessarion: Goth-meets-grunge with just the right amount of polish in each look from this moody brand.

10. George Kubiria: You’ve probs noticed that itty-bitty, geometric shades are having a moment. That is thanks, in part, to this Georgian label.

GERMANY

11. Steinrohner: Revel in the Berlin-based collection’s dreamy floral co-ords, pearl embellished bombers, and artful takes on seasonal staples.

12. Lala Berlin: Designer Leyla Piedayesh debuted this totally wearable line — and we’re in love. Whether you’re going for a casual, eclectic, or sophisticated look, there’s a little something for everyone in her offering.

GREECE

13. Christina Economu: The Greek beauty behind it all has constant wanderlust on the brain. Her artistic vision includes whimsical colors and super-fun prints to appeal to the girliest shoppaholics.

14. Zeus + Dione: Metallic silver pleats paired with black statement-sleeves are two of many reasons why we’re dying to go on a Zeus + Dione shopping spree.

HUNGARY

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Shop everything with 60% off 🔥

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15. Nanuschka: The precision tailoring in the Hungarian clothing line’s garments just can’t be beat, especially when it comes to their fabulous outerwear. With surprising finds — like a leather button-down shirt — the collection clearly has a few surprises up its proverbial sleeve.

16. Whispering Wind: Hannah Cserkuthy brings you formal dresses with contemporary silos, subtle sophistication, and an effortless sensibility. We’re digging the industrial color palette in particular.

JAPAN

17. Hanae MoriManuscrit Tokyo: The legendary designer Hanae Mori collaborated with Yu Amatsu to create this contemporary treasure. Amatsu’s modern vision as lead designer makes the collection one of our favorites.

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corduroy salopette #mullerofyoshiokubo

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18. Muller of Yoshio Kubo: Japan is famous for more than just supremely comfortable, lightweight denim. Gear up for paper-thin cashmere and rich textures.

KAZAKHSTAN

19. Assel: This Kazakh label is inspired by the region’s Central Asian art. The results range from elegantly oversized garb, to not-as-wearable padded jackets.

20. Aya Bapani: The designer incorporates traditional textiles into her looks, along with the spirit of the women of the Great Steppe region.

Poland

21. Magna Burtym: Fashion’s trendsetters have been spotted stateside in Magna Burtym’s fab attire, and now you can too. Shop her fashionable imports online at Net-a-Porter and FWRD.

22. MISBHV: These funky fashions blend a rebellious-spirit with urban-street-smarts. PS: Bella Hadid owns their monogrammed boots.

romania

23. Ancuta Sarca: The designer often dresses the singer FKA Twigs — which should give you a sense of just how out-there these artistic creations are. Even if you can’t throw it on for lunch, you can still appreciate a genius-at-work.

24. Maria Lucia Hohan: Here is another designer with a gift for elegant evening-wear. Oh, and celebs, including Maria Menounos and Jada Pinkett Smith, can’t get enough of her signature pleats, metallic prints, and balconette bodices.

RUSSIA

25. Alisa Kuzembaeva: Counting KKW as a fan, this Russian clothing line was made for open minds and bold personalities. Don’t miss fun finds like their oversized, faux-fur mittens. (We’re talking shoulder-grazing!)

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J.Kim SS18

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26. J. Kim: Unique proportions characterize J. Kim’s quasi-architectural clothing. Our favorite item has to be the designer’s clear, plastic, fish bag totes. Seriously, look ’em up!

UKRAINE

27. Masha Reva: Who needs dainty dangling earrings when you can sport Reva’s trademark abstract wire stunners. Having previously collaborated with Rachel Comey, the artist-turned-designer has a knack for combining her two life passions.

28. Not Just a Label: This whimsical collection is known for mixing traditional fabrics with hi-tech materials, letting you wear your funky personality on the outside. Anton Belinsky is the Ukrainian designer behind the magic.

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Blake Lively's known for many things — her illustrious career (come on, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), her hilarious husband, her gorgeous kids — but I love how much value she places on her female friendships. She's a well-known Taylor Swift bestie, but she's no clout chaser. Blake values — and seemingly adds value to — all her beautiful friendships with other women.

And while I could gush about that all day, she recently solidified this admirable character trait in an Instagram post. Keep reading to see what miss Serena van der Woodsen herself had to say!

www.instagram.com

The iconic actress wrote that she recently got "maybe the best compliment" of her life. She explained that someone called her a "crown straightener," or "A woman going around straightening all the women’s crowns around her."

As a queen herself, it's clear this was incredibly impactful. Blake wrote, "It meant so much to me because it’s those invisible things people see that make us all feel best. I learned that we’re all sparkling leaders 👑, stronger together, from ALL the women in my life, blood and chosen. I am surrounded by crown straighteners. This weekend alone was packed with that empowering female energy. When I looked back at these pics, I saw it all in action. And it made me feel so lucky and loved."

She continued celebrating the women around her in the caption, shouting out It Ends With Usauthor Colleen Hoover, novelist Tarryn Fisher, her mother-in-law Tammy Stewart Reynolds, and more! She even managed to shoutout the men "who show up for us too." It's clear that Blake was feeling — and sharing — the love!

Friends and fans alike took notice of this moment, sharing love and comments galore. Fellow actress, Mary Steenburgen wrote, "People who know you know that your extraordinary exterior doesn't even compare to your kind, generous and hilarious soul." I may not actually know Blake, but that's all I really need to know to understand the kind of friend she really is!

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Header image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

In a world full of eerily real-looking TikTok filters showing us what we could look like if only, authenticity shines like a beacon of hope. Millie Bobby Brown, the actress celebrated for her role in Stranger Things, recently lit up our Instagram feeds with a powerful message that resonated far beyond her 63.5 million followers. In a refreshing moment of transparency, Millie shared two photos that left us inspired and snapping our fingers in awe of her realness.

Image via @milliebobbybrown / Instagram

The post, shared yesterday, began with a captivating image of Millie Bobby Brown, looking like the Hollywood superstar she is, donning natural glam makeup. Her flawless skin, sparkling eyes, and radiant smize were a sight to behold. But this was just the beginning of her message to the world.

Scrolling left, we were met with a bare-faced Millie, sporting a patch of blemishes. Gone were the filters, the photo editing, and the retouching. Here was the real Millie, looking ethereal– embracing her “imperfections” with grace and confidence. Standing before a global audience of millions and essentially saying, “Here I am,” is a brave feat, but her comments were flooded by celebrities and fans alike shilling out rounds of applause.

Image via @milliebobbybrown / Instagram

Millie Bobby Brown’s post is a direct calling card to Gen-Z’s golden standard for authenticity–shining as an example of embracing one’s vulnerability and breaking the mold of society’s evolving yet stringent beauty standards. The young actress courageously stood before her global audience, showcasing that even celebrities have skin that isn’t always camera-ready.

By sharing her unfiltered self with the world, Millie invites us to embrace our own blemishes, be they physical or emotional, and to take pride in our individuality. In a world that often encourages conformity, her post is a valuable lesson in self-love.We are enough just as we are, blemishes and all. It's time we embrace our unfiltered, authentic selves with the same confidence and self-love that Millie has so beautifully exemplified.

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Header image by Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.