13 Indie Brands From Around the World That Ship to the US
Kimberly Wang
Kimberly Wang
Kimberly Wang writes about all things pop culture, tech, style, and beauty. She's a Bay Area transplant and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. On a sunny New York day, you can find her hanging out with her mini schnauzer Isabelle Jellybean on a blanket in Central Park.
Before the invention of e-commerce, there was no way to get your hands on indie designs from other countries unless you chanced on a super-cool boutique or hopped on a plane. But now, thanks to the internet, our sartorial options are pretty much limitless. Here are some exciting brands from all over our gorgeous globe — and yes, they all do ship to the States.
Soko Jewelry: Founded in Nairobi, Kenya, Soko is a jewelry brand dedicated to ethical fast fashion and promoting conscious consumerism. The brand uses an app for 1300 artisans in Africa to directly see and fill orders, cutting out the middle man and giving the jewelry a more accessible price point, while allowing the makers themselves to pocket more of the profits. They also use reclaimed horn and recycled materials for their creations, so you can wear these Large Horn Hoops ($54) without worry.
By Far: The Bulgarian brand has been featured in the likes of Vogue.com and Grazia Magazine and has gained quite the fashion-girl following due to their unfussy, fashion-forward designs. The Anelia Red Suede Sandals ($420) are made with 100 percent Italian soft suede, and, like all their goods, are handmade in a small family-owned factory.
Olivia & Elena: This ethical fashion brand stocks the gorgeous woven work of Guatemalan artisans. The Maxe Cosmetics Pouch ($50) is made from a traditional garment worn by women in Mexico and Central America called the huipil, and each piece is one of a kind. Also, if that's not enough of a reason to shop, 10 percent of the proceeds fund education for local children.
Rye Swimwear: Australians certainly know how to do swimwear right. Founded by Alyssa Carter and Bonnie O'Hare, Rye can be found online at luxury stockists like Net-a-Porter. Their M.O. is whimsical yet practical pieces, like the Dollop One Piece ($95), which is fully reversible, so it's like getting two suits for the price of one.
Suede by Devina Juneja: After designer Devina Juneja married a tanner in 2008, she began her foray into leather goods. All of the handbags and products are handcrafted and manufactured in Kolkata, India. Her Check Weave Oversized Wristlet Gold ($86) is a summery addition you need in your closet now.
Bakchic: Hailing from Morocco, this label is the brainchild of designer and fashion blogger Sofia El Arabi. Each piece, including the Itri Blue Embellished Kaftan ($408), is one of a kind. This kaftan is embellished with gold embroidered stars and pearls.
Carousel Jewels: This fine jewelry collection comes out of the UK, but ships all over, including to the US. Their jewelry is made with the finest precious and semi-precious stones and set into sterling silver plated with 22-karat gold before getting finished by their craftsmen. Some of their gorgeous creations are surprisingly budget-friendly, like the Green Onyx and Amethyst Delicate Ring ($63).
Jendes Studio: This Taiwanese lifestyle label is headed by actress and designe Hannah Quinlivan (who also happens to be married to Asia's biggest pop star, Jay Chou). The brand held its launch in New York City in early July 2018, where Nicky Hilton was spotted wearing their Striped Off-The-Shoulder Dress ($98), which for under $100 is a style steal.
Never Fully Dressed: The brand started when designer Lucy Ann Tighe began hand-sewing samples in London's Portobello Road and Spitalfields Markets in 2009. The company opened its first brick-and-mortar store in 2014, and now, four years later, also has a robust e-commerce business. The brand prides itself on being what it deems a "one-stop shop for sophisticated sass." Feed your love of avocados with the brand's playfully embroidered The Lira ($26, on sale from $76) shirt.
Finders Keepers the Label: Started in 2007 by Australian Fashion Brands' Creative Director Melanie Flintoft, the brand is now one of the most sought-after Aussie fashion lines. It's stocked everywhere from ASOS to Topshop, and it's not hard to see why. Their Downtown Top in Black Tartan ($96) is made for your summer-to-fall transition wardrobe.
Birds of North America: This contemporary clothing line is designed by Canadian designer Hayley Gibson. Founded in 2007, this indie brand is now stocked in boutiques across Canada and the US, as well as online. Gibson's designs are inspired by her childhood and her love of vintage clothing. The Auk Jumpsuit in Rust Garden ($181) is printed with a bold floral pattern and comes with the most important of design elements: pockets.
Vilma Boutique: Lithuanian-Greek designer Vilma Vaskeviciute creates vegan, sustainable handbags from her studio based in Athens. Luckily, you can also find her on-trend, minimalist designs online as well, like the Brown-Grey Vegan Tote Bag ($75), which evokes the color block simplicity of Céline at a fraction of the cost.
Doodlage: When it comes to sustainable fashion, Doodlage is a brand that takes the mission to heart. All of the clothing from this indie brand is made in India and crafted from industrial waste (excess materials that would otherwise have been discarded). Designer and London College of Fashion graduate Kriti Tula is also committed to making sure your pieces look as good on you as they are good for the environment. You can commission this Camo Embroidered Back Elastic Dress ($118) to be made to your measurements.
Do you have a fave indie brand that we missed? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Do you have a fave indie brand that we missed? Tweet us @BritandCo!
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Kimberly Wang
Kimberly Wang writes about all things pop culture, tech, style, and beauty. She's a Bay Area transplant and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. On a sunny New York day, you can find her hanging out with her mini schnauzer Isabelle Jellybean on a blanket in Central Park.