Shopping small has skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade, as Gen Z shuns fast fashion for smaller labels, both for ethical and environmental purposes.
To help point you in the right direction of where to shop, we’ve scoured the globe in search of new and noteworthy labels to know.
From discovering vintage-inspired hats from Australia to sustainable swimwear and womenswear from Sweden, here are the small fashion brands to have on your radar.
Inspired by their love for vintage, Queensland couple Tess Corvaia and Robert Tilbury launched Lack of Color in 2011. Celebrity fans include Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Hailey Bieber.
Crafted in 100 per cent Australian wool or natural wheat straw, the range is sold in Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Fenwick’s.
What inspired you to launch your label?
Tess Corvaia: Rob and I had an eclectic collection of vintage hats, some of which belonged to our grandparents and others that we’d picked up along the way at markets or thrift stores, and we just loved them. For us, the fascination grew from there. When we started LOC, we identified a huge gap in the market. There weren’t really any cool, affordable, fashionable hats — especially for a younger generation. We wanted to make hats fun, modern and wearable again while encouraging a new wave of creative ideas.
Why hats?
It seemed like there were a lot of other accessories brands and categories, but we felt hats were a very sleepy market that needed to be explored and reinvigorated.
What is the brand ethos?
Create fun, desirable, and inclusive hat designs for anyone and everyone. Our goal has always been to enthuse and inspire our customer and community.
How would you describe your signature aesthetic?
A little sun dress, slides, sunglasses and a vintage Chanel bag. Always vintage.
What was the inspiration this season?
Sun to Sea was born from this idea of spontaneous moments infused with imagination. A longing for an escape into the sunrise, the deep blue and beyond. We were inspired by the bright pops of colour you see across coastal towns like Acapulco in Mexico (where the campaign was shot). We wanted to use bright blues and greens and bring to life the essence of the brand — creating bright and bold hats (while giving a cheeky nod to our name, Lack of Color).
Who is your customer?
Anyone and everyone.
What are your plans for the label?
Worldwide expansion — we have a vision to be the leading hat brand in the world.
Tess Corvaia and Robert Tilbury, Lack of Color founders
