Brands to k(now)

Introduction

As the global luxury fashion community looks on at rising luxury good prices that continue to hit seemingly unsustainable yet somehow astronomical levels, more and more have begun asking the question: "is it even worth it?" Based on my scan of the major players in the fashion commentary space, the consensus seems to be, unequivocally, "not really." Many have also started pivoting towards more contemporary luxury brands which offer much of the same luxury promise at a much less shocking price-point.

The conversation around contemporary brands is an important one, as it helps introduce luxury fashion lovers to new and exciting potential alternatives to the household names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, etc, and might provide these brands the platform needed to help them reach a previously uninterested or simply unaware portion of the market.

As such, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring and introduce some of my personal favorite "contemporary" or mid-range luxury brands worth knowing. While each of the below brands reflect elements of my own personal style, I also believe that they cast a wide net in terms of styles/aesthetics, and therefore have widespread appeal. Basically, there's something for everyone in the list! I've tried my best to capture a include a short description of each brand, including some of my favorite pieces. Hopefully this list serves as a useful tool as luxury fashion lovers expand our collective horizons.

Brand #1: Alice and Olivia

Keywords: bold, quirky, fun, lush

Known for: silk blouses, dresses, fun and bold prints

Alice and Olivia is a contemporary, women-founded and owned American brand specializing in women's clothing. It is known for bold colors and adorable prints, of which I am a huge fan. In addition to their website, you can find Alice and Olivia stocked in department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, and Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. As I have come to recently find out, they also make probably the most soft and supple vegan leather I have ever felt. I personally own a vegan leather pistachio blazer, as well as a black vegan leather midi dress, both of which are insanely comfy. Every time I have visited an Alice and Olivia store, the store associates have been nothing but kind and eager to share their love of the brand.

A little note, Alice and Olivia also has sales (and pretty good ones!). They generally have seasonal standing sales on their website with both 40% and 60% markdown pieces, with occasional greater discounts of up to 70% off or more (or 25% additional). Stores like Saks also frequently include Alice and Olivia pieces in their promotions where you can snag an even better deal. For example, I got my vegan leather midi dress for about $100, and the vegan leather blazer for under $80.

The fun and optimistic tone of the brand echoes through the stores' associates and in myself every time I wear one of their pieces. You can't help but feel good in the brand, and for the quality, the price is really great.

Brand #2: Maje and Sandro

Keywords: business-chic, tweed, chanel-esque, prim n' proper

Known for: tweed and knit pieces, pastels and feminine colorways

Maje and Sandro are technically separate brands, but they are so-called "sister" brands owned by the same parent company. I included them together because, if you look at their website, the pieces and general feel of the brands are extremely similar in my opinion (as are the prices). Both reflect a very Parisian, french cool-girl aesthetic, but with feminine, classic nods. A lot of the pieces are hit or miss for me, as in I tend to either LOVE the pieces or think that they're just a tad bit too much for me. That said, I think both Maje and Sandro shine when it comes to the knit pieces, especially the knit cardigans and dresses. Both brands are available in the same department stores as Alice and Olivia, but are also shop-able on their respective websites.

As far as sales, the story is similar to Alice and Olivia in my experience. Both brands generally have standing sales sections with 30%, 40%, and sometimes 50% off, with the occasional "25% additional", as well as sales on pieces through Saks. I know that Maje and Sandro both also have outlet stores in select cities across the country, which often have pretty decent deals. Personally, I recommend visiting a store in-person (either regular or outlet) to get a feel for the kinds of pieces and how they feel. I say this because, while I love many of the pieces, some are a little itchy for my liking, especially some of their wool and tweed pieces (the knits / satins are generally great).

All in all, Maje and Sandro are great brands that provide a wide range of pieces that are classy, timeless, and pretty dang cute. They both have promotions where you can save, even though their prices are relatively fair in my opinion. That said, I recommend visiting a store before buying blind, since the pieces can sometimes be hit or miss in terms of sizing, fit, and feel.

Brand #3: Veronica Beard

Keywords: classy, business-chic, suiting, structure

Known for: blazers and suiting, denim

Veronica Beard is for the working girl who is badass and knows it. I don't know why, but something about the brand screams "I don't try very hard, but I still look good."

The brand is most well-known for its suiting and business attire, specifically blazers, although they have branched out into more casual wear. I don't have much experience with the casual wear to be honest, but I will say I often see remnants in my local TJ Maxx and I don't get that excited. However, their blazers are beautiful. You can feel the quality, and I can tell the one blazer I do own from the brand is a forever piece.

Veronica Beard also has its own website where you can shop, though pieces are also sold at the places mentioned above. I have seen their pieces on sale at department stores (mainly Saks and Neiman Marcus), and even seen some blazers at TJ Maxx. If you see one that you like there and are in need, 10/10 recommend.

I can't say the other items are too much to write home about, but I'm still getting to know the brand myself. I have also heard very positive things about their denim (haven't yet tried it myself, but I am extremely picky about jeans). For suits, I'd definitely recommend checking them out before splurging on a luxury version twice or triple the price.

Brand #4: Heron Preston

Keywords: edgy, urban-chic, grungy

Known for: black and white, knits, distressing

Heron Preston is hard to describe but, if you visit the website, you'll get a pretty good idea pretty fast. It's definitely a brand off the beaten path, with a much more edgy, distressed, grunge look to many of their pieces. If you want something sort of simple but unique and you like looking cool and maybe a little intimidating, Heron Preston is the brand for you!

I personally own a chunky cream wool sweater with the hallmark orange patch on the sleeve and the word "STYLE" in Russian embroidered in the corner, and I love it. I have had people ask questions and comment on it several times before, which is pretty cool. I'm also a big fan of their long sleeves with the small cutout on the shoulder and embroidered collar, but they seem to make limited quantities of their collections, so scarcity is a thing here. That makes it a little exciting and exclusive though, so if you love a hunt, you're also in luck.

Heron Preston has a website, but it's a little weird to shop at, and their selection also seems to be better at stores like Saks. That said, it's even better on websites like Farfetch which stock internationally, so it's worth checking there since you can also find pieces from previous seasons you may have missed out on.

Their prices are quite good for the quality in my opinion, the major factor is whether you actually like the aesthetic and design Heron Preston presents, as it might not be for everybody. I personally pull out my sweater when I want to feel a little bit more stylish, and it does just that.

Brand #5: By Far

Keywords: 90s, Y2K, minimalist, sleek

Known for: little bags

By Far is, by far (lol), the brand that inspired this piece. I've owned several By Far pieces and I am genuinely confused why the brand isn't a bigger deal than it is. Maybe it's me who lives under a rock, but I very rarely see By Far mentioned by those producing mid-range luxury content and commenting on luxury brands. Granted, it's an increasingly saturated space, but I think this is one worth talking about.

By Far is a very minimalist inspired brand, and most of their bags and shoes are quite sleek, simple, but still unique. I believe By Far's popularity is mainly due to their bags, particularly the smaller, 90's inspired shoulder bags. If you like the 90s / Y2K look and enjoy a more sleek, subliminal approach to fashion, you'll love By Far. They have some pretty great shoes too (I personally own a pairs of sandals and mules), especially in the lower/no heel department.

By Far is one of those brands that can be a bit tricky to find in stores, which is why most of my buys have come directly from their website. They do have occasional pieces stocked at Neiman Marcus, but I've found the best range of items (aside from the website) can be found at sites like SSENSE, farfetch, and Revolve.

The price point is fair for the quality of the items and very much in-line with other similar contemporary brands. By Far also has seasonal sales on their website where you can find quite a few pieces for up to 70% off. I definitely recommend checking them out if you are looking for some more understated, sleek shoes or bags that are versatile and high-quality from an emerging brand.

Brand #6: Wandler

Keywords: class, modern, dutch influence

Known for: leather goods

Wandler also helped inspire this article, as I have been stopped on a few occasions now and asked where my large beige tote is from. The tiny gold "Wandler" embossing is so hard to see, that it really looks like I'm carrying around a big, beige sack (and I love it). Needless to say, Wandler, like By Far, is an understated brand that doesn't do obvious logos, however their quality is impeccable. Wandler is a dutch-based brand specializing in leather goods (bags/shoes), and they are very good at it. If you like something minimal and high quality but more modern, check out Wandler.

I'm not a social media girl, but I believe Wandler's Hortensia bag went "viral" several years ago, which helped put the brand on people's radar. That said, I've not heard anybody speak about the brand since, and that's a shame.

Brand #7: Benedetta Bruzziches

Keywords: sparkle, sparkle, sparkle

Known for: more sparkle

Benedetta Bruzziches is a fantastic brand for those who love sparkle, but not flashy logos. For those looking for a stunning evening bag, look no further than this brand. Since I've heard about them, I've been basically in love. Every time I see one of their bags at Saks or Neimans, it lights up the room more than any of the Fendi or Chanel or YSLs (in my opinion, at least). The quality is beautiful, and it's nice to have a gorgeous, sparkly, high quality bag option that isn't a million dollars. Well, maybe not a million, but significantly less than a $5,000 Jimmy Choo bon-bon (though I love them a lot) or an even more expensive Judith Leiber creation (also fabulous to my dismay, I hope to own one someday).

To my knowledge, most of the Benedetta Bruzziches iconic sparkly little bags are around or under $1,000. I know, not great, but it's pretty good compared to others. I own one of their signature styles, the Vitty La Mignon in silver. It's really the perfect evening bag, and easily fits my phone, card holder, keys, and a lip balm. Even better, I've seen these on sale for well under $500 (now that's great, not good). If you're interested in Benedetta Bruzziches, I recommend checking out their website to get an idea of the brand and styles you like. From there, I'd look at purchasing from either the website or many other places they can be found (Saks, Neiman Marcus, Farfetch), or even check out preloved bags in great condition at TheRealReal.

Take it from someone who is sparkly bag obsessed, there's little to no difference in quality between Benedetta Bruzziches and others selling sparkly bags triple or quadruple the price. And, if you're like me and working your way up to the more expensive versions, this is a fantastic gateway sparkly bag. Of course, that's not to say you ever should or need to purchase a more expensive one in the future, that's purely personal preference. Either way, this is a good brand to know, and one I personally believe is worth the money.

Brand #8: The Attico

Now, this brand I know probably the least about on this list, and own a grand total of zero things from. HOWEVER, I have been following The Attico for a couple years now and all signs show it is a name to watch. The major selling point of The Attico, in my opinion, is that they just do things a little differently. TLDR: they're cool.

From what I've seen, they're a brand that experiments a lot with sharp angles and asymmetry, which I think is really unique. They don't shy away from bold colors or shapes, but they also offer items in neutral colors, with a twist. If you're like me and can get bored with a lot of brands doing the same thing they always do and copying each other's viral items all the time to the point where they all start to blend together, The Attico might be worth checking out.

Unfortunately, it's hard to call The Attico affordable, and it is generally more expensive than other brands on this list, but it's still a far cry from Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, LV, etc. Most of their bags are between $1,000-$2,000 (meh, but not horrible), and shoes between $500-$1,000 (meh, but not horrible).

Before you get upset with me, let me give you the good news: you can find The Attico on sale! If you're set on a specific piece, it might not mean much to you. But if you are open to multiple pieces and have a range of items you're interested in, I'd recommend checking sale section of major department stores (Saks, Neiman Marcus) and also online retailers like MyTheresa and Farfetch, which all have The Attico pieces on sale relatively frequently, especially bags and shoes. You can find pieces for 30-50% off in most cases, so all hope is not lost.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed my list of brands to keep your eyes on, and I hope this was a helpful breakdown if you're looking to dip your toe into some lesser known brands that might be on the up and up.

If there's anything I took away from writing this piece, it's that you don't need to spend four digits to find quality. Sure, as a collector, there are some pieces I will have my eye on and hope to acquire out of the pure enjoyment of fashion, but it's a luxury, not a necessity. I hope we all remember that fashion is supposed to be fun, and something we go into debt for or use as a way to prove ourselves to others. It is entirely possible to be stylish and fashionable without owning any major designer pieces. If anything, being curious about emerging brands shows the real interest in fashion, in my opinion, because it transends labels and looks at the content of the piece rather than the label stitched, embossed, or engraved to the outside.

I'd love to do more of these types of articles in the future, so keep your eyes peeled for more!