Shop Loulou Studio, Totême, and more of the designers filling our modern wardrobes, below.
Courtesy of Loulou StudioLoulou StudioGirl about town (Paris, to be exact) Chloé Harrouche founded her fashion label because she couldn’t find those wardrobe staples she was looking for. Enter LouLou Studio, which uses the city of Paris as inspiration and offers chic sophistication with its loose-fitting selection of perfect basics—relaxed trousers, suiting, sweater vests, and tees with a twist.
Founded by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman in New York in 2014, the now Stockholm-based label Totême was created to offer luxurious wardrobe staples that transcend trends. Each season, the brand’s edit focuses on its own signatures—like quilted jackets and sleek denim pieces. To shop Totême is to acquire foundations for the ultimate minimal, modern uniform.
With 25 years of design experience, South Korea-based design duo Jiyoung Ahn and WonSub Lee began LVIR. Three years later, the brand debuted in Paris and was picked up by retailers like Browns, Net-a-Porter, SSENSE, and Saks Fifth Avenue who gravitated to LVIR’s masculine-utility meets modern-femininity approach. You can expect workwear-inspired dresses, structured trousers, and faux-leather outerwear.
Lower East Side locals and Parisians might already be familiar with The Frankie Shop’s brick-and-mortar locations, which sells a mix of labels like Rachel Comey and Simon Miller, but their own line of minimal yet stylish wallet-conscious staples is just as noteworthy. Founded by Gaelle Drevet, standouts of The Frankie Shop include pleated trousers and hourglass-shaped blazers.
In 2016, Bite Studios was founded by a group of friends based across London, Stockholm, and Gothenburg, Sweden. The brand (an acronym for By Independent Thinkers for Environmental Progress) creates thoughtfully-designed pieces with longevity in mind—95% of the materials and textiles used in their collections are either organic, recycled, or low impact. You might have seen one of their oversized cuff silk blouses or their earthy-colored separates on Net-a-Porter’s consciously-focused edit, Net Sustain.
Anna Quan is an Australian label launched in 2015 and designed by Anna Huong. Following a less-is-more philosophy, the line is known for its elevated tailoring and shirting options and has now put a focus on luxe comfort—Anna Quan now offers a range of knit dresses and relaxed trousers in clean, super-wearable silhouettes.
New Zealand-based duo Paris Mitchell Temple and Georgia Cherrie are the cool girl, best friends behind the label Paris Georgia. Their womenswear is an ode to the female form and they’re known for combining subtle design details with a modern appeal. You might recognize Paris Georgia’s signature contrast trim tank or slip dress—both can be spotted on a bevy of It girls on Instagram.
Founded in Copenhagen in 1999, Baum Und Pferdgarten is helmed by Helle Hestehave and Rikke Baumgarten. The label is beloved for its mix of playful silhouettes and colors and it offers a sweet Danish spin on wardrobe essentials—think sleeve dresses, outerwear, and knits.
Ranging from $69 to just over $1,000, Tove refers to their own retail strategy as “respectful pricing.” The range reflects the unique materials and the level of craft and workmanship that goes into each piece. Cofounded by Camille Perry and Holly Wright in 2019, Tove offers elegantly gathered dresses and pleated tops that wonderfully fuse a minimal and fememine aesthetic.
70% of Anna October’s spring 2021 collection was made from deadstock fabrics. The Ukraine-based label, named after its designer, brings a contemporary twist to vintage-inspired pieces like open back knit dresses, breezy midi skirts, and smocked bustier tops. October’s easy pale hues would attract even the most minimally-minded person to color.
Founded by Eunhye Shin, Le17 Septembre offers an upgrade to modern basics. Responsibly made in Seoul, the label offers clean and unfussy silhouettes in neutral tones—elevated loungewear sets, day dresses, and easy-going trousers—which are given a bit of personality with the addition of a knot or unexpected seam. Le17 Septembre is also inspired by Korean architecture and design influences and retails at an approachable price without over production.
Esse Studios brings familiar yet covetable basics—black tailored bermuda shorts and button up shirting—to the forefront of conscious-minded style. Designed and founded by Charlotte Hicks, the Australian label re-imagines classic pieces in slow-released capsule collections made from sustainably-sourced fabrics. The brand’s mission is to produce less but offer well-fitted everyday staples that work for you.
Based in Seoul, Low Classic is designed and founded by Myoungsin Lee, who approaches fashion design with a back-to-basics philosophy. She offers everyday pieces like blazers, knits, belted trousers, and shirting with a utilitarian aesthetic—no embellishments or fussy fabrics. Each season brings an elegant and modern take on contemporary minimalism as Lee marries straightforward suiting traditions with innovative design.
Swedish contemporary brand House of Dagmar, part of the Stockholm Fashion Week calendar, applies a thoughtful approach in designing their essential wardrobe staples. In fact, the spring 2021 collection is made of 100% sustainable materials and certified fabrics. You might shop House of Dagmar for their mindful practices and contemporary price point, but also, for the Scandi-spin they put on everyday wardrobe essentials—they’re just as cool as you would expect.
