7 Small Fashion Brands I’ve Been Gatekeeping
We’re never ones to gatekeep at The Handbook – especially when it comes to cute fashion finds. Here, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor Astrid Carter shares seven lesser-known, small fashion brands she’s been loving recently, from an affordable designer handbag label to the standout outerwear brand spotted on Olivia Dean and Dua Lipa.
Nomasei
Founded in Paris by duo Marine Braquet and Paule Tenaillon, Nomasei is a footwear brand making classics with a rebellious twist – think embossed ballet flats in blood red or loafers with intricate brooch detailing. With an incredible collective CV – the two have worked in shoe design at the likes of Chloé, Dior, Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton – the dedication to sheer craftsmanship is evident in every pair. Plus, fun fact: Paule spent five years designing tango shoes in Buenos Aires, so she knows how to make shoes you can dance in all night.
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Eiko Ai
When it comes to eveningwear, I’m always on the hunt for super comfy pieces that also make me feel special and elegant. Think intricate prints that feel a bit vintage, tactile silks and velvets, or interesting draping that makes conversation-starting outfits. Eiko Ai is just that.
I have a big birthday coming up, and I’m feeling one of their dresses could be the outfit for it.
The Barcelona-based brand started out specialising in the most beautiful kimono dresses cut in delicate, original prints, taking inspiration from artisanal Japanese craft. They have now expanded into a wider ready-to-wear collection.
Each piece feels like it was made for a real sense of occasion. Pieces you’d wear and treasure forever, timeless in every sense, from style to age. I have a big birthday coming up, and I’m feeling one of their dresses could be the outfit for it.
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The Label Edition
I’m forever saving lesser-known brands on Instagram, and often I find they are coming from Portugal and Spain. Those guys just really know how to do grown-up boho so well, especially in the winter months. One such brand is The Label Edition, who create limited editions between Barcelona and Portugal.
At the creative heart of the brand is Véronique Vaillant von Siebenthal, who has crafted such a strong aesthetic using natural fabrics, exclusive prints, and high-quality tailoring. Think a little bit Isabel Marant, but at a more realistic price point. Look to them for shirting with huge statement collars, boho quilted jackets, and vintage-feel denim.
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Claris Virot
Speaking of grown-up bohemian style, this is another brand to bookmark if that’s your thing. Claris Virot is a luxury handbag, jewellery, and accessories brand born in Paris by designer namesake Clarisse Virot. It’s their bags that have really caught my eye – beautifully made for the everyday, classic, and elegant, but in no way old-fashioned. The tobacco brown suede Louise bag is at the top of my wishlist. It’s worth checking out their excellent triple strap ballet flats and cool-girl signet rings, too.
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Paola Sighinolfi
Colombian-born, Barcelona-based jewellery designer Paola Sighinolfi comes from a rich lineage of creatives – she is a direct descendant of the renowned Italian sculptor Césare Sighinolfi.
I love an unashamedly statement ring stack, and this is a brand that delivers.
Her pieces feel like sculptural artwork in their own right, but certainly not ones for any wallflowers. I, however, love an unashamedly statement ring stack, and this is a brand that delivers.
Think chunky gold rings festooned with precious stones, twisted architectural hoops that elevate the everyday, and seriously good chunky chain necklaces you will keep forever.
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A Perfect Nomad
From the White Isle comes this gorgeous sustainable brand that should be bookmarked if you want to curate and invest in a summer wardrobe that will stand the test of time.
The Perfect Nomad is based in Ibiza and definitely channels that carefree bohemian spirit of the island, from wafty maxi dresses to pretty lace and warm-weather-approved pieces.
One to bookmark if you want to curate and invest in a summer wardrobe that will stand the test of time.
They prioritise quality and longevity, designing naturally and slowly with hand-woven fabrics and artisanal handmade block printing and dyeing. The brand also works closely with a women’s charity that transforms the lives of girls and their families in rural India, with a portion of the profit from each piece going towards setting up learning centres in seriously deprived areas.
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Carelli
Finally, if Olivia Dean is spotted in a label, you best believe I am bookmarking it. Carelli, which launched in 2025, has been spotted on the likes of cool girls, Olivia, Dua, Aimee Song and Peggy Gou.
They do one thing and one thing very well… cute jackets. There are plenty of animal prints on offer, from faux fur numbers with statement cuffs to charming Bambi in military shapes and jewel-toned velvet blazers; these jackets become the whole look.
Finally, if Olivia Dean is spotted in a label, you best believe I am bookmarking it.
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The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
