Here's Where Nordstrom Is Hiding All the Fashion-With-a-Capital-F Brands

In case you've ever wondered why we write so many Nordstrom-centered stories around here, the answer is simple: Our readers love to shop there. Recently, I took a deep dive into the most popular brands at the retailer, which included heavyweights like Gucci, Ugg, and Nike. But Nordstrom also stocks cool on-the-rise brands that only fashion-obsessed shoppers know about. They're all hiding in Nordstrom's section called Space: Emerging and Advanced Designers.

In this section of Nordstrom's website, you'll find a mix of edgy brands you haven't heard of, Copenhagen Fashion Week darlings, and established brands that haven't quite made it to the mainstream conversation yet. Scroll down to shop my very favorite pieces from the Space section. 

Area

Area is already a favorite of fashion editors and celebrities alike, but it hasn't achieved widespread brand recognition beyond industry insiders quite yet—but it's well on its way. 

Cecilie Bahnsen

Cecilie Bahnsen is one of the most famous brands to come out of Copenhagen, but Nordstrom is offering a platform to a much wider audience than ever before. The brand just released a new Encore collection with Nordstrom, which sees Bahnsen giving new life to fabric from past seasons with the goal of making fashion more sustainable. 

Kathryn Bowen

One look at Kathryn Bowen's sultry pieces, and you'll see why I've dubbed her a fashion-with-a-capital-F brand. She masterfully uses sheer fabric and cutouts to create the ultimate night-out wardrobe. 

Collina Strada

Collina Strada is already a favorite at New York Fashion Week, but it's poised to become even more popular in 2022 thanks to its signature tie-dye designs and fun prints. 

Stand Studio

Stand Studio is another one of my favorite brands to see at Copenhagen Fashion Week. The label is particularly adept at coats and bags, so I expect that these pieces will sell insanely fast. 

Yanyan

I love Yanyan's homemade, patchwork quality. The brand definitely has a sense of humor and loves designing pieces that have an arts-and-crafts vibe. 

Totême

Totême is a Swedish brand by Elin Kling that has quickly become a go-to for fashion editors. The pieces are definitely pricey, but they are so classic that you'll end up owning them for decades to come. 

Sunnei

Sunnei has a fun mix of innovative knits and cool jewelry that I can't wait to try. The pieces are so colorful and fun yet wearable at the same time. 

Dauphinette

Fun fact: Dauphinette uses real flowers in its jewelry and accessories. The flowers are pressed and preserved in resin before they're turned into earrings, bags, and more. How cool is that? 

Eckhaus Latta

Fashion people already know and love Ekahus Latta, but exposure on Nordstrom's website is sure to propel the brand to greater heights. I particularly love the brand's sweaters this season. 

Up next, Hailey Bieber wore the new platform Uggs that will sell out by December

Opening Image: Getty Images

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.