2026 is on the horizon and this aptly coined betwixmas period (I'd kindly appreciate it if someone could remind me what day of the week it is now?) is the perfect time to discover the up-and-coming fashion brands to know in 2026. This year, I've paid close attention to emerging fashion brands, noting interesting designs and interviewing founders about their creative process and the future of fashion. Through fashion months, I've discovered a rising number of emerging designers and lesser-known brands, with aspirational designs and talents that deserve to be celebrated.
Recently, we've seen firsthand how interest in independent brands has soared as we're collectively searching for brands that resonate with our personal style. I'm passionate about this intersection of fashion, as there's a magic in brands in their infancy, when they're perfecting their style, honing their craft and highlighting a creative point of difference. I find emerging brands exude a strong DNA, champion quality craftsmanship, ethical production and problem-solve design woes (more on that later), making them especially attractive.
So, without further ado, here are 16 up-and-coming fashion brands to have on your radar in 2026. It was hard to narrow it down, but these brands truly are the crème de la crème and the names to watch...
The Up-and-Coming Brands to Watch in 2026:
1. Almada Label
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Almada Label was conceived in 2020 by industry insiders Alexa Dagmar and Linda Juhola. It's since cemented a reputation as a brand steadfast in its identity—unwavering elegance, clean lines and timeless fashion. The brand's online presence is growing exponentially, making it a fashion brand to watch in 2026. Almada Label's brand DNA is reliant on the wearer's sense of personal style. That is, the minimalist who shops less and, in doing so, chooses considered pieces bound to withstand the test of time and outlast trends.
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Note the clean lines and textured profile—two features synonymous with the Almada Label brand.
Elevate your knitwear with overstated jewels and silk trousers this season.
This season we're making a case for plush accesories.
2. Soft Goat
I was initially attracted to Soft Goat's tongue-in-cheek name and my discovery was made all the more impressive when I discovered the brand's arsenal of elevated knitwear and silk pieces crafted with minimalists in mind. It's an emerging brand worth noting.
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Soft Goat is best known for cashmere but the brand also produce silk pieces.
Off-duty looks have never looked so chic.
One of the brand's more playful offerings.
3. Nami
Picture the fruitful Scottish highlands and you'll step into the mind's eye of the designer. Nami was conceived from the depths of the Scottish highlands, where the raw natural landscape and expansive materials inspired some of the most fashion-forward designs I've seen come out of Scotland this year. Although the brand is in its infancy, its DNA is seasoned to perfection.
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The low-slung waist offers a unique silhoutte for fit and flare skirting, which is, more often than not high waisted.
Pair the column cashmere skirt with a fitted turtleneck knit on top.
A boat neck tunic will forever be timeless.
4. Sharon Wauchob
Central Saint Martins graduate, Sharon Wauchob, conceived her eponymous label after an impressive tenure at Louis Vuitton. Her designs champion modern femininity with fluid pieces crafted with ease of movement in mind. Owing to her Paris home, Wauchob celebrates hand finishes, embroidery and French lace. Here, you'll find plenty of adornment and exaggerated silhouettes.
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There's a beautiful artisty about this swathed design and the bundled fabric.
The two-fabrication skirting is contemporary design at its finest.
Note the suprise green feather detailing on this design.
5. By Malene Birger
Founded in Copenhagen, By Malene Birger hones in on designs that reflect a sense of modern minimalism that's present in Scandinavia. The brand is characterised by refined silhouettes with a bohemian flair—by way of trims, accessories and spirited texture profiles. And while it is not an emerging brand, it certainly is set to have a very big year in 2026, as it becomes a go-to for elegant staples for fashion people across Europe.
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The fur trimmed edge loans a playful element to this coat.
Mark my words, you'll wear these silken trousers on repeat.
A forever knit with a slight yellow undertone.
6. Jessie Flamming
Fashion founder and fine art devotee Jessie Flamming amalgamates fashion design with the world of artistry—designing clothes for people to live, work, party and frolic in. Jessie's designs are as much to do with community as design and considered fabrications (of which she sources meticulously). Her styles offer structural and fluid elements and are made to inspire thought and movement.
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Consider pairing the Odette dress with this cropped crème jacket to add to the dramatic silhouette.
The Odette dress is available in a bronze metallic sheen.
This silhoutte was envisioned for all occasions from parties to painting.
7. Stylein
Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, Stylein offers refined yet creative silhouettes designed to be with the wearer for a lifetime. From puckered knitwear to streamlined skirting, it's a brand to note for your wardrobe heroes and beyond.
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This ankle-skimming skirt features a delicate organza overlay—a subtle (albeit modest) nod to the naked dressing trend.
The relaxed jumper silhoutte styles perfectly with languid trousers.
Brown suede will continue to dominate 2026 trends.
8. ARMA
Family-led label ARMA zeroes in on refined leather goods awash with suede, leather and shearling. Here, you can expect high-quality and timeless capsule pieces that will stay with you for a lifetime. The brand has recently landed on Net-A-Porter's radar and the label's website hosts an even wider selection of sumptuous designs.
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Take note, the best hues comprise yellow undertones.
This shrunken bomber silhoutte will pair exceptionally well with high waisted midi skirts.
These longline shorts comprise buttery soft suede in a delicious caramel hue.
9. The Gather
The Gather is as much about entrepreneurship as its impressive designs, as Founder Poppy Tracey started her independent brand fresh out of studies. Currently, the emerging brand creates a concise collection of refined and high-quality knitwear (comprising cashmere, cotton and lambswool) which are intended to become the heroes in your autumn and winter wardrobe. Once you invest in a Gather piece, you needn't refresh your knitwear, year after year.
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The Josie jumper features a ribbed neckline and heavyweight design, enabling the knitwear to hold shape.
A slouched cardigan with contrasting buttons.
Come sprIng, you'll be pleased to have this quality sweater vest in your arsenal.
10. Laura Pitharas
With a background in menswear and tailoring, Laura Pitharas envisioned a sustainablity driven label to amalgamate tailored suiting with womenswear design and therein her eponymous label was born. What started as a mission to create the perfect suit for women has now evolved into contemporary, clean-cut shapes comprising whimsical organza to silk scarf dresses.
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Elegance and simplicity at its finest.
Silk trousers are set to continue dominating fashion spaces and Laura Pitharas offers one of the most impressive shapes I've seen.
Whilst many people look for sequin fabrications this time of year, make a beeline for Laura Pitharas' elevated organza blouse.
11. Marlies Grace
Conceived by Christel-Verena Martin, Marlie's Grace was built on sentiment and pays homage to the founder's mother, the epitome of grace. The designs hone in on contemporary silhouettes with unique touches, inspired by travel and timeless elegance. Marlie's Grace amalgamates modernity with the refinement of classic vintage styles, so with every piece, there's a nod to yesteryear.
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Take note of this languid frock shaping paired with the artisanal shell bust detail. I can help but envisage sun soaked skin and salty hair.
The Marlies Clutch initially drew me to the brand with it's intreguing shape. Between the hardened Mango Wood shell and vintage-inspired tassel, it's an inspiring handbag design you won't find every day.
The Ceres Top makes one want to fast forward winter season and land back in summer.
12. Paloma
Pioneer of what she coins the perfect white shirt, founder Jessica Payne is all too familiar with the dread of ill-fitting and uninspiring white shirts. She set about challenging that with a considered design fit for various purposes and shapes. What she crafts is exceptional—expertly hung white shirts crafted from a fluid lyocell fabrication, yet starchy enough to hold their shape when worn and revived after washing. The design also comprised a curved hem, a stitched single pocket and wide cuffs. If you're curious about the magic of Paloma, the founder is currently demonstrating how to style the Paloma Shirt 365 ways, with styling hacks and an outfit per day on her Instagram.
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This is the only white shirt I own and I can attest to the fact that it is indeed, perfect.
13. Mashu
Greek designer Ioanna Topouzoglou is at the helm of this sustainability-driven brand, where you can expect to find a considerate capsule of both refined and spirited handbags that best reflect the highly coveted European style. Mashu's birthplace has inspired compact handbags with the spirit of nonchalance, making them easy to integrate into everyday ensembles and transcend day-to-night styling. Since its inception in 2017, Mashu has honed in on the production of ecological, plant-based handbags—utilising innovative textiles such as BioVeg and Pinatex, inspiring fashion enthusiasts to reimagine fruit discard. To further drive its sustainable mission, Mashu offers complimentary lifetime repair, making your purchase a forever investment.
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This top-handle bag features a curved flap design and ever-so-subtle contrasting colourways.
Silken brown fabrications always appear luxe. The addition of the interlinking gold handle makes this piece feel more unique.
Typically, Mashu is renowned for its pint-sized handbag shapes but its latest arrival is one to appease the maximalists (where space and colour are concerned) among us. The Artemis handbag features a deep interior with shaping reminiscent of the bowing bag. This beautiful style allows ample space for your personal belongings.
14. Verafied
Verafied has shaken up the accessories realm in 2025 and gradually climbed up the ranks to become the talking point of many Fashion Editors. The brand DNA is strong—accessories made to withstand the test of time, inspired by stories and vintage designs. The bags may be aspirational from an aesthetic standpoint, but Founder Vera Wang champions intentionality, heart and sentimentality at the brand's core.
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Verafied's latest launch was envisioned for minimalists requiring a spacious handbag capacity, without needing to sacrifice style. The Club Bag (inspired by a vintage holdall in the Wang's family archive) is available in two sizes, with the larger, featuring a hidden bottom compartment roomy enough for larger items. Founder Vera Wang frequents the gym with hers.
This structured shoulder bag features an minimal approach to animal print with a zebra motif designed exclusively for Selfridges.
The Éclair handbag is one of Verafied's most popular designs and it's become a personal favourite. It features an elongated profile, convertible elements (making it easy to transcend day and evening events) and polished gold hardware.
15. Freja
Founder Jenny Lai conceived Freja in 2019 and the brand spotlights human connection and storytelling, with timeless design. Described as a love letter to dreamers, the brand entices a loyal customer base with thoughtful messaging, highlighting the importance of living with intentionality, alongside its considered design archive.
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One of the brand's most popular designs, the Mini Chrystie Bag is gradually becoming synonymous with Freya. This style is available across four subtle yet impactful colours and in mini and standard iterations.
The considered artistry of this effortless detail (note the slight concave dip) pays homage to architectural design. It's a shape the contemporary minimalist will wholeheartedly appreciate.
Freya's Paloma Tote makes for a stellar work bag contender. Despite its slender profile, it features ample hidden compartments, a structured shape and an ergonomically designed shoulder strap, making it easy to stay organised and elegant.
16. Kallmeyer
Kallmeyer launched on US soil in 2011 and is heavily inspired by the concept of modular basics. Its prominence in the Netflix TV series Nobody Wants This (thanks to costume designer Negar Ali Kline's great taste) has influenced the brand's presence overseas. Net-A-Porter is the latest e-retailer to snap up this aspirational label, with others set to follow suit.
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This simple design is anything but basic. The svelte shape, slight A-line silhoutte and scoop neck lend it a vintage feel.
In 2026, burgundy will continue to prove popular and this design speaks volumes. The dipped cowl neckline, addition of silk voile and black trim elevate this camisole beyond measure.
Grecian draping is one of the most elevated styles for blouses. This top features a rippled neck detail and fluted sleeves, creating a pronounced silhouette.