To be in the know when it comes to fashion can vary from person to person, but the usual tell-tale signs are that brands like Khaite and Toteme are in their vocabulary. And presumably hanging in their wardrobes.

While they have deservedly become household names, the mark of a true sartorialist is staying across the emerging designers of note. The luxury independent fashion brands to know, if you will. As a fashion writer working at Who What Wear, it is not only my passion, but within my job description to be at the forefront of the zeitgeist and be across this upcoming cohort to ensure that you, our readers, are also in the know.

Finding the next Proenza Schouler or Peter Do or Phoebe Philo does take commitment; trawling multi-brand retailers like Dover Street Market, keeping a close eye on the new generation showing at smaller fashion weeks in Copenhagen and Sydney, seeing what celebrity stylists like Dara Allen, Danielle Goldberg and Jamie Mizrahi are dressing their clients in. As I’ve built a profession around identifying the luxury independent fashion brands before they make it mainstream, it would be remiss of me to gatekeep.

These niche brands might not be new to you, though they may be for some. Which is why I’ve also included the designers' It items that everyone is currently impressed by. What you’ll find below is a curated list of the top 11 independent brands and buys you're probably not across yet. These designers all operate from around the world—including the outskirts of Istanbul, the dreamy Northern Rivers region of Australia, Italy’s mills and even here in the heart of London—yet still have one thing in common. All discerning, minimalistic, designed for the modern woman and crafted with the highest quality fabrics, these buys will last you a lifetime. Uncover them all, ahead.

The 11 Luxury Independent Fashion Brands and Buys to Know

1. St. Agni

Style Notes: Hailing from the languid beaches of Byron Bay, St. Agni is one of Australia’s foremost contemporary fashion brands. The brand’s silhouettes are contemporary, unfussy, infused with a ‘90s fashion sensibility and functional for both city and coastal settings, which is why you’ll see designs like Carrie Bradshaw-esque mini dresses rendered in a TENCEL™ Lyocell fabric (a type of regenerated material that has a lower environmental impact) alongside sleek lambskin halter neck tops, deliciously light-weight silk camisoles jackets, woven leather bags and trousers with built-in cummerbunds. The brand’s pieces have been worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Speaking of the brand's resonance within these spheres, Lara Fells, co-founder of St. Agni, says: "St. Agni has always been about considered design and quiet confidence. The cult following came organically, a reflection of those who value subtlety over spectacle."

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2. The Row

Style Notes: If you’re going to be familiar with a luxury independent fashion brand on this list, it’s going to be The Row. Founded by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen in 2006, The Row silently helped pioneer the market of well-finished and expertly made staples that whispered wealth. According to the Olsen Twins themselves, the brand began with the simple mission of creating the perfect white T-shirt. This idea then spiralled into a capsule collection of just seven pieces, including cashmere, before becoming the elegant titan we know it to be now. With the brand’s name deriving from Savile Row, The Row’s boutique in Mayfair (which includes mid-century furnishings, a James Turrell light installation and a strict "no pictures" policy) is a must-visit while in London.

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3. Dear Frances

Style Notes: You can’t take a wrong step when wearing Dear Frances. An intentionally slow fashion brand, the London-based label is unique in its commitment to Italian craftsmanship and covetable accessories. The brand first piqued interest in 2021 with the Balla style, a mesh slipper style that puts a sensual spin on woven ballet flats. Designed for a glove fit, it’s the perfect vessel for showcasing a sophisticated pedicure and embracing the naked dressing trend in a more subtle way. Since then, the brand has expanded into handbags with the launch of its first-ever mesh bag, the shopper-style Sachetto, begun toying with mesh trainers and even celebrated its tenth anniversary. As an Australian myself, I adore how the brand’s founder and creative director, Jane Frances, comes from down under, too. But even more so, I love the fact she trained as a shoe designer in a family-owned factory outside of Milan, so you know the styles are made for the well-travelled woman.

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4. Beare Park

Style Notes: In under five years, Sydney-based label Beare Park has gone from making it's debut under the sails of the Sydney Opera House during the 2021 season of Australian Fashion Week to winning the Australian Fashion Laureate prize for Emerging Designer of the Year in 2024. Along the way, it has remained steady in its vision of arming its customers with timeless and sophisticated staples. Located in the harbourside suburb of Potts Point, co-founder and creative director Gabriella Pereira designs every piece and hand sources fabric across France, Italy and Japan herself. More importantly, the brand is dedicated to a circular fashion model, expanding this even further by promoting causes close to the community, including outfitting the national women's football team, the Matildas, with off-field tailoring and creating a pink blouse in partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, donating 100% of the proceeds towards the charity.

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5. Rue Sophie

Style Notes: Relaunching in 2024 under the visage Rue Sophie, this brand has been an editor's secret for nearly two years now. However, in that time, the label has enjoyed the success of being spotted on early adopters like Pamela Anderson and Demi Moore, who wore pieces on their respective press cycles for The Last Showgirl and The Substance. At a far more affordable price point compared to its contemporaries, Rue Sophie is distinct as it takes a considerably softer approach to dressing. Knits are lightweight, tops are fluid, and the colour palette ranges from liquid metallics to dusty pinks.

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6. Rohé

Style Notes: Rohé is a Dutch studio and atelier located in Amsterdam's "Golden Bend", the most prestigious and palatial part of the Netherlands' Herengracht canal district. The brand's clothing reflects this stature, with everything from sumptuous outerwear to satin trousers designed to be as regal and swish as the location in which it's made. Drawing inspiration from architecture, poetry and photography, the brand is best known for its origami capsule, a collection of shirts and blouses that translates the folding and pleating of paper into clothing.

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7. Tove

Style Notes: Tove is a London-based small-batch fashion studio that evokes British charm and polish in all its iterations. Founded by friends Holly Wright and Camille Perry, Tove interprets the clothing worn throughout the city and countryside and distils it into considered and limited ranges that are dropped throughout the year. This season, the brand has brought linen to the forefront, as showcased in the relaxed strapless Tove dresses you've no doubt seen all over your social media feeds.

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8. Manu Atelier

Style Notes: Founded in Istanbul by sisters Beste and Merve Manastır, Manu Atelier is the designer bag brand you'd have noticed swinging from the shoulders of the most stylish people across London. It's true—the best wardrobes in Britain aren't complete without an addition from this brand, which is made distinct by the signature belt-inspired buckled strap that wraps around the front of its styles. On that note, the most prominent style is the suede Le Cambon 35, which comes in eight different neutral hues and is snug enough to be tucked under your elbow.

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9. Kallmeyer

Style Notes: A New York powerhouse, but still lesser known than the likes of Tory Burch, Calvin Klein and Wardrobe.NYC, Kallmeyer is quickly becoming an institution for savvy and stylish city slickers. Synonymous with downtown cool and nonchalant elegance, the brand's floaty shapes and ability to make even the most delicate of designs look rough and ready have swiftly earned it a cult following, including among celebrities like Ayo Edebiri, And Just Like That's Sarita Choudhury and Katie Holmes.

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10. Tibi

Style Notes: Amy Smilovic’s Tibi is more than just an independent luxury fashion brand; it's an entire philosophy. Aside from their clothing, Smilovic is known for her styling playbook, The Creative Pragmatist, a sort of how-to with helpful tools and tricks to help develop your eye, taste and personal style. But if you don't have time to brush up on this coursework, all of Tibi's designs are infused with the principles spelt out in the book, meaning you can invest soundly knowing that whatever piece you buy is already expertly put together for you.

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11. LeMarie

Style Notes: What began in Le Marias in 1990 is now a veritable independent luxury fashion establishment. Lemaire is a lesser-known French fashion brand, but one worth being spoken about nonetheless. Led by Christophe Lemaire, the eponymous founder and former creative director of Hermès, and co-designer Sarah-Linh Tran, Lemaire draws inspiration from Parisian attitudes and well-styled locals.

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What is an Luxury Independent Fashion Brand?

For the uninitiated, a luxury independent fashion brand refers to a clothing brand that is owned independently. Often operated by the designers themselves and financed by a series of investments, these brands are not under the control of a larger conglomerate or company, such as LVMH, which owns brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Dior, Fendi, Celine and Loewe, or Kering, which owns Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen and Bottega Veneta. Other luxury independent fashion brands include Chanel, Hermès, Prada and Giorgio Armani.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

This summer has been one of showcasing skin. From the best sheer blouses that add a touch of provocation to tailored outfits to skirts that have a slip of leg-revealing transparent fabric, naked dressing has never been so exhaustive. Mesh is a girl’s best friend this season.

Still, our penchant for exposing a glimpse of our body under airy translucent fabric isn’t about being risqué. Instead, it’s about selectively revealing elements of ourselves that often go unnoticed. It’s this act that brings us to the accessory du jour: mesh bags.

Perhaps the most intimate style we’ve seen this year, the best mesh bags have emerged as an unexpected alternative to the sturdier woven leather shoppers, suede carry-alls and studded top handles that designers have been peddling over the last few months.

Blame it on the ability warm weather has in helping us shed layers or the air of voyeurism that’s in the air, the mesh bag trend has arrived to unlock the inner exhibitionist inside us all. We’re no longer curious to know what chic women carry through town; we’re becoming these people ourselves, proudly displaying to the world the lip liners, keyring charms and other elegant staples that serve us throughout our day. Because the items we tote around not only hold significance, but hold our secrets too.

Are Mesh Bags in Style?

“Mesh brings a certain intrigue,” explains Jane Frances, creative director and co-founder of Dear Frances. The London-based luxury label focuses on footwear and accessories that enhance off-duty outfits with polish, elegance and minimalism. Known for their sock-esque cult ballet flat, I caught up with Frances off the back of their brick-and-mortar launch into Selfridges to understand just why the see-through look is so in demand.

“The idea that a handbag, used to house and protect our valuable everyday essentials, can be reworked to subtly reveal is unexpected,” she adds, noting why they're back in style. “There's a vulnerability to it which is honest, fresh and exciting.”

Of course, mesh is a fabric that has been employed in accessory design for years—it’s the backbone for the functional packing cubes that go inside your Rimowa carry-on luggage or make up the checked laundry bag that you schlep to and from your local dry cleaner. Despite these associations, they’ve been given a luxury makeover. Dear Frances has just launched their first mesh bag called the Sacchetto.

It’s a slouchy and sophisticated long-line shoulder bag made from fine Italian fabric and finished with soft nappa leather. Don’t let the fragility and daintiness fool you, however, the structure of these bags makes them dependable enough to fit your laptop, beach read and grocery haul alike.

According to Frances, mesh bags make such a versatile style as they “go against the obvious”. According to her, the trend “adds a certain considered depth with its unique texture and displays a confidence of the wearer.”

Alongside Dear Frances, The Row’s woven-mesh barn tote is an iteration that’s also leading the charge. The Jenner sisters both featured the striped style as part of their European Summer holiday wardrobes—Kylie wore it with white capri pants when gallivanting around Venice, while Kendall took a more languid approach by pairing it with Ancient Greek Sandals’s saionara jelly flip-flops when in St. Tropez—though local members of the fashion influencer set like Monikh Dale and Marianne Smyth have posted the piece, too.

The trend has also begun cropping up at Longchamp, Proenza Schouler and Alaïa, meaning that there are plenty of contenders for the best mesh bag crown already available. That’s not exempting the expensive-looking high-street versions, either, with brands like COS and Massimo Dutti designing their own versions that rival its opulent counterparts.

“Mesh requires intentional consideration,” Frances reminds me, though. Styling wise, play of other textures, like structured denim or silk trousers, to give a more impactful look. And always remember, the best mesh bags will make the contents of whatever’s stored inside visible, so perhaps in a little pouch for your most personal items. Another reason why it’s a worthy investment? “It pushes the boundaries of comfort and style, never compromising one for the other.” Sure, you’ll have to constantly clean out the receipts and junk that end up littered at the bottom of your other luxury bags, but the payoff will be well worth it.

Shop the Best Mesh Bags of 2025

What to Keep in a Mesh Bag?

Now that you've invested in the best mesh bag that suits your personal style and specific needs, the next point of call is to pack it. Like travelling light, curating your handbag is an art. I would know. There have been times when I've been the woman who has everything, and other instances when I've been the person who carries nothing except the clothes on her back. (Okay, that is a little white lie as those occurrences usually only take place when I'm ducking to Pilates and just need my house keys.)

But when everyone can see what's inside your bag, you want to take great care in ensuring these styles are as elevated as your new mesh bag. Instead of a pair of hair ties that you bought at Boots, try for a chic scrunchie from Sandy Liang or Damson Madder. A pair of designer sunglasses will never go astray. And for your finances? Try a sophisticated coin purse or card holder.

How to Keep Mesh Bags Clean?

Despite what you may think, mesh bags are not machine safe. Consider this your stern warning to avoid the washer and dryer at all costs. Instead, Frances recommends "treating your mesh bag the same way you would a leather handbag."

"Store it in its original dust bag and out of direct sunlight. Any small marks can be resolved with a simple damp wipe," she adds. Don't be put off by these cleaning caveats, however. "Mesh is malleable, it moves with you, which creates a special feeling," Frances acknowledges before adding, "mesh is made to endure aesthetically and physically."

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Hailey Bieber declared this August "Strawberry Girl Summer", whilst influencers who took to Europe announced it was, in fact, a "European Summer". I'm not here to contest either statement, because for all of the fashion editors out there, there's only one way we could describe the past few months: ballet-flat summer. After years in hibernation, the ballet flat triumphantly retrieved its cult status this year. Chic mary janes were and are on every corner, mesh ballet flats emerged as the coolest and most controversial iteration, a pair of Tabis were the subject of a highly publicised theft in New York, and crystal-embossed ballet pumps were on every corner during Fashion Month.

Every iteration of the ballet flat has had its moment in 2023, and whilst some brands gained notoriety for their classic black flats, others made their way to the top of wish lists for their bolder take on the trending shoe. And in honour of a fashion redemption story like no other, I've chronicled the ballet flats that ruled the summer months, and those that I predict will stand the test of time. 

Read on to discover the flats we'll be shopping now and for years to come.

1. REFORMATION BETHANY BALLET FLAT

Style Notes: Reformation's Bethany mary janes quickly became a fan-favourite for their extensive colour and fabric range and chic, classic cut. With silver and studs trending hard this year, both the metallic pair and studded style live in my mind rent-free.

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2. ALAÏA CRYSTAL BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Alaïa's crystal-and-mesh ballet flats were some of the first slippers to trend this past season. For their glistening take on the classic style, the crystal flats sold out quickly, but luckily they remain available to shop on pre-loved websites.

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3. DEAR FRANCES MESH BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: The unlikely fashion trend that no one saw coming, mesh ballet flats took off year, and no stylist, fashion editor or influencer was left behind. For their roomy yet clean-cut finish, Dear Frances's mesh slippers were the pair of choice.

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4. THE ROW BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: There's nothing The Row does better than clean cuts and elevated basics, so naturally its dainty leather ballet flats came out on top this season. You won't be surprised to know that it was The Row's elastic-strapped version that could well be credited with kickstarting the whole ballet-flat renaissance. 

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5. MAISON MARGIELA TABI BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Earlier this year we all caught wind that there was a Tabi swiper on the loose in New York. The fashion insider's favourite daring shoe, the Tabi has been around for decades, but it made its mark this season for its instantly recognisable design and mass of dedicated fans.

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6. LORO PIANA POINTED BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Pointed-toe shoes were another trending shape this season, and certain ballet flats got the makeover. My favourite of the lot come from Italian heritage brand Loro Piana, which remains a firm favourite for its excellent cuts and luxe-level quality.

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7. KHIATE BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Riffing off the metallic microtrend, silver ballet flats are one of this season's most stylish buys. Of the lot, we remain enamoured by Khaite's silver version, which are sadly still sold out. Luckily though, the crystal-embellished version is still in stock and ready to shop below.

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9. AEYDE BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Each pair of Aeyde shoes is made at the same family-run factory in Italy, so you can rest assured that you're investing in unrivalled quality. With many iterations of ballet flats on offer from the brand, we were most taken by the playful styles that feature surprising strap details.

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10. MANSURE GAVRIEL BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Spotted several times this summer on Gigi Hadid, Mansur Gavriel's cult ballet flats quickly became a fashion staple. Worn with loose jeans or wide-leg trousers, this classic shoe will level up any wardrobe.

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11. MIU MIU BALLET FLATS

Style Notes: Miu Miu's playful satin ballet flats mimic real ballerina slippers with their pleated finished and satin fabric. Loved by Alexa Chung and many other stylish names, these remain a firm favourite amongst the fashion crowd.

Next Up: 10 Items That Are Officially Reaching Cult Status This Fashion Month

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock while living in the UK the past few months, you’re probably aware that in less than two weeks’ time, the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations will be kicking off. Not only does this mean an extra-long bank holiday weekend for most of us (thank you, Your Majesty), but it also comes with the promise of plenty of that patriotic conviviality—the kind only royal occasions can bring. Remember the buzz around the weddings? I’m imagining that level and more. Whether you’re a fan of the royal family or not, it’s going to be hard to ignore the community spirit and buoyant energy that will accompany the celebrations. 

Maybe you’re planning on attending your local street party (cute), a family barbecue or a wedding or you’re taking advantage of the time off with a holiday. Either way, it’s likely you’ll have some exciting plans. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed the weather plays ball because it feels like it’s not just a celebration of the queen’s 70-year reign but also the start of what promises to be a gloriously "normal” summer (touch wood). 

We know that with fun plans also comes the desire for some killer outfits. So as our Jubilee gift to you, we thought we’d pull together an epic (and we mean epic) edit of all the amazing sale offers our favourite brands are putting on right now. To help you bolster your summer wardrobes for the coming weekend and beyond, the list below highlights some of the best on-site discounts out there. But excitingly, we’ve also pulled some strings to get Who What Wear UK readers some exclusive discount codes you won’t find anywhere else, and there's more to come as we get closer to the Jubilee weekend.

So whether you’re looking for a last-minute wedding guest dress you won’t regret later, an upgrade to your holiday wardrobe or summer basics to add to your warm-weather capsule, keep scrolling to see all the sale details you need to know and our top picks from each brand.

COS

The offer: New customers get 10% off with the code HELLOCOS10. Just create your new customer account at checkout, and apply the code (brand exclusions apply). Plus, there's free shipping until Monday. 

KAREN MILLEN

The offer: Use the exclusive discount code JUBILEE20, and get 20% off all items including sale. 

WAREHOUSE

The offer: Use code SPENDSAVE for an Extra 10% off orders over £60, Extra 15% off £80 and Extra 20% off £120 

ATTERLEY

The offer: Use the exclusive discount code JUBILEE10 to get 10% off everything. 

HEIST

The offer: Use the exclusive discount code AFFHEISTWWW to get 15% off orders over £90. 

MYTHERESA

The offer: Get up to 50% off sale until Sunday. 

DEAR FRANCES

The offer: 20% off the entire site with code SPRING20. 

BODEN

The offer: Use code SPENDSAVE for an Extra 10% off orders over £60, Extra 15% off £80 and Extra 20% off £120

NET-A-PORTER

The offer: New customers get 10% off with the code FIRST10. Simply create your new customer account at checkout and apply code (brand exclusions apply). 

PHASE EIGHT

The offer: 15% off all new season items until 31st May. 

OASIS

The offer: Use code SPENDSAVE for an Extra 10% off orders over £60, Extra 15% off £80 and Extra 20% off £120

HARVEY NICHOLS

The offer: Up to 20% off selected items until 31st May, when you sign up to Harvey Nichols Rewards. 

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Until last year I never considered myself much of an autumnal dresser. My style has always leant towards windswept dresses that are apt for balmy temperatures. As I approach my mid-thirties, I’m embracing styles that caress, in rich tones that feel characteristically autumn. Considering the forecast we’ve been granted thus far, I’ve been thrust into the realm of autumn dressing prematurely. I have to admit, it’s inspired me, especially when revisiting some of my favourite A/W shows from February. Last week’s Copenhagen Fashion Week saw temperatures drop and attendees donning windswept umbrellas and clad in elongated lengths. Although it was a far cry from last year’s summery styles, it presented us with a smorgasbord of deep hues, textures and juxtaposed fabrications — signalling the start of transitional dressing.

There are many transitional pieces I’ve adopted as part of my uniform and both summer and autumn looks can be built with and around them. White full skirts, for example (which happens to be a trending piece this year). The bright wash and airy voile compliments fuzzy knitwear beautifully. The same goes for accessories. If you’re enjoying basket bags this season, consider investing in a leather patina you can wear with sundresses or trench coats and blazers.

The key to dressing for transitional seasons is layers that you can either pile up or shed. Take Sylvie’s look — the svelte and flesh-baring elements of a silken dress are appropriate for warm weather, but pop a trench coat over the top and it instantly transforms into an autumn-appropriate outfit. When it rains, swap open-toe shoes for heeled boots. Or, Marina’s look. A boxy leather jacket will serve you well in neither here nor there weather conditions and sunglasses lend the look an intentionality.

Scroll down to see and shop the easy autumn outfits I have in my back pocket for the transitional seasons and beyond.

1. Slip Dress + Trench Coat

Style Notes: Make like Sylvie and play on lengths to make the most out of your summer wardrobe. You can wear this outfit well into autumn with closed-toe shoes and hosiery.

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2. Boxy Leather Jacket + Mid-Wash Jeans

Style Notes: The smartened leather jacket isn't going anywhere for autumn. I plan on taking notes from Marisa and styling mine with straight-fit indigo denim and a crew neck t-shirt.

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3. Floral Blouse + Straight-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Tanice makes a good case for transitioning the floral adornment into autumn. We may have moved onto feathers but I'm a floral girl at heart, so this style is for life. Look for sleeved styles to adapt to the weather.

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4. Cashmere Knit + White Jeans + Trench

Style Notes: Bright denim is a guaranteed way to warm up any look. Tie the look together with a transitional knit, loafers and a relaxed trench. I plan on taking my fashion cues from Brittany and adding a silk scarf.

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5. Lightweight Cardigan + Tailored Trousers

Style Notes: Embrace knitwear early and style light knits with free-flowing tailored trousers. It's modern suiting at its finest. Add a trench coat for added warmth.

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6. Full Skirt + Blazer

Style Notes: You don't have to retire your cotton skirts when the seasons change. Instead, pair voluminous skirts with layers and throw-on outerwear.

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Up Next: The Autumn 2023 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy This Year's Season-Defining Trends

As you have likely heard countless times over the last few weeks, we are living in unprecedented times. Though that does not mean we should cease to seek joy in the small things, like say, for example, an exceptionally beautiful pair of shoes.

In times like these, Who What Wear UK seeks to provide some light relief, and if Carrie Bradshaw taught us anything, it is certainly that shoes can spark joy. With this in mind, we spoke to seven designers—including Jane Frances of Dear Frances, Vanissa Antonious of Neous and Valentina Bezuhanova of By FAR—about what makes a really great pair of shoes, in an effort to understand how to curate a collection that will not only provide aesthetic beauty but also longevity and comfort.

Of course, many of the designers below stressed the importance of investing in quality footwear and outlined the details which prove a shoe is well made—whether it be leather soles or hand-stitching. From It labels to fashion favourites, keep scrolling for seven designers' advice on what makes a really great pair of shoes.

BY FAR

"You either go for an amazing timeless black mule or you go for super special craftsmanship with colourful embellishments and statement pop of colour. You should invest in a handmade pair of shoes where the designer and shoemaker have left their heart and soul, and you recognize yourself in the little details—custom-made heels, hand-embroidered stones, special hardware… It's all about the craftsmanship.” — Valentina Bezuhanova, cofounder of By FAR

Shop By FAR:

Neous

"For me, it’s two things: the design and wearability, which is largely determined by the quality. We work with family-run factories in Italy where each component of the shoe is handmade by a small team of artisans who have over many years perfected their individual craft. We also work closely with these factories to source the best quality leather using by-products that are sustainably sourced. The better the leather, the easier it is to dye in bespoke colours like our Neous signature banana (a softer pastel yellow) and brick (a rich bright tan with more red than brown). These elements combined are what I look for." — Vanissa Antonious, founder and creative director of Neous

Shop Neous:

Dear Frances

"Beautifully soft leather that also has a good body to ensure they are durable and long-lasting. Quality shoes will usually have real leather soles, which offers better comfort and long-term wear than synthetic soles. Luxury shoes will offer superior comfort, and you can tell if this has been addressed by the softness of the lining as well as the construction of the insole, which will be softly padded from heel to toe.

"Besides the quality of the materials, you can look for how the shoe is finished and any design details that show a level of craftsmanship, such as hand-stitching or hand details that are unique to each shoe. This shows that artisans have personally crafted and finished your shoes and there is nothing more telling of quality than that human touch." — Jane Frances, founder and creative director of Dear Frances

Shop Dear Frances:

Manu Atelier

"The last needs to be really good and qualified because that's the most important thing about a shoe—both looking nice and being comfortable when you put your feet in." — Merve Manastir, cofounder and creative director of Manu Atelier

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Yuul Yie

"Definitely the shape of the heel. The shape of the shoe must be balanced and fit the foot perfectly. Also, justifying the cost per wear." — Sunyuul Yie, creative director and CEO of Yuul Yie

Shop Yuul Yie:

Malone Souliers

"Comfort, for me, is the number one criteria for a great pair of shoes. As a woman designing for women, I know how transformative for the psyche it is to walk comfortably in a beautiful pair of shoes. This means the materials have to be of top quality, the heel needs to be perfectly balanced and the pitch finely tuned so you are standing up tall and straight, so as to protect your lower back. I always take these factors into consideration when architecturally building my Malones before adding all the magical aesthetic details." — Mary Alice Malone, founder and creative director of Malone Souliers

Shop Malone Souliers:

Casadei

"The first quality you should look for in a pair of shoes is the 'vibe' you get from them. Your personality should shine through this specific accessory and make you feel comfortable and confident in yourself." — Arianna Casadei, founder of Casadei

Shop Casadei:

Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know. 

Kendall Jenner wore them with grey skinny jeans and a fringed jacket. Emma Roberts teamed them with a flowy slip dress. Bella Hadid has styled them with a range of different looks. Sometimes certain accessories just catch on in Hollywood—as is the case with Dear Frances's Spirit Boots (£440). All three of these ladies have worn the It brand, which is London based, with a variety of looks this year, proving that black ankle boots just might be the most versatile accessory you can possibly own.

But these A-listers aren't the only fans of the cult boot. Selena Gomez also loves them, and she might have just shown us the best way to wear them so far. Her all-black ensemble consisted of a long black jacket, a long shirt, and the boots. We also love how she added some contrast with her white Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola Bag (£2700).

Scroll down to see Selena Gomez's look and shop her shoes.

On Selena Gomez: Dear Frances Spirit Boots (£440); Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola Bag (£2700). 

Want more? Shop our guide to the 26 best ankle boots in the world right now.

Opening Image: Splash News