3 Cool Brands To Know Now
The Story
Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo Domingo started Muzungu Sisters to support artisans whose crafts were dying out and help them access an online global market. Combining Dana’s master’s degree in human rights and Tatiana’s experience at Vanity Fair, they launched MuzunguSisters.com, offering fashion and accessories made by local artisans around the world. The brand has since evolved with Dana and Tatiana now designing their own prints in London and working with those same artisans to create bespoke pieces for clients.
The Style
There are elements of fun and femininity in all the designs, and everything is made to last. Dresses are a strong feature, with prints and details inspired by the founders’ travels. “The world around us, as well as the experiences we share with our friends and children all inspire us,” Dana says. “Our spring collection ‘Mystical Animalia’ was inspired by the natural world, while our new high summer prints are inspired by bright Indian Madhubani paintings.”
What’s Different
If you’re looking to make a conscious purchase, Muzungu has always been big on ethics as well as aesthetics. “It's easy to get lost in the jargon, as everyone wants to do the right thing, but greenwashing is a real issue. For us, the importance of sustainability has been there since inception – it’s about using natural materials and ensuring fair labour conditions.”
What's Next
The brand will launch Muzungu Kids at the end of June, with mini versions of some of its bestselling styles. “The Muzungu woman is growing with us, and there’s been more demand for a kids’ collection for some time,” Dana explains. “At the end of the year, we’re also launching homeware, which we are very excited about.”
Visit MuzunguSisters.com
The Story
Mondo Corsini champions a simple and effortless aesthetic. Founder Susan Corsini explains: “Over the years I found myself accumulating pieces I would return to again and again, be it a white linen dress, a handmade basket, or some vintage gem. It's what led me to think about putting together collections that offered that same easy and timeless elegance – pieces that transcend the seasons and you can treasure for years to come.”
The Style
Susan’s love of simplicity and enduring style is reflected in the collections, most of which comprise beautifully made pieces in natural breathable fabrics such as cottons and linens. “We want our customers to feel comfortable and totally at ease,” she tells us. “The Mondo Corsini woman is confident in her choices, and dresses only for herself. She prefers to buy less, choosing items which will last and reflect her personal style.”
What’s Different
Susan believes the pieces are an investment that will stand the test of time. Aside from the fashion, the brand also offers home accessories like woven placemats and baskets, and a small collection of curated vintage items that capture the Mondo Corsini spirit.
What's Next
Fans of the brand should keep an eye out for an upcoming partnership with Fenwick and a series of pop-ups in Notting Hill and on the Kings Road this summer.
Visit MondoCorsini.com
The Story
Hunter Bell launched her eponymous brand in 2013 after studying fashion at university and completing a series of internships in New York. Today, Hunter Bell NYC offers effortlessly feminine dresses and separates for the modern woman.
The Style
Hunter Bell designs for women who like to have fun with fashion, but still want to feel sophisticated and together. The collections put a modern twist on feminine, sophisticated silhouettes with pieces defined by pretty details like puff sleeves, frilly collars and scallop edges. “My goal is to inspire women to be bold and embrace their personal style – the concept of ‘look good to feel good’ is more relevant than ever,” says Hunter.
What’s Different
“The brand is a representation of my own style,” Hunter explains. “I wear these clothes every day and believe women should feel confident and beautiful in what they wear.” She’s also mindful of sustainability, choosing to use recycled and locally produced fabrics whenever possible – for example, the most recent collection includes lightweight cotton fabrics from a family owned textile mill in France – as well as ensuring production is kept small and collections exclusive.
What's Next
The brand has just released a capsule swim collection with Cover Swim and Hunter hints at more collaborations to look out for later in year.
Visit HunterBellNYC.com
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