Welsh Fashion Designers To Shop

Quarantine has been, for most of us, a period of reflection and I certainly feel that way when I look at my blog. I started Style Rarebit in 2014, the term ‘influencer’ didn’t exist, blogging was an accepting and fun place to be and didn’t have a bad reputation. In a time before #ad, I wanted this to be a fun fashion platform, to share my personal style and the work of Welsh fashion designers. Like most of us in the blogosphere, I’ve become distracted with everything else and lost my message along the way.

Being stuck at home has given me some time to reassess where I’m going with this and to think over new ideas. Something that I’ve always been passionate about is supporting small businesses, which I thought was a good place to start. There are so many designers in Wales, great fashion courses at universities and growing e-commerce brands worth celebrating.

I’ve grouped a few of my favourites and some new finds that you can shop and support today. It’s lovely how diverse they are and I’m sure that your money would be better spent on these than on ASOS. Following and sharing their work would go a long way too and if you know of any other designers please pop them in the comments…

 

 

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A post shared by DA-TI (@daticlothing) on Feb 14, 2020 at 7:42am PST

Dati Clothing

Dati is Welsh for ‘good on you’ which is such a genius name!  Founded by Sarah Valentine and Julia Harris, Dati supplies creative, quirky pieces by upcycling and reworking existing clothes. They’re based at the Sustainable Studio in Cardiff, which they also founded, and is home to lots of local designers and creatives.

 

 

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A post shared by A L I S . K N I T S (@alis.knits) on Dec 18, 2019 at 1:38pm PST

Alis Knits

I first discovered Alis Knits on Instagram and instantly fell for her cheeky slogan scarfs. She has a bright and playful aesthetic, embellished with slogans like ‘babes’ and ‘you do you’. She’s since added t-shirts and jewellery to her collection which you can shop on her website alisknits.com.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Abigail Walker. (@abigailwalker_lingerie) on Apr 16, 2020 at 12:22pm PDT

Abigail Walker Lingerie

I find Abigail so inspiring, she’s such a talented designer and has grown her business and her following a lot this year. She creates pretty, feminine lingerie that’s as beautiful as it is flattering and a perfect self treat if you need a pick-me-up.

 

 

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A post shared by GoldFreckles. 💘 Saskia Thomas (@goldfreckles) on Mar 11, 2020 at 3:17am PDT

Gold Freckles

Knitwear designer Saskia Thomas is a new find for me but I’m so in love with her collection. She creates chunky, colourful knitwear that’s fun, playful and very photogenic. I particularly love her oversized jumpers and cardigans that would be perfect with a summer dress.

 

 

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A post shared by Leigh Alexandra (@leighalexandra_) on Jan 10, 2020 at 7:05am PST

Leigh Alexandra

Designer Leigh Alexandra creates bespoke bridesmaid and prom dresses in her South Wales studio. Her designs are pretty, feminine and made to measure so that they fit like a glove! Her most recent collection is full of blossom inspired gowns but she also has a bespoke service if you’re looking for something different.

 

 

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A post shared by B D N (@boutiquedenana) on Apr 4, 2020 at 9:57am PDT

Boutique Denana

Boutique Denana is an award-winning label that’s fiercely sustainable and pro-women. Her clothes are bright and confident but with a sophistication that makes them wearable. I also love her account for styling and photography ideas, she has a great eye.

 

 

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A post shared by Emiah (@emiahcouture) on Apr 18, 2020 at 7:00am PDT

Emiah Couture

Alycia handmakes her entire collection of lingerie and corsets at her studio. Her work is feminine and fairytale-esque with layers of lace, beadwork and pearl embellishments.  Years ago, I was a fit model for Alycia, she had been looking for someone with big hips, haha! It was so fun to be a part of the process and to see her creations come to life.

 

 

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A post shared by Elin Manon Thomas (@elinmanon) on Apr 18, 2020 at 7:04am PDT

Elin Manon Thomas

Elin is a sustainable fashion designer based in Ammanford who creates clothes using upcycled fabrics. Her work is heavily inspired by traditional welsh textiles, including tapestries and quilts which you can see in the way she constructs and embellishes her clothes.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Online Clothing Shop (@outofsyncwales) on Apr 20, 2020 at 4:01am PDT

Out Of Sync

Out Of Sync is a relatively new brand but they have some really pretty dresses and separates. Designer Jackie Lewis and her two daughters, Kate and Meg handmake all of the pieces in Cardiff and work together to market the brand. They’ve been posting lots of great content during quarantine and are definitely one to watch.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Clare Johns (@clarejohnslabel) on Dec 17, 2019 at 1:05am PST

Clare Johns

This label is unique in that Clare uses wool from the sheep on her farm to create her fabrics. I think that’s such an incredible thing, to know exactly where the fabric came from and who made your clothes! Her pieces are tailored classics, real investment pieces that have an heirloom like feel about them.

 

 

 

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Jaxxon House

I’ve been following designer Kai Stewart since I first started blogging and love her boho style and girl power vibe. I last saw her collection at a show in Hereford, it was pretty, floral and full of wedding guest perfect dresses. She’s still designing but has also launched a fashion blog to share styling tips and life advice.

 

 

 

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A post shared by LLêN (@llen_design) on Nov 3, 2016 at 4:49pm PDT

Llen Design

Designer Lenn Hembrow first studied Mechanical Engineering but after going back to university, has launched her career in fashion. Her clothes are gender-neutral, structured and in a wearable colour palette that makes them a great investment.