California Dreamin’

Ethereal elegance with a touch of rebellion, the LA designer set has got the laid-back Cali vibes we all need a bit more of.

To mark Independence Day in the US, we are looking at some of our hottest contemporary brands that hail from the city of Los Angeles. Quickly establishing itself as the other US fashion capital, the city of angels has been dominating streetwear for some time with its vast skate and surf culture. A hub for artists, musicians and designers, it didn’t take long before LA started producing luxury designer talent and our womenswear buying team have ensured the most wanted brands are here at Browns for AW19. Giving you the first look at the pieces arriving imminently, discover our top picks for the new season ahead.

The old-school rivalry may have reignited as the East coast has got some competition…

If you haven’t heard of Reformation you must have been living off-grid for some time as this influencer favourite has been dominating Instagram feeds for a while. The conscious brand, that designs ultra-feminine pieces using sustainable fibres and deadstock recycled fabrics, delivers a contemporary collection of the most desirable dresses. This season brings milkmaid dresses, thigh-skimming minis, ditzy print smocked tops and ‘50s style jumpsuits.

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The ultimate in rock ‘n’ roll style, Mike Amiri started his career in fashion dressing the likes of Keith Richards and Axl Rose. Bringing his laid-back LA vibes and vintage inspired aesthetic to womenswear, AW19 takes on a dark colour palette with a mix of studded leathers, handkerchief hem dresses and military outerwear. Famed for his unique method of distressing garments, which includes taking luxury knitwear to the desert and taking a shotgun to it, Amiri’s artisanal touches and hand-finished techniques create the uniform for soul-searching rebels.

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Regardless of the occasion, Haney will have the dress to fit. Designed by former fashion stylist and editor Mary Alice Haney, each Haney piece uses clever cuts and flattering fits to sculpt the body. Famed for her signature ‘suck-you-in’ fabric used on the lining of her pieces, Mary learnt whilst working as a stylist that women could never find the perfect cocktail dress to make them feel confident… thus began Haney.

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Recreating vintage classics, Staud is described by co-founder Sarah Staudinger as “a little glam, a little casual”. Embracing retro vibes with functionality for the modern woman, Staud’s contemporary style found its way to our hearts with their sell-out Shirley tote bag. Taking us back to the Seventies for AW19, the collection includes plaid prints, satin dresses and new moon shaped underarm bags in snakeskin and shearling.

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Founded in 2008, Simon Miller started its design journey as a menswear line specialising in American niche denim. Whilst continuing with their strong denim story, Simon Miller has now transformed into a lifestyle brand, taking on elevated ready-to-wear and European made bags, shoes and accessories. Embracing the ‘70s American dream, AW19 utilises a tonal brown colour palette, goes Western with denim and adds a touch of disco fever with silver glitter bags.

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Words by Alexandra Oliver