The Ones To Watch: September
The new season is finally here, and we’ve got lots to get excited about. Keeping you up to date with the latest brands to arrive at Browns, it’s time to welcome the new names, exclusives and capsules that we’ve got arriving this month.
Including an LVMH prize finalist, a lesson in basic practicality, some sculptural earwear and a pair of sister acts, allow us to introduce you to this month’s new additions…
Cecilie Bahnsen
Fusing luxurious French couture with playful Scandinavian styling, Cecilie Bahnsen’s designs fuse expert craftsmanship with a minimalist, maximalist spirit. Copenhagen-born Cecilie launched her eponymous label in 2015 and has since become known for her voluminous, babydoll-style dresses. The new age Little Women, these pieces contain the perfect balance of ultra-feminine softness and crisp Scandi structure. An LVMH prize finalist, Cecilie hand-designs each fabric, resulting in a collection of delicate Lolita-style dresses we can’t wait to spin around in.
Lemaire
Practical yet distinctive, Lemaire champions low-key luxury with its consistent and versatile collections of elevated basics. Founded by Christophe Lemaire in 1990 and now designed alongside his partner Sarah-Linh Tran, the label’s style maintains a colour palette of monochrome neutrals across clever cuts and flattering silhouettes. Designed to transcend trends, Lemaire’s quality fabrics and utilitarian style make for a capsule wardrobe that is both effortless and luxurious.
Usisi
Founded by London-based sisters, jewellery designer Kathryn and former Browns womenswear buyer Millie Allsopp, Usisi offers a collection of what they call ‘suitcase capsules’. Produced in Fairtrade factories in Vietnam and Turkey, Usisi uses all-natural fabrics to create simple basics across ready-to-wear and bags that can be worn time and time again. Designed for that effortless getaway style, each piece is made in two different colours and can be styled together or as separates. Inspired by their mother’s South African upbringing, the name Usisi means ‘sister’ in Xhosa, an official language of the country.
Paris Texas
Another sisterly duo, the Paris Texas was founded by Annamaria and Margherita Brivio in 2015, and has quickly become known thanks to its A-list clientele. Based on the concept of contrasts, it juxtaposes sophisticated style with bold colours and materials, resulting in a contemporary collection of shoes for the modern woman’s wardrobe. The hero piece? their signature knee-high boot. Easily paired with distressed denim or a cocktail dress, these leather boots are definitely the new ‘It’ shoe for AW19.
IUO
Taking their name from the forms of the jewellery they create, Copenhagen based IUO is the creation of painter Trine Struwe and sculptor Julie Falk. Combining 925 sterling silver, 18k gold plating and a mix of acetate and natural gemstones, the result is a minimalistic collection of sculptural earrings. Handmade in Denmark, each piece features a thin bar to represent the ‘I’ and circular or rectangular shapes to represent the ‘U’ and ‘O’. Raw in design and delicate in approach, the designer friends focus on unique texture and form with a conscious respect for the materials they use - a testament to their artistic backgrounds.
Words by Alexandra Oliver