Paula Flynn of Theshopkeepers.com shares her favourite online womenswear boutiques …
Online commerce opens a whole world of shopping from the comfort of your sofa, or your bed. With most online boutiques now offering worldwide shipping it’s fun and easy to craft an individual style, with a vast array of unique clothing and accessories just fingertips away. (Though be sure to read the small print on returns and duty information before you hit the buy button!) Here are some of my favourite independent womenswear boutiques to shop online …
Main image: Instagram @colville_official.
Photo courtesy Chinti & Parker
Chinti & Parker
London-based knitwear brand founded in 2009 by cousins, Anna Singh and Rachael Wood. The duo design collections that celebrate colour and texture, at the same time remaining classic and timeless. The Chinti & Parker AW22 collection is inspired by Wuthering Heights and the Yorkshire Moors, to evoke a sense of gothic romance and to channel your inner Emily Brontë. www.instagram.com/chintiandparker/
Photo courtesy Ciao Lucia
Ciao Lucia
We love that these clothes were designed “For the girl on eternal vacation”. Who wouldn’t want to be that girl? Silhouettes are classic, fabrics soft to the touch and easy to pack. The collection is designed in LA by Lucy Akin, and made in LA, with knitwear pieces made in Peru and China. www.ciaolucia.com
Photo courtesy Colville
Colville
A brand that is the antithesis of fast fashion, Colville was founded in 2018 by Molly Molloy, former design director at Marni, and Lucinda Chambers, former fashion director at British Vogue. The label creates distinctive pieces, designed with individuality and longevity in mind. Colville’s “Upcycled” collection gives vintage garments a special second life, creating patchworked one-of-a-kind garments crafted from several vintage items. www.instagram.com/colville_official/ / www.colvilleofficial.com
Photo courtesy @knipsarina
HipKnitShop
There’s nothing like a cosy winter sweater, except maybe if you knit it yourself! Norwegian-based HipKnitShop offers ready-made adorable sweaters or kits, including yarn and patterns, to make your own. HipKnitShop values animal welfare sourcing its mulesing-free wool from sheep in the Peruvian Highland. www.instagram.com/knipsarina/ / www.hipknitshop.no
Photo courtesy Lainey Keogh
Lainey Keogh
Celebrated Irish knitwear designer, Lainey Keogh, crochets, knits, and handcrafts intricate cashmere garments. Her work is poetic and ethereal; future heirlooms and unique pieces to be treasured. Hand made in Ireland, Lainey’s work is renowned for her unique use of colour and fabrication. www.instagram.com/laineycashmere/ / www.laineykeogh.com
Photo courtesy Lisou
Lisou
Former stylist, and avid vintage collector, Rene Macdonald, established Lisou in 2018. The London-based brand specialises in colourful printed silks. The patterned silks are fashioned into dresses and tops, sleepwear and coats, whilst solid items are lined with the signature prints. www.instagram.com/lisoulondon/ / www.lisou.co.uk
Photo courtesy Mia Moltrasio
Mia Moltrasio
Pretty pointed flats in beautifully coloured patent, velvet, or sequins. Perfect for day to night, the shoes work equally well with jeans or dresses. Mia Moltrasio’s elegant shoes are handcrafted in Italy from Italian goods, such as the locally sourced Como silk for the velvet fabric. The vision of Maria Moltrasio, who founded the brand in 2016. www.instagram.com/miamoltrasio/ / www.miamoltrasio.com
Photo courtesy Mila Textiles
Mila Textiles
Fabulously beaded and embroidered bags and balaclavas. These wearable works of art are the creations of UK-based embroidery designer, kaMILA. To buy these handmade show-stopping one-of-a-kind fashion accessories follow @milatextiles on Instagram for shop updates. www.instagram.com/milatextiles/ / www.milatextiles.co.uk
Photo courtesy Pearl Reddington
Pearl Reddington
Dublin-based knitwear designer, Pearl Reddington, is re-inventing traditional Irish craft with modern shapes and details. Her penchant for neon yellow adds an instantly recognisable accent on many of the cuffs and bands of her garments. Each piece is made-to-order by a cadre of skilled knitters using yarn from Donegal and West Yorkshire. www.instagram.com/pearlreddington/ / www.pearlreddington.com
Photo courtesy Samsøe Samsøe
Samsøe Samsøe
Founded by the Danish Samsøe brothers in 1993 as a small jewellery shop in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter. The brand expanded to include T-shirts and knitwear, eventually including a full range of Scandi-influenced, minimalist clothing for both men and women. www.instagram.com/samsoesamsoe/ / www.samsoe.com
Photo courtesy Tach
Tach
Cult brand Tach has been featured in Vogue, is loved by stylists, and worn by models, musicians and It girls, including Kendall Jenner, Dua Lipa and Alexa Chung. Inspired by vintage clothing reworked into updated styles, Tach clothing is handmade by artisans in Uruguay, in a fair trade environment. www.instagram.com/tach_clothing/ / www.tachclothing.com
Photo courtesy The Tweed Project
The Tweed Project
The Tweed Project subscribes to the “Slow Fashion movement”, crafting Donegal tweed and Irish linen into handmade, made-to-order clothing. The Galway-based atelier uses texture, colour and shape to give traditional Irish fabrics a unique and modern form. www.instagram.com/thetweedproject/ / www.thetweedproject.com
Photo courtesy Tiferet
Tiferet Roma
Colourful, handmade shoes in lots of styles. Tiferet shoes are handmade in Rome and in classic 21st century shopping style, can be ordered via Instagram DM or WhatsApp. www.instagram.com/tiferetroma/
