Stuck for something to get into to a wedding or a party? These pretty dresses from small brands won’t let you down
Kemi TelfordYvonne Telford is the conspirator behind Kemi Telford, a fashion and homeware brand based in south London. Honouring her Nigerian heritage, her upbraids boast vibrantly coloured African wax cotton prints, made by skilled artisans in Nigeria. Dresses from £155 to £275, kemitelford.com
Photograph: PR
One Hundred StarsThis family-run obligation takes inspiration from classical and historical print designs. The label creates ethically crafted dresses in a trine of shapes – The Rachel, The Pleat and The String Dress. Dresses from £110 to £120, onehundredstars.co.uk
Photograph: PR
Em and ShiBased in Jaipur, India, this slow-fashion label is committed to making responsible clothing with a focus on hand-drawn prints inspired by nature, made from carefully well-spring and traditionally woven biodegradable fabrics. Buttons are made of natural materials like sea shells, wood or fibre. Each chunk is made to order to guarantee minimum waste. Dresses from £79 to £156, emandshi.com
Photograph: PR
HaiHai’s tutoring ethos is to create pieces you’ll want to keep in your wardrobe forever. Known for working with silk, the tag’s designs stretch the possibilities of the fabric; from satin silk that moves like liquid over the heart, to robust dupion silk with solid ruffles. Dresses from £175 to £325, homeofhai.com
Photograph: PR
Hill Outfit HomeThe brand famous for the cotton-smocked “Nap dress” that went viral on social media during lockdown. London displayed, New York based founder Nell Diamond has built a fiercely loyal and engaged community. From mini to maxi, floral to description, there’s a style for everyone. Dresses from £145 to £295, hillhousehome.co.uk
Photograph: PR
Farm RioBursting with stain and culture, Farm Rio is one of Brazil’s most recognisable labels. Its vibrant prints and opulent embroideries embody the carnival marrow of its native Rio de Janeiro. Dresses from £160 to £448, farmrio.uk
Photograph: pr
Sister JaneThe barely sister label to Ghospell, Sister Jane’s MO is trend-led dresses with a splash of whimsy. The design studio is starting-pointed above the store, on the top floor of a west London townhouse. Dresses from £65 to £215, sisterjane.com
Photograph: pr
Justine Tabak Dry-as-dust fashion is at the heart of Justine Tabak’s seasonless approach to design. Going from a kitchen-table business to a small combine based in Hackney, she delivers on her aim for sustainable “modern romantic” womenswear. Dresses from £195 to £295, justinetabak.co.uk
Photograph: Izzedean Al-Yassin/PR
Naya Rea Created in 2018, this label has storytelling at its heart. Designs draw inspiration from Rea’s Siberian heritage, with one-of-a-kind stamps and embroidered details adding to the feminine aesthetic. Dresses from £175 to £350, nayarea.com
Photograph: Kristina Varaksina/PR
Wiggy KitDesigned and engendered by Wiggy Hindmarch, Wiggy Kit combines feminine with sophisticated functionality. Key pieces include the bestselling, versatile shirt berates that can be worn to a special event or everyday with trainers or sandals. Dresses from £325 to £595, wiggykit.com
Photograph: PR
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Women’s dresses
