International Women's Day is a powerful reminder to champion and uplift the women in your life and beyond. And this year, we're taking a look at female-founded fashion brands, spotlighting the women behind them who shape the industry every day of the year.
In fashion, female founders continue to build brands that shape and influence the lives of millions of customers, and lots of these brands support significant charities too. So we've rounded up 9 fashion brands that we think are worth reading up on this International Women's Day, including some of the best British clothing brands. IWD, as it's commonly referred to, is a brilliant time to support female business founders and recognise their achievements.
Many female-founded businesses also give back constantly to their own and wider communities throughout the year, and it's these companies that we want to shout out on this important day of the year.
9 female-owned fashion brands to know
1. Rixo
Founded by best friends Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey, Rixo has become synonymous with vintage-inspired clothing that exudes a femininity and a bohemian charm.
Their collections are well known for their flattering silhouettes and eclectic prints, and very good quality materials - something which is hard to find elsewhere on the high street. With their joyful use of colour, signature prints and timeless silhouettes, the brand has become a go-to for women seeking statement pieces that still feel endlessly wearable.
This satin dress is the perfect staple to see you through spring and summer in style. It features a flattering empire waist and a beautiful butterfly print inspired by vintage styles. Add your favourite open-toe heels and a gold clutch bag.
Liven up your existing handbag collection with this colourful, floral embroidered bag. Coming in both black and cream linen, this style features a handmade wicker base and handle that make it the ultimate warm-weather accessory.
This silk blouse is an elegant addition to your spring outfit rotation. It features an intricate embroidered pattern and a scalloped hem that feels perfectly vintage. Wear this with some tailored trousers for a chic date night outfit.
2. Bella Freud
Bella Freud was founded by British designer Bella Freud and has built an iconic reputation for its slogan knitwear, t-shirts and sharp tailored seperates. The brand blends artistic influences drawing from music, British culture and artwork.
To mark International Women’s Day this year, Bella Freud is collaborating with The King’s Trust and the ‘Change a Girl’s Life’ initiative by selling a limited-edition organic cotton T-shirt with the slogan "Give Me Some Good News". After the sales, 20% of the proceeds will go towards the trust with the aim of helping women with employment, offering them access to training programmes.
During the whole of March, 20% of every t-shirt sold will go directly to The King's Trust which will support young women in gaining valuable work skills and knowledge to help them have more secure livelihoods.
Embrace Bella's signature tailoring with this sharp Herringbone jacket. It features contrast piping around the collar and front pockets, and you can pair it with the matching trousers for an elevated finish.
This simple t-shirt features a straight style, with a relaxed shoulder for a slightly oversized fit. It also has an iconic bespoke yellow screen-print of one of Bella's original sketches.
3. ME+EM
Founded in 2009 by Clare Hornby, ME+EM was created with a mission to design functional, smart fashion for modern women. Now worn by celebrities, politicians and royalty, including Kate Middleton, the brand has built an outstanding reputation.
Offering some of the best women's trouser suits, refined knitwear and elegant eveningwear, the brand epitomises quiet luxury. With collections that feel timeless and polished, it's a one-stop shop for elevated wardrobe staples, and everything is made to the highest quality, too.
Make a statement with this bright berry pink and burgundy striped t-shirt. It's made from a stretchy viscose yarn for a knitted finish, and can be paired with the matching A-line skirt for a bold, warm-weather look.
This vibrant striped skirt can be worn solo with paired back neutrals or styled with the matching relaxed knitted t-shirt to create a statement-making look. Complement this skirt with open-toe sandals or your most comfortable trainers.
ME+EM's blazer collection is seriously impressive. This beige striped style would look excellent as part of a jeans and a blazer combination.
4. Albaray
Founded by three former colleagues, Paula Stewart, Karen Peacock, and Kirstie Di Stazio, Albaray is a testament to sustainable, thoughtful fashion that still has accessible price points.
Their collections offer stylish, on-trend garments with playful patterns and easy-to-wear silhouettes. A core component of the brand is its commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices.
Over the years, the brand has collaborated with various charities, including Smart Works, The Prince's Trust and Pregnant Then Screwed.
Yellow shades remain a core part of the spring/summer fashion colour trends 2026. This butter yellow cardigan will pair well with your favourite denim jeans as well as tailored trousers and even satin slip skirts.
When temperatures start to rise, chic, versatile blouses are a must-have. This striped puff-sleeve shirt will work from daytime to evening, from pairing with sharp tailored trousers to laid-back denim, you'll get plenty of wear out of this piece.
With warmer weather on the horizon, we'd reccomend snapping up this green midi-skirt. Perfect for teaming with leather ballet flats or date-I-say sandals, this is the kind of statement piece that will carry you through the sunny months ahead in style.
5. Rachel Jackson
Jewellery designer Rachel Jackson makes all of her pieces with spirit, and her fabulous collections feel effortlessly edgy and timeless, and each piece feels one of a kind.
Designed in London, her collections blend clean lines with symbolic motifs, from sun pendants to personalised amulets. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to personalised gifts or treats for yourself. The brand also has a long partnership with the charity Choose Love.
Add some sunshine to your spring outfits with these hoop earrings that feature a hand-carved citrine stone. They are made with an enduring 18ct gold-plated sterling silver.
A modern twist on the classic T-bar silhouette, this design from Rachel Jackson "represents balance, calm and perspective". The chunky gold chain feels statement-making yet refined and elegant.
This chunky chain bracelet will add an elegant finishing touch to almost any outfit, from smart office attire to evening wear. Its classic link design is the key behind its versatility.
6. Sole Bliss
Founded by Lisa Kay, Sole Bliss makes stylish footwear for the often overlooked market of women with wide feet or foot issues. Their mission centres around providing women with comfortable footwear without compromising on style, something Lisa is passionate about after suffering with bunions.
Sole Bliss continues to offer elegant, sophisticated heels that ensure that all women can find fashionable footwear without compromising on comfort. Lisa says, "There’s a lot of stigma around both women’s health issues and foot problems in general. Pairing red-carpet-worthy shoes with something historically considered very unglamorous - it was a challenge. But we did it, and I‘m astounded by the reception our shoes continue to get.”
These sporty shoes are some of the best white trainers on the high-street. Comfortable and stylish simply can't go wrong with investing in a pair from Sole Bliss. They're made from super-soft leather and feature an anatomically contoured footbed.
These silver sandals are made for those with sensitive soles and wider feet, too. Their block heel and soft leather give them a luxurious feel, which is perfect for styling with dresses or even your favourite denim.
Looking for comfortable, stylish kitten heels? This black pointed-toe are the perfect find. Ideal for finishing off sharp officewear or even the best wedding guest dresses, these will soon become your go-to.
7. Hush
Founded in 2003 by Australian entrepreneur Mandy Watkins, Hush was created with a simple focus when she moved to London - to create comfortable, stylish pieces for everyday life.
What began as a small range which included the best pyjamas and cosy slippers evolved into a contemporary fashion brand that's loved by many for its on-trend, playful everyday designs.
Still home to some of the best loungewear, the brand has remained known for its comfort-first designs, and has since become a go-to for everything, from cool denim designs to sturdy footwear and coveted outerwear. Lily Allen was recently spotted in one of their cosy faux-fur coats, so you know the brand is worth adding to your current rotation!
A pop of olive green is always an effective way to liven up your attire. Featuring a button-up front, a classic collar and two front pockets, this piece is a cardigan-jacket hybrid – the perfect layering piece for the transitional months.
Heading away on a spring getaway? Shop this beautifully designed shirt. Made from a lightweight, breathable linen, this piece is made for combating the heat, and the gathered smock neckline makes it feel far more expensive than it actually is.
You can always rely on a shirt dress on days you're wondering what to wear. This style features a playful polka dot print and a versatile black and white colour palette, which makes it easy to pair with colourful knits or lightweight jackets.
8. Aligne
London-based brand Aligne has quickly become fashion insiders' favourite, known for its instantly recognisable tailoring and cutting-edge denim. Now led by CEO Ginny Seymour, the female-run brand is rooted in empowering women through style and community.
Beyond their fashion collections, the company supports female sport programmes and charities such as Smart Works, which helps unemployed women find confidence through clothing and interview training.
This long-sleeve blazer has a smart crew neck and features unique curved sleeves. It comes in several shades, including navy and black; however oxblood shade bridges the gap between a statement colour and an easy-to-style neutral.
Who can deny the appeal of this denim maxi skirt? An elevated base for smart-casual outfits, this high-waisted design can be dressed up or down, working with both laid-back t-shirts and satin blouses.
This crewneck cardigan features a multicoloured, blue-speckled fabric for an eye-catching finish. Layer over a simple t-shirt and pair with indigo wide-leg jeans and sharp white trainers.
9. Lemonade Dolls
Founded in 2019 by a London-based entrepreneur, Lemon Fuller, Lemonade Dolls was created with the mission of empowering women through representation and inclusion. And now the brand is one of the fastest-growing lingerie brands in the UK.
Their underwear designs prioritise practicality and inclusivity, and they are home to some of the most comfortable bras for women. Their non-wired bras that have power mesh to lift and support without the discomfort of a wire, plus their designs are bright, colourful and cheery.
This bright orange bra features a design that replaces wires with fully concealed, power mesh panels for extra support and lift, offering everyday comfort. It comes in sizes 32DD - 44G.
Crafted with soft black lace panels and featuring a mid-waist design these briefs are designed with comfort in mind and they are also light and breathable.
Add some vibrancy to your current bra collection with this beautiful multi-layer mesh bra. Pair with the matching orange and coral briefs for a seamless finish.
Female-founded fashion brands continue to shape the fashion landscape in meaningful ways, bringing thoughtful, practical designs that consider what women actually want to wear. Supporting women-owned fashion brands is about celebrating the leadership of the women behind them. The success of these brands confirms that not only are women-led fashion brands thriving, but they are setting the tone for the whole industry, and that's worth recognising on International Women's Day.
