5 Designer Brands That Are ACTUALLY Worth Your Money

These independent designers make beautiful clothing with beautiful intentions.

I’ve been shopping like a d*ckhead for 33% of my life. I have purchased things from almost every designer house (and gone into major debt as a result). I’ve also been extremely engaged in fashion from an early age. These are the designers that are actually worth it based on their values, brand identity, fabric choices, craftsmanship, and innovation. All of the pieces I’ve purchased from them have become staples in my closet and are made to last for years to come. Additionally, in a political climate such as ours, what you do with your money matters, and we should all choose which brands we support more wisely.

#1 PETER DO

For those of you living under a rock: Peter Do is making the most incredible clothing that celebrates of the craft of fashion. He dresses the modern woman (and man) in expertly tailored, smart clothing that’s also incredibly sexy. His work is an edgy minimalist’s dream, but it also delves deeper into his Asian heritage. Do frequently uses his spotlight to elevate other Asian voices. His SS2025 show—situated at the Musée Guimet in Paris—was a celebration of Asian heritage and Asian art, incorporating fabrics tinted using traditional dyes from Thailand and a poem by Mary H.K. Choi. Do previously served as creative director at Helmut Lang. Leaning into his Vietnamese heritage for his debut collection for the brand, the clothes featured the words of Vietnamese American poet Ocean Vuong. I have been following his work since he created his first collection in 2018, and it’s been incredibly exciting to watch his career unfold and evolve over the past 7 years.

#2 COLLINA STRADA

If you ever find yourself walking around the LES on a Saturday, odds are you’ve seen Collina Strada’s clothing already. Collina Strada began in 2008 by making bags, and has been cool since I was in college (very OAK girl vibes if you remember). The brand has somehow managed to remain the under-the-radar cool girl brand for 17 years, even as they’ve expanded and scaled. Sustainability is at the core of the brand, as is inclusivity (frequently featuring models like Aaron Rose Phillip or full-term pregnant models). They’re also fully vegan. That said, one piece of insight I have for the brand, is to work to be even more size inclusive. I have several pieces from Collina Strada—all black obviously—and they are some of the most playful in my wardrobe. In an industry that is reneging it’s inclusivity and climate promises, Collina Strada remains a beacon of change. Truly one of the jewels of NYFW, and one of the best representations of New York fashion I can think of.

#3 CHOPOVA LOWENA

Chopova Lowena is not a brand for everyone. Blending their Bulgarian heritage with London punk sensibility, the resulting clothes feel playful, edgy—but also not entirely unlike traditional folk clothing. Beyond the modern hardware and use of carabiners, there is a sense of nostalgia and a strong link to tradition. This is due to their use of deadstock and upcycled fabrics (the skirt I have is made from old aprons) and their employment of female artisans in Bulgaria. In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Chopova Lowena seeks to use their brand to create jobs and uplift the women in their home country, and to celebrate their cultural traditions. So when you’re wearing one of their skirts—which, to be clear are works of art—you can feel good about the impact you are making with your purchase, and also have everyone on the street gasp and ask you where your skirt is from.

#4 SONYA LEE

Sonya Lee is a sustainable, small-production handbag and leather goods brand founded by Stephanie Sonya Ibbitson. They offer limited production runs to offset their environmental impact, but also because their bags are all made by hand in Toronto. Sustainability is at the core of their brand, using leather skins that are byproducts of the food industry, and frequently incorporating leather scraps into their designs to ensure nothing goes to waste. Their entire offering of bags are only available in black—with the exception of 2 that are crafted in a speckled ponyhair—which I obviously appreciate. These are bags that are designed and crafted to stand the test of time; featuring minimal hardware, simple but elevated designs, and no logos. Additionally, they are all under $500. These bags aren’t made, they are crafted. Kind of seems foolish to buy this season’s Gucci bag when bags like these exist.

#5 LR3 LOUIS RUBI

I first became acquainted with LR3 and Louis Rubi’s incredibly clothing through his Instagram and Tiktok. And although he’s a style icon and influencer, this is NOT an influencer brand. Louis Rubi is an expert tailor and craftsman first and foremost—and that shows in the quality of the clothes at LR3. They do not operate by the seasonal fashion cycle, all of their clothes are permanent collection to encourage intentional and mindful purchases. The pieces are genderless, size inclusive, and made to order to combat over-production and clothing waste. When I visited their flagship, there was only one word to describe the store. Joyful. I was floored by the impeccable quality and expert craftsmanship of the clothing, and although the pricepoint is higher (630 euros for a pair of trousers), I firmly believe the garment justifies the cost and could even be priced higher. The way the pants flow and move is truly unlike anything else. If I have to spend half my rent on pants, let it be these.

If I ever influence you to shop, I would prefer it be from a brand that is ethical and sustainable. And when I’m done with my no-buy year, you can bet that if I’m making a purchase, it’s either secondhand designer or these brands.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever tried or been interested in any of these brands, and share your favorite sustainable, size-inclusive brands in the comments!

Until next time xx,
Elysia