They’ve made a fashion crossover from places like Lebanon, Estonia and the US. Embraced by celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna and Amal Clooney, acquaint yourself with London’s cool new lot of luxury clothing and designer shoe labels.
Malone Souliers
American shoe designer Mary Alice Malone and her business partner Roy Luwoltset up shop in Mayfair specialising in made to measure comfortable heels for women to strut their stuff. So gorgeously stunning are their shoes that they are routinely worn by Beyonce and Amal Clooney. As Mary was quoted as saying, “Part of the beauty of high heels is a woman in motion, so if she’s walking like an unoiled rickshaw, then I don’t really care how pretty the shoes are. I consider that an unsuccessful design.”
Dear Frances
Sydney-born Jane Frances, boots and shoe designer extraordinaire, has the likes of Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez showcasing her designs under the brand name “Dear Frances”. Her signature style being the crushed velvet and nappa leather ankle boot on a hand sculpted block heel. She first launched her designs in London in 2015 after studying in London and Milan, but USA is still her largest market.
Mira Mikati
Mira, a Lebanese fashion designer now based in London, was initially asked to design for Facconable – a chic Parisian label. She wanted to create something fun but also beautifully tailored; and so successful was the collection that she is now wowing the Instagram generation with her emoji based fashion creations which is unique to her. Her creations are flaunted by Beyonce and Rihanna, and she is heavily influenced by her art world connections especially Takashi Murakami.
Roberta Einer
Estonian designer Roberta is one to watch for, already being featured in American Vogue, Dazed and Confused and many more fashion glossies. After working with the likes of Alexander McQueen and Balmain, she established her own label, focusing on her pieces to exude a “more is more” innovative theme, utilising playful embellishments and rich embroidery on specially sourced fabrics.
By Diane Bilimoria, London
My Good Life 