Cups of tea, fish and chips, bad teeth, awful weather and a fine sense of propriety ““ some things come to mind when you think of Great Britain. But one more thing that makes it oh so great has to be, without a doubt, notoriously chic fashion.
The vast difference between American and British fashion is present on and off the runway. While designers such as Donna Karan and Calvin Klein achieve understated chic brilliantly, Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano are king and queen of in-your-face fashion.
In a move away from mainstream, British fashion is becoming more and more desirable here in the U.S., New international British brands are showcasing their collections online.
So with that all summed up there is only on thing left to say: Rule Britannia!
Compiled by Charlotte Coady, A&E contributor
Reiss.co.uk/us
Reiss.co.uk/us ““ Dubbed “˜The DKNY of the UK,’ British designer Reiss offers a classy yet edgy British look to the American masses. More high-end than French Connection, but less so than a design house, the brand offers a cutting edge look that plays on the feminine and masculine androgyny the U.K. is known for.
Having opened its first store in New York’s Soho neighborhood in 2005, the brand now has 10 branches across the U.S. However, the Web site offers a great way to access and view their clothes. Although the brand is at a higher price range, you won’t regret walking away with a truly unique look that epitomizes British style.
Topshop.com
Topshop.com ““ When asking an American girl what some of her favorite international designers are, one universal response has to the much-loved British store Topshop. Loved perhaps even more at home than it is over here, the company opened its first U.S. store in New York last year.
In Britain, Topshop really is for every girl. Encapsulating accessible ways of wearing looks from the catwalk, the clothing lets girls mix latest runway trends with classic British style. Its popularity was cemented when Kate Moss chose to design her very first collection in 2007 with the high street powerhouse.
With not every young girl available to visit the New York flagship, the Web site offers the easiest way to enjoy the brand’s clothes. Topshop designs just ooze British chic, with diverse pieces such as ’40s-inspired flowery tea dress to a wet suit bodycon number adorned in zippers. A Topshop girl knows how to mix it up. With celebrity fans such as Lauren Conrad and Olivia Palermo, Topshop’s stardom will continue to rise in the U.S.
Asos.com
Asos.com ““ The universally popular “as seen on screen.com” is more than its abbreviation would have you believe.
Far from what one might associate with the title, the brand was started as an easy way to mimic celebrity style.
The site has expanded over the past 10 years to now incorporate all aspects of fashion. The brand designs its own collection of clothes and sells various other brands, from obscure unknowns to the more popular French Connection.
Nick Robertson, great-grandson of the founder of U.K. tailor chain Austin Reed, started the company in 2000.
One of the latest trends on the Web site is “Global Glamour,” taking inspiration from Versace’s 2010 Spring Ready to Wear collection that you might have seen showcased in the pages of Vogue by the Brit girl of the moment and rock royalty, Georgia May Jagger.
Asos provides something for everyone, even if you’re the hippy girl who loves a maxi to a queen of the ’80s revival who wants to rock the Rihanna shoulder pad.
With ranging prices, the Web site offers affordable but innovative fashion.
Theoutnet.com
Theoutnet.com ““ If you are looking for a fun way to nab discount designer clothes, theoutnet.com is for you. The Web site is a branch of the high-end British online retail store netaporter.com and was launched in April of last year.
Stocking the previous collections of big brands such as Gucci and Marc Jacobs to smaller more cult favorites such as Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim at discounted prices, it’s an easy way to get your hands on chic designer clothing at a good price from a highly respected retailer. Some fabulous pieces online at the moment include lingerie from Brit greats such as Stella McCartney for half the price.
The Web site offers a dynamic way of shopping with its “pop up sales” and “going going gone” section ““ the former involves customers being alerted to sales of up to 85 percent (feels like stealing!) and the latter is a fun and classier eBay-style bidding war where customers are invited to bid for accessories until time runs out, with the item going for far less than its value. In the netaporter family, theoutnet definitely isn’t the annoying little sister, but a blessing to those who want a designer look without splurging thousands.