In honour of Women’s History Month, we dive into the stories of some of the most exciting and innovative labels in fashion and beauty founded by women.
Behind every successful fashion and beauty label is a visionary: somebody with a unique point of view. It might be a designer experimenting with shape and fabric, or a makeup artist playing with colour and technique. And some of the most vibrant and exciting names in contemporary style have been built from the ground up by women.
These are fashion houses and beauty empires shaped not by committee, but by their founder’s personal philosophy and an intimate understanding of how women want to look and feel. The result is a kind of thoughtfulness that shows in every detail, from the cut of a garment to the way makeup sits on the skin.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the most compelling female-founded brands in fashion and beauty. From elevated wardrobe staples and designer accessories to beauty essentials that take cues from skincare, these are the names worth knowing— and where to find them, all available at FRASERS.
*Written by: *Michael Meir-Wright | Published: 13.03.26.
Danish-born entrepreneur Anine Bing is a true multi-hyphenate. Her career has seen her become a model, musician and singer, lifestyle blogger and, finally, a designer. She founded her eponymous brand in 2012 on the back of Anine’s World: a blog so popular that her clothing recommendations would sell out near-instantly. She started her label in the garage of her Los Angeles home with ten styles. Almost a decade and a half on, it has become a global juggernaut with fans including Margot Robbie and Kate Moss, who collaborated with the designer for a collection celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary.
Her label is best known for its everyday staples that feature an arresting blend of Scandinavian minimalism and a distinctly Californian point of view. Think soft block colours and premium fabrics that meet varsity detailing and roomy fits. These are pieces designed to be reached for over and over, from high-waisted denim to cosy sweaters and everyday tops. The label is, at its heart, an extension of Anine’s personal style. She can often be found in Los Angeles layering a light blazer over a t-shirt and jeans.
Worth adding to your wardrobe is the Eagle Tee. Designed for effortless, everyday wear it’s easy to layer over on colder days or wear standalone in warmer weather. Likewise, the Miles Sweatshirt is another staple piece. The varsity-logo nods to that Californian cool, while the leopard-print accent keeps things playful. Invest in your denim with the Roy Jeans. They sit high on the waist to lengthen your figure and in Nordic Blue they style easily into any outfit. When it comes to jackets, the Leon Bomber is hard to overlook. It’s a classic design with an oversized fit and light padding that is ideal when temperatures begin to drop. Then there’s the Rio Tote. Woven from straw, it’s an easy pick as spring gives way to summer.
Some brands follow the rules, while others seek to rewrite them entirely. Good American, founded in 2016 by British designer Emma Grede, firmly belongs in the latter camp. Built on the idea that fashion should work for every body, regardless of size and shape, it has established itself as one of the most inclusive fashion brands of the last quarter of a century.
After recognising that a great many women were being sized out by conventional brands on the market, Emma established Good American (co-founded with Khloe Kardashian) as a denim brand focused on inclusive sizing. In the decade since, the label has expanded into tailored basics and elevated essentials that focus on championing body positivity and diversity. It’s an approach that has paid off: on its first day of trading, the company took $1 million in sales.
From our Good American edit, we’d start with the True Straight Jeans. They’re built for a close fit through the hips, with plenty of stretch for ease. Consider the label’s cropped take on the classic Trench Coat. The belt is an easy way to cinch your waist, while the sandy colour will make your indigo denim stand out. If you prefer your jeans darker, then look to the Straight Never Fades Long Jeans. Engineered to resist denim’s natural inclination to fade, they sit very high on the waist. When it comes to wardrobe staples, the Halter Bodysuit is an easy pick. It sculpts your silhouette and features a deep plunge to make a statement. For layering, opt for the Button Up Cardigan. The sleeves are exaggerated and the relaxed cut makes it one to reach for on cooler days.
There are few names in modern beauty that carry the same weight as Charlotte Tilbury. Known for her distinctive approach to makeup and for affectionately calling everyone “darling”, she launched what has become one of the world’s most celebrated female-founded beauty brands in 2013. Rooted in Charlotte’s decades of backstage expertise and a deep understanding of the transformative potential of makeup, the label’s appeal lies in its approach to delivering red-carpet glamour for the everyday.
Charlotte’s collections, from glow-enhancing complexion formulas to skincare-infused foundations, have been thoughtfully designed to produce effortless results that mimic her work with clients like Amal Clooney, Jennifer Aniston and Salma Hayek. Key to the brand’s success is its ability to translate those signature looks into something genuinely wearable. Like her brand, Charlotte knows exactly what she is doing, and does it beautifully.
Our Charlotte Tilbury picks include Charlotte’s Magic Cream. It boosts the skin’s natural barrier while hydrating it for a smoother, glowing appearance. When it comes to makeup essentials, look to Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation. Providing full coverage, it also works to refresh and smooth the skin, making it an easy go-to for everyday wear. For dramatic eyes, look to the Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara. Notably, it’s smudgeproof and doesn’t clump, so it’s a reliable addition to your routine. When you’ve finished applying your makeup, opt for the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray that locks it in for up to 16 hours, while ingredients like Japanese green tea work to soothe the skin at the same time. At the end of the day, round off your routine with Charlotte’s Hollywood Skin Secret Eye Patches. They’re built to reduce dark circles and puffiness, while brightening the under-eye area.
From architect to weekend trader on Camden Market to the founder of one of the most successful designer handbag brands, Australian-born Lowell Harder has had quite the journey. After selling bags on her stall since the mid-80s, Lowell grew frustrated with the sea of women’s handbags in muted, conservative colours. Sensing an opportunity, she set out to design vibrant alternatives. And in 1998, Radley was born.
Against the advice of her original backers, who asked Lowell to tone down her bold aesthetic, she doubled down. After seeing a dog and its owner in matching red accessories, she introduced the label’s signature Scottie Dog motif. By the early ‘00s, Lowell had brought out her backers, and her winning combination of bold, humorous and eccentric designs had won a legion of ardent fans. Cut to 2026, and Radley is no longer confined to bags. Expanding into jewellery, watches, wallets and purses, Radley has, under Lowell’s keen eye, become one of the most beloved British accessories brands.
Today, Radley and the Scottie Dog have never looked better. Discover our collection, including the Palace Gardens Shoulder Bag, highlighting Lowell’s mascot in a playful print on the front. The Camden Raffia Bucket Bag feels tailor-made for lazy days on the beach, with plenty of room for your latest read. The RHS Grab Bag celebrates Lowell’s penchant for bright designs that sees Scottie Dog playing amongst flowers and orchids, inspired by the Royal Horticultural Society. Then there’s the Finsbury Park Tote that revels in a print of spring florals that will lift any ensemble. Finally, pare things back for the office with the sleek Laptop Bag that has room for all your everyday essentials.
Strong-minded and rebellious from an early age, Tamara Hill-Norton always knew she wanted to run her own business. Later, she encountered independent boutiques while studying linguistics abroad in Paris and Germany. The decision was made: she was going to be her own boss. Having always been active, thanks to the influence of her father who served in the Royal Navy, she found that she couldn’t find stylish clothes for the active woman. And so, she founded Sweaty Betty to create them.
Tamara’s philosophy has always been clear: performance and styling are not mutually exclusive. Whether you’re on the mat, on the move, or somewhere in between, Tamara believes that you deserve to look good and feel unrestricted. It's this kind of detail-led thinking, and commitment to empowering women, which has made Sweaty Betty one of the defining women's activewear brands of the past quarter of a century.
Performance meets style in our Sweaty Betty edit, starting with the Plush Collared Fleece. Dropped shoulders and a relaxed fit make it ideal for both your post-workout routine and everyday wear. The subtle brown leopard print brings an added hit of style. The 7/8 Gym Leggings are a true everyday choice. They’ll see you through HIIT classes thanks to the sweat-wicking fabric, but they’ll also work for running errands at the weekend. A hoodie is an indispensable part of any wardrobe. Made for all-day wear with an ultra-soft lining, the Premium Brush Classic Hoodie feels current thanks to the dusty timber colour that pairs easily with your off-duty looks. Don't neglect your post-workout look with the Revive Wide Leg Trousers. They're roomy and are perfect for lounging at home or to cool down in. Lastly, if you need plenty of room for your on-the-go needs, don’t overlook the Nimbus Roam Weekender Bag. It’ll hold all your gym wear and still have room for the rest of your adventures, and the padded silhouette is exactly right as spring begins.
Women's History Month is a moment to recognise the pioneering and innovative women who challenged the norm and dared to do things differently. At FRASERS, we think that the best way to celebrate them is to wear their work.