9 female-founded fashion brands to shop this International Women's Day

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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!

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.

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.

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.