Designer Brands to Watch in 2021

As we move towards the end of the year, it’s clear to say that 2020 has been a year to remember. However, with 2021 on the horizon, the prospect of a new year has the potential to bring with it a fresh start with (hopefully) all the things we missed in 2020 to look forward to. The world of fashion has certainly not let a challenging year get in the way, with socially distanced displays, virtual fashion shows and innovative ways of unveiling their SS21 collections. That’s why, with the new year edging ever so closer, we’re taking a look at some of our favourite designer brands to watch in 2021.

McQ Alexander McQueen

Launched in 2006 and defined by Alexander McQueen himself as “younger and more renegade, but always signature McQueen,” the brand has been known for its youthful range of clothing with plenty of attitude. Capturing the rebellious spirit and edgy attitude of the mainline brand, McQ was designed to appeal to a youthful target market with vibrant designs. The signature Swallow design captures the brand’s youthful and free-spirited vibes, and is a popular print on numerous pieces, such as the All Over Mini Swallow Coverlock Sweatshirt. So what can we expect from the brand in 2021? There appears to be a rather large focus on a gothic aesthetic - think monochrome colour palettes as demonstrated in this Logo Hoodie and the Patchwork Swallow Print Sweatshirt. The brand’s SS21 collection also appeared to feature a lot of vibrant red pieces too, a colour captured in this Tie Dye Swallow Print Sweatshirt and the Drop Shoulder Logo Tee.

Ma.Strum

Founded in 2008, military inspired brand Ma.Strum have been known for their technical pieces, practical jackets, and easy to wear sweatshirts. We all know how huge the utility trend has been throughout 2020, so it’s no surprise that it’s going to be a key trend for early 2021 too. One of the trend’s key features includes large pockets, and plenty of them - which is why we think this Ma.Strum Parka is going to be a big hit over the next few months, created with a windproof and water resistant fabric - the ideal jacket to take you through the winter months. Additionally, with vibrant blues set to be a popular colour for 2021, this Overhead Softshell Jacket is certainly going to be a must-have piece for the new season. Of course the classic military-esque colour palette is still going to be a firm fixture in the utility trend, and we especially love this NT20 Overshirt in Oil Slick, a reflection of the brand’s classic military roots.

Marshall Artist

Established way back in 2001, Marshall Artist has since become one of the most loved menswear brands in the UK, and it’s no wonder. Their easy to wear pieces including sweatshirts, jackets and tees are incredibly versatile, and their tailored fits are perfect for any modern man. Looking at some of the brand’s latest arrivals, we think that 2021 is certainly going to be a good year for them. They’re another brand who have decided to incorporate the utility trend into their latest collection, with pieces like the Compacta Cross Body Overshirt taking centre stage. In contrast, they’ve also taken a leaf from some of the other popular SS21 trends too, such as soft pastel shades (as seen in the collections of Moschino, Gucci and Balmain among others) in pieces like the Siren Overhead Hoodie, available in a selection of soft shades that will be perfect for the spring. Similarly, their latest offerings also feature a touch of the ‘acid pop’ trend that was spotted in the collections of brands such as Fendi, Tom Ford and Burberry. The trend was all about rich, vibrant colours - meaning this Paninaro Bubble Jacket in bold orange will fit right in.

Axel Arigato

What’s not to love about Axel Arigato? The contemporary fashion brand specialises in luxury trainers, with designs inspired by some of the finest music, arts and architecture in the world. Additionally, they also offer a range of modern, minimalistic sweatshirts, tees and hoodies. Their latest London Capsule range consists of a selection of clean and simplistic ready to wear hoodies that will instantly become one of your wardrobe staples. We’re big fans of the Anti-Tori Bird Overhead Hoodie, which displays the signature Tori Bird logo with a rebellious twist thanks to the duct tape print. Of course, when we talk about this brand, we can’t give a mention to their iconic sneaker selection, and we especially love these Clean 90 Sneakers in crisp white. Featuring an eye-catching contrast heel, they’ll make the perfect finishing touch to any jeans and tee combo.

Moose Knuckles

Canadian sportswear brand Moose Knuckles is living proof that you can be fun and quirky while still creating quality clothing that does the job. Their quirky designs are complimented with the help of technical, high quality fabrics and precision details, designed to keep the wearer protected from the elements, and we think their current range is certainly going to be one you’ll want to wear over the upcoming season. The bomber jacket especially is set to be huge in 2021, and what better way to embrace the trend than with the brand’s Colintion Bomber Jacket? On the topic of jackets, the mighty puffer will also be a trend that’s worth knowing about in the new year, and pieces such as the Javelin Puffer Jacket will be right up at the top of our wishlist. This fun loving brand isn’t just about jackets and coats though - they also have a great selection of versatile, stylish sweatshirts and tees. We love the Robinson Sweatshirt, which is cut to a regular fit for a relaxed silhouette and will pair excellently with your favourite jeans and sneakers. As an added bonus, the high voltage orange shade is bang on trend for 2021 too - what more could you want?

Belstaff

The first company to use wax cotton in the manufacture of clothing, Belstaff are known for their signature biker jackets crafted from premium materials. In addition to their iconic outerwear pieces, they’re range also includes a selection of comfortable hoodies and logo tees - perfect for an effortlessly cool everyday look. One of our recent arrivals is the impeccably crafted Racemaster Jacket, which we predict will go down a storm over the upcoming months. The durable water-repellent finish combined with larger pockets and popper fasten plackets are everything we love about the utility trend, meaning this is one stylish piece of outerwear that’s sure to take centre stage this season. Alternatively, if you prefer to go with the puffer jacket trend, the Circuit Puffer Jacket is an understated way to embrace it, crafted in a lightweight material and finished in this military-esque salvia green shade.

Indeed, there’s certainly going to be a lot to look forward to from our favourite designer brands over the next few months - many of which taking inspiration from the hottest looks on the catwalk. We for one can’t wait to see what comes next.

Written by Amy Jackson - 28th October 2020