Women Reimagining Fashion: How Small British Brands Are Leading Big Change

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate three pioneering female founders in British fashion who are reshaping the industry, proving that creativity, sustainability, and business acumen can coexist. The founders of Minkie Studio, Made by SJP, and Ma+Lin are leading the charge, creating fashion with a conscience built on resourcefulness and innovation. With the support of the community around them, these women are proving that small brands can drive major change in sustainability while uplifting and inspiring other women in the process.

Creating Something from Nothing: The Power of Female-Led Fashion

For these three designers, building a brand wasn’t just about creating clothes—it was about rethinking fashion from the ground up.

Minkie Studio’s founder, Sally, found her passion for design at an early age, drawing patterns on fabric that her grandmother transformed into dresses. “Living in rural Wales, it was the only way to get something similar to what I saw in magazines!” she recalls. After an early start in art and fashion, including an inspiring encounter with John Galliano, Minkie went on to establish her brand with a dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability.

Minkie’s business originally thrived as a slow fashion concession at Topshop, producing handmade garments in a London studio using deadstock fabrics. “We were unique in that my small team made everything to order every day,” she shares. “I have always used deadstock fabrics and made sure everything is used with little waste—offcuts become sleeves, pockets, collars, or even packaging bags.” This ethos remains at the core of her business, ensuring that sustainability is more than just a concept—it’s embedded in every stage of production.

Similarly, Made by SJP’s founder, Sarah-Jane, was motivated by the sheer volume of beautiful but discarded textiles she saw around her. “The overwhelming amount of unloved fabrics inspired me to become a fashion designer,” she explains. Rather than purchasing new materials, her brand exclusively works with reclaimed textiles—transforming duvet covers, curtains, and other overlooked fabrics into unique, one-of-a-kind garments. “Unlike traditional designers, I let each collection be guided by the fabrics we discover,” she says, allowing her creative process to align seamlessly with sustainability. By prioritising upcycling, Made by SJP offers a compelling alternative to wasteful production cycles, proving that fashion can be both expressive and environmentally responsible.

For Ma+Lin founder Yue, the journey into sustainable fashion was an unexpected one. Initially doubting her ability to be a designer due to a lack of formal skills in drawing and sewing, she realised that concept, material selection, and sustainability were at the heart of great fashion. “After years of working in fashion, I realized that the most important thing is to have good ideas, an eye for materials, and sustainability in mind,” she says. Inspired by the strong women around her, she finally took the leap and launched her brand.

Ma+Lin’s approach is rooted in ethical production and full traceability. “We only work with Masters of LINEN™ certified linen—the most sustainable material in the world,” she explains. The brand exclusively collaborates with European garment makers, ensuring that every step of the supply chain upholds environmental and ethical standards. By adopting a pre-order model to prevent overproduction, Ma+Lin is proving that sustainable business models can be both viable and scalable.

Women Supporting Women: The Future of British Fashion

Each of these founders has faced numerous challenges, but they agree on one thing: women supporting women is key to the future of ethical fashion. Whether it’s through collaborations, shared knowledge, or platforms like Percy Langley that champion independent designers, these women are proving that fashion isn’t just about competition—it’s about community.

“The likes of Percy Langley are really important to us and to the future of British fashion,” says Ma+Lin’s founder. By stocking sustainable brands and offering a platform for female-led businesses, retailers like Percy Langley provide much-needed visibility to brands that prioritise ethics over fast turnover.

For Made by SJP, customer involvement is just as vital as industry collaboration. “We encourage customers to contribute by bringing their own fabrics—old curtains, vintage duvets—which we transform into bespoke, meaningful pieces,” the founder explains. This participatory approach not only fosters a deeper connection between designer and wearer but also underscores the brand’s belief that fashion should be both personal and sustainable.

The Small Brands Leading Big Change

While sustainability is often discussed in the context of luxury fashion houses or large-scale initiatives, it’s small brands that are proving the most agile and inventive. These three designers are proof that change begins with small, independent makers who refuse to compromise their values. By reimagining textiles, prioritising ethical production, and championing a slower, more thoughtful approach to fashion, they are setting a new standard for the industry.

Beyond their own brands, these women believe their business models can influence broader change in the UK fashion industry. Ma+Lin sees small brands uniting to have a stronger voice: “I believe we need to come together as small brands in order for our voices to be heard,” she states. Minkie champions the idea of staying small and sustainable rather than expanding at the cost of increased waste. And for Made by SJP, educating consumers on circular fashion is key: “We encourage our customers to think about the longevity of their garments and how each purchase can be a step toward a more sustainable wardrobe.”

On this International Women’s Day, their message is clear: sustainability isn’t just about what we wear, but about how we choose to create, support, and inspire each other. And thanks to the resilience and innovation of women in fashion, the future is looking brighter—and greener—than ever.