When you're out picking for your next vintage haul, you'll be bound to come across unfamiliar labels and brands, and being able to spot a banging piece by an über sought after brand is a massive part of vintage and pre-loved shopping. We've put together a part two for our guide to our favourite brands to look out for when you're searching for more vintage pieces. Haven't read part one yet? Find it HERE
Patagonia
Founded in1973 by Californian rock climber Yvon Chouinard to create functional outdoor sportswear which boasts both form and function. Patagonia has gone from a nice sportswear brand to a globally recognised and highly sought label amongst stylish city dwellers and circles of streetwear enthusiasts, Patagonia has undeniably become a pillar of the 'American Vintage' genre.
Loved for their 90's-esque utilitarian aesthetic, keep an eye out for their teddybear fleece jackets in an array of neutral toned textiles, knitted beanies and waterproof rip-stop outerwear for pieces that will stand both the test of time and the rotations of trend cycles.
Blumarine
Italian fashion brand Blumarine has seen a resurgence over the past couple of years, mostly down to the y2k revival we're currently experiencing to such a degree that they appointed a new creative director in 2021who's re-imagined versions of the brands classic 90's pieces have been worn by starlets including Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid.
Their sensual and feminine pieces with an edgy twist hark back to the golden years of noughties pop culture; think Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan and Britney Spears. Blumarine are also known for their 90's adverts which featured the iconic faces of Adriana Lima and Monica Belucci, photographed by icons like Helmut Newton and Ellen von Unworth. If you love cute yet sexy pieces which are both easy to style and will make you feel like a 2004-era it girl then Blumarine is a label to keep your eye out for.
Belstaff
Founded in 1924 in Stoke-on-Trent, Belstaff is one of the UK's most important heritage brands, and were the first brands to use waxed cotton when they created waterproof jackets for Motorcyclists. They've since been rebranded as a luxury sportswear brand when they were bought out in 2011 but their classic outerwear will always be highly sought after pieces amongst pre-loved enthusiasts.
Often with hints of their motorbiking-wear origins, Belstaff jackets are perfect if you love slightly sporty pieces with tons of functional features which are made of hardwearing and durable textiles. Good condition Belstaff pieces can also fetch up to £200 on popular reselling platforms so it's always worth snapping them up if you spot one.
Diesel
One of the most iconic contemporary denim brands, Diesel was founded in 1978 by Renzo Rosso who started out by designing and making low-rise flared jeans which he sold to his friends. They've since grown into a major brand and their surreal and irreverent advertising campaigns are always instantly recognisable.
If you're a fan of late 20th century denim with ultra sexy cuts but also love ultra 90's leather outerwear, funky prints and quintessentially Italian silhouettes then Diesel is a label to keep your eye out for when searching for pre-loved picks. There's also a lot of it around so it's relatively easy to hunt down and you can find some pieces at bargain prices.
Fiorucci
Another Italian powerhouse brand, first founded in 1967 , Fiorucci brought the spirit of swinging London and Americana classics to the streets of Milan and Europe; known for their retro-futurist take on classic pieces and were instantly recognisable thanks to their Cherub logo. By the late 70's their New York shop was so popular it was dubbed the daytime Studio 54 and visited by members of Manhattan's Glitterati including Andy Warhol and Jackie Kennedy.
Despite going basically defunct come 2003, modern day interest in Fiorucci grew so much that the brand was re-launched in 2017. But the focus will always remain on pieces from the brands heyday which range from their logo-emblazoned t-shirts and ultra feminine denim jeans to kitschy handbags and chic swimwear. Annoyingly it was super cheap and easy to find on sites like eBay prior to it's relaunch, which as always has majorly driven up the prices of the OG Fiorucci pieces, but if you do come across anything then it's always worth buying, not only for the resale value but also so you can own a part of a truly great brand.
