American beauties: US clothing brands land in the UK

Brits who love that preppy Stateside look no longer have to get on a plane to acquire it. Karen Dacre introduces four US brands to fall for this summer— and there isn’t a pair of Levi 501s among them
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Karen Dacre24 April 2012

NAHM

Despite its exotic name — as well as representing the first and last initials of its designers’ monikers, NAHM also translates as “water” in Laotian — this is about as all-American as a brand can get: co-founder Alexandria Hilfiger is the daughter of a bestselling US casualwear designer and, yes, the clue is in the name. Founded by Hilfiger and her partner Nary Manivong in 2010, each of NAHM’s collections takes inspiration from the simple shirt-dress style. A relative newcomer to the UK market (the label arrived at King’s Road’s The Shop At The Bluebird at the end of last year) NAHM offers beautifully tailored eveningwear at a less than laugh-out-loud prices. (From £340, TheShopAtTheBluebird.com)

Club Monaco

When Club Monaco arrived in the UK last year it was welcomed with open arms by London’s transatlantic travellers, who love the label for its signature Stateside style. But all is not as it seems. Despite being based in New York, sister label to American fashion house Ralph Lauren, the brand is, in fact, of Canadian origin, making it a controversial addition to this list, but what the hell. Thanks to a reasonably priced selection of edgy but wearable pared-down basics, Club Monaco offers a refreshing approach to American style. (From £40, HarveyNichols.com)

Sea, NY

This airy-fairy, feminine label might look as though it was dreamed up in a design studio on Paris’s Left Bank but its home is, in fact, New York’s Canal Street. The brainchild of Sean Monahan, who founded Sea NY in 2007 before recruiting ex-Betsey Johnson designer and childhood friend Monica Paolini to help him expand the label, it is a great shout for those who favour a subtle, not showy, approach to style. Sea NY’s signature pieces include loose-fitting drop-waist dresses and delicate embroidery — making it a perfect choice for summer weddings. (From £268, MatchesFashion.com)

J Crew

Michelle Obama’s favourite high-street brand began life as a mail-order business in 1983 and is now one of America’s major mid-priced labels. A cult favourite with stylish Brits who until the end of last year had to travel to the US to stock up on its signature sweetie-coloured sweaters and chinos, J Crew is now available globally — via its website — and looking to open a London store. Loved for its vivacious approach to colour — the current collection includes 179 shades — the label shot to global fame when Mrs O made it her label of choice during her husband’s presidential campaign. Now it is readily replacing the capital’s many cult cashmere brands as the Londoner’s favourite destination for moderately priced basics. (From £40, JCrew.com/UK)

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