The New Class of Contemporary—20 Modern, Minimalist Labels to Know in 2024

Look to Amsterdam-born Róhe, launched in 2021 by Marieke Meulendijks and Maickel Weyers, for a quiet confidence in tailoring and elevated minimalism. Discover an unexpected edge to the pieces with twisted sweaters, sculpted blazers, pleated maxiskirts and more.

New York based RTW and accessories label Kallmeyer (artfully designed and created by Daniella Kallmeyer) has become a go-to for the coolest women in the city, offering a refined and unique approach to everyday essentials that surpass a 9-to-5. Classic shirting is reimagined with built-in ties, blazers are recast in speckled fabrics, and trousers have cocooned silhouettes—not your basic womenswear.

Founder Talia Loubaton fell in love with sherwanis—a traditional Indian coat—after visiting India multiple times, visualized as the inspiration for her signature Raja jackets. In each drop are two distinct identities; Indian menswear and the tone of Paris in the seventies. You’ll find unique peplum jackets, brushed wool textures and ruffles.

Leset’s motto is, “Night In, Night Out” for a very good reason. The label creates pieces that can be worn taking a meeting from the couch, while walking your dog, or for a late-night cocktail with friends. Founded in 2019 by Lili Chemla, Leset features a perfect mixture of matching sets, seasonal hero staples, and basics like maxi dresses, cropped tees, cardigans and more.

Girl-about-town (Paris, to be exact) Chloé Harrouche founded her fashion label because she couldn’t find those wardrobe staples she was looking for. Enter Loulou Studio, which takes inspiration from city life and offers chic sophistication with its selection of perfectly relaxed basics—relaxed trousers, suiting, sweater vests, and tees all with a twist.

Zane Li of LII has been one of Vogue’s to watch since graduating from FIT in 2023. While ease and simplicity remains at the core of the brand, Li experiments with proportion, deconstruction, and couture-leaning silhouettes. Just take a look at the crinkled double-front minidress or oversize cape-like midi.

The fashion-obsessed who scour Net-a-Porter daily may already be familiar with Destree, but the offbeat and modern designs deserve more of a spotlight. Founded in Paris by Géraldine Guyot and Laetitia Lumbroso, standouts of the brand include paneled cropped jackets, clean crepe coats, and lustrous faille trousers.

Bite Studios was founded in 2016 by a group of friends based across London and Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden. The brand (an acronym for By Independent Thinkers for Environmental Progress) creates thoughtfully designed pieces with longevity in mind—95% of the materials and textiles used in its collections are either organic, recycled, or low impact. You might have seen one of its oversized cuff silk blouses or earthy-colored separates on Net-a-Porter’s consciously focused edit, Net Sustain.

Another Tomorrow’s founder Vanessa Barboni Hallik describes the cult-favorite brand as “a foundational wardrobe of ethically and responsibly made clothing.” Consciously-made materials, flattering silhouettes, and long-lasting staples, with a twist, define the brand. You’ve likely spotted, Elizabeth Giardina, Another Tomorrow’s Creative Director, in one of the brand’s wrapped blouses for its second-skin ease and drapery.

Ranging from $69 to just over $1,000, Tove refers to its own retail strategy as “respectful pricing.” The range reflects the unique materials and the level of craft and workmanship that goes into each piece. Founded by Camille Perry and Holly Wright in 2019 in London, the label offers elegantly gathered dresses and pleated tops that wonderfully fuse a minimal and feminine aesthetic.

Crafted in Australia, Beare Park is a luxury ready-to-wear label boasting impactful elegance and a slow fashion ethos. Every garment is designed in limited runs by local tailors and makers in Sydney and Melbourne. Unfussy and feminine—from cotton maxi dresses to crepe pencil skirts—are imbued with a hint of Australia’s languid and cool sensibilities.

Esse Studios brings familiar yet covetable basics—black tailored Bermuda shorts and button-up shirting—to the forefront of conscious-minded style. Founded and designed by Charlotte Hicks, the Australian label reimagines classic pieces in slow-released capsule collections made from sustainably sourced fabrics. The brand’s mission is to produce less but offer well-fitted, everyday staples that work for you.

If you’re anything like us, then you’ve probably spend a worrying amount of time obsessing over Sophia Roe’s wardrobe. After joining forces with designer Charlotte Eskildsen, The Garment was born to cast a feminine interpretation of coveted Scandi styles. The brands offers both everyday pieces like cable-knit cardigans and soft tees and ornate going-out styles like silky, sheer midiskirts and strappy, knitted maxidresses.

Swedish contemporary brand House of Dagmar applies a thoughtful approach in designing its pieces. You might be drawn to the label for its contemporary price points, but you’ll come back for the Scandi spin it puts on go-to wardrobe picks—they’re just as cool as you would expect. We’re particularly fond of the collarless blazers and balloon skirts.

Attersee offers everyday must-haves like easy trousers and sleek shirting in a neutral color palette. The name comes from a lake in Austria where artist Gustav Klimt would go to relax during his summers. The label carries this carefree spirit into elevated wardrobe foundations that are as easy to wear as they are well-made.

“Scandi style” has become a desirable aesthetic, and By Malene Birger certainly embodies that. With an eclectic approach to the minimalism of the region, the label describes itself as bohemian-infused. The collection includes a range of textured knitwear, suiting, and shearling coats, plus accessories (like croc loafers and monogrammed totes) to go along with it.

St. Agni offers refined ready-to-wear and accessories that fall into a category the brand describes as “the space between the progressive contemporary and nonchalance.” The Byron Bay, Australia-based label’s current collection draws inspiration from classic pieces and ’90s minimalism.

While bold colors might not feel simple, High Sport’s capsule edit—made up of durable and polished pieces—is what makes this label minimal in its own right. Industry vet and founder Alissa Zachary has worked at brands like The Row, Khaite, and Rosetta Getty, and has now perfected her own line of structured yet wearable styles, like stretch pants and easy sweaters.