Glittery decorations, end of year parties, thoughtful gifts – December is the perfect time to be a little extra! But do you love planning elaborate dinner parties and stunning in a chic ensemble, surprising your loved ones with cute hand-crafted gifts, or making the Yuletide gay by embracing the OTT campy side of Christmas? Noctis Fashion Editor Florentyna Syperek suggests the best independent brands to support this holiday season based on your festive style.
The Chic Hostess
Hive in Cherry Red Cord – ISLA DE GAR (£195). ISLA DE GAR is a slow fashion accessory brand based in London. All bags are lovingly crafted to order to reduce waste, making each piece truly special. Their limited edition cherry red cord bag has launched earlier this month and will make a chic addition to any festive outfit.
2026 Trans Charity Calendar (£20). Manifest a 2026 full of glamour, diva energy and dolls with a charity calendar created by photographer Saskia Kovandzich and activist Maxine Heron. Featuring 12 trailblazing trans creatives, including Munroe Bergdorf, Dakota Schiffer, and Samuel Moir-Smith, all proceeds from the sales will be divided between Not A Phase and Good Law Project.
Knit Intarsia Lace Midi Skirt – Raquel de Carvalho (£413). Created by Brazilian knitwear designer Raquel de Carvalho in her London studio, this sensual spin on knitwear will have you ready to sleigh the house down in the blink of an eye.
Organic Cotton Tea Towel – Liv & Dom (£14). Sophisticated and whimsical homeware from identical twins Liv & Dom is a great choice for those who appreciate beauty in all aspects of their lives – even if it is simply a decorative tea towel.
Ophelia Sweater – Alicia Morgand Knit (£278). Knitted to order by French designer duo Alicia and Baptiste using modified vintage knitting machines in their home-turned-studio in Lille, the Ophelia sweater features a bold print in a festive colourway and coquettish corset detailing. Perfect for channeling your inner elf! Matching skirt available.
Single Homeless Project (from £10). Spread joy this festive season by supporting Single Homeless Project, the largest London charity offering aid to those experiencing homelessness. Starting at just £10, you can sponsor a Christmas Day dinner or gift to brighten someone’s Christmas.
The Crafty Cutie
Vintage 70s Quilted Waistcoat – The Octopus Garden (£40). Carefully curated by vintage lover and maximalist Caitlin Hare, The Octopus Garden is an online marketplace stocking exclusively 60s, 70s, and 80s garments. This handquilted, reversible 70s waistcoat will keep you cosy while you sip on hot chocolate and make adorable gifts for all your friends and family.
The Pratt Hat – Fings (£60). Using upcycled materials and sustainably sourced fabrics, Fings is a slow fashion brand creating purposefully to limit waste, while offering quirky garments, such as this adorable polka-dot sailor hat finished off with a vintage button.
The Hooked Top in Cloud – Isabella Vrana (£68, six colours available). Originally founded in 2015 by Isabella Vrana during university, her eponymous label has since grown into a small, London-based team set on producing trendy pieces without compromising on ethics. One of their bestsellers, this simple, yet versatile top is an ideal investment for anyone who wants to keep their wardrobe minimal, all thanks to a clever cuff-to-cuff hook and eye design allowing for constant customisation.
Circus Decoration – Paige Mitchell (£30). Lovers of handmade decorations will undoubtedly appreciate the charming stoneware ornaments crafted by British ceramicist Paige Mitchell, featuring a glossy glaze and a satin ribbon.
Illusion Shorts – Naomi Tarazi (£121). Made to order in her studio in Berlin, Naomi Tarazi creates sculptural statement pieces, which are bound to make the wearer the centre of attention at any event. Matching items, including socks and gloves, are available.
2026 Lunar Calendar A3 Print – Florence Burns (£20). Manchester-based queer artist Florence Burns returns for the fourth year with a stunning lunar calendar print. Each signed and dated by the artist herself, this A3 calendar easily doubles as a collectable piece of art.
The Kitsch Maximalist
Bella Bow Chunky Knit Sweater – Hope Macaulay (£405). Handmade to order by a small team of knitters in Northern Ireland, Hope Macaulay’s take on luxury knitwear is a dopamine dressing dream. While rainbow-hued chunky sweaters have become Macaulay’s trademark, opt for one of her newer pastel pieces for a more subtly feminine, but equally cosy statement this holiday season.
Latex Lace Choker – Monique Fei (£55 per choker, four colours available). No one knows how to combine traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology better than CSM alumna Monique Fei. Add a laser-cut latex choker by the designer to your ensemble to instantly increase the slay factor.
Mythsntits 2026 Calendar – mythsntits (£30). Known for her whimsical illustrations inspired by mythical creatures and historical women, Welsh artist Mari aka mythsntits’ gorgeously feminine calendar is bound to add a little spark of magic to your life throughout the year.
Goldie Bangle – Callisto Venus (£39). Made in London, Callisto Venus breathes new life into forgotten objects to create one-off pieces by encasing charity shop jewellery in resin. These upcycled pieces make for an original stocking filler for any lover of sustainable fashion!
Peachy Keen Stocking – Haricot Vert (£143). Founded by New York-based Kelsey Armstrong during lockdown and heavily inspired by her time studying mixed media in France, Haricot Vert brings the art of collaging into the three-dimensional world. This Christmas the independent jewellery brand added their playful ‘picto-charms’ to one-of-a-kind vintage stockings, making for a truly unique decoration.
The Office Party Cape – SUITE (£295). Is there anything more chic than a cape? Embrace your inner vintage diva and get ready for your most dramatic party entrance yet with a quirky cape from NYC-based, Italian-inspired brand Suite. The brainchild of Project Runway alumna Jennifer Diederich, this “quick escape cape” features a playful print with classic martini olives and cocktail napkins, providing plenty of inspiration for your next festive fete.
Kitsch Cat Acetate Decoration – Amy Hastings Textiles (£10). Hailing from York in the North of England, Amy Hastings is best known for her kitsch aesthetic and pink-powered illustrations and accessories. You can also find a range of affordable Christmas decorations in her Etsy shop – perfect for the kitsch lover in your life.
Words and Graphics by Florentyna Syperek