Frank Usher

Established in 1946, London. High-end detailing and elaborate beading and embroidery inspired by runway couture of the day, at a more moderate price. Exquisite and beautifully crafted, the brand sold through prominent department stores, such Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods, Selfridges and Dickens & Jones. Vintage pieces are particularly admired.

The founders’ philosophy was that buying cheap and gimmicky (‘fast fashion’ in today’s parlance) is “poor fashion sense whichever way you look at it.”