With luxury fashion houses seeing several seismic shifts in creative direction and leadership,
Zalando celebrates and shares the stories behind the most innovative female-led brands staying
true to their roots while capturing the zeitgeist this year. Discover each brand and shop them
online at Zalando.
MISBHV

Founded by Natalia Maczek, a law student turned fashion designer, MISBHV is rooted in Polish
culture and Warsaw’s underground punk-techno music scene. The brand began with Natalia
designing graphic T-shirts for friends to wear at raves. Realising its potential, Natalia teamed up
with former DJ, now creative director, Thomas Wirski. Today, MISBHV is iconic for its heavy
denim, leather, techwear and bold graphics, and its often unisex designs are in favour with the
likes of Rihanna and Miley Cyrus.
CULT GAIA

Growing up in a creative household – her mother an artist and father a toy manufacturer – Cult
Gaia’s founder and creative director, Jasmin Larian Hekmat, was born to be a fashion designer.
What started with crafting flower crowns and fabric turbans for friends turned into a leading
global fashion brand. Inspired by nature and women, the LA-based brand is known for its
statement, sculptural accessories and ethereal ready-to-wear pieces. Think romantic cutouts,
architectural handbags, and goddess-like silhouettes.
NORMA KAMALI

Since launching her label in 1968, Norma Kamali has been a pioneering force in the fashion
industry – from the sleeping bag coat, to the Diana dress, to the red swimsuit that made Farrah
Fawcett famous. Blending bold, vintage-inspired silhouettes with functionality, Norma Kamali’s
collection embodies the power-house energy of a woman who runs the show. And as both the
founder and creative director of her eponymous brand, she does.
NANUSKHA

Immersed in the sartorial business world since childhood through her mother’s fashion company
in Budapest, Sandra Sándor developed a love for textiles from a young age. After studying
abroad at London College of Fashion, Sandra returned to her roots and set up Nanushka in
Budapest in 2005. On a mission to redefine luxury responsibly, Nanushka’s minimalist,
European designs are made from high-quality, low-impact materials – offering elevated basics
with a Bohemian edge.

GESTUZ

Sanne Sehested’s fascination with fashion began with appreciating her mother’s chic 1970s
wardrobe. After developing her own signature vintage style, Sanne broke into the industry as a
buyer for a major Danish fashion group and later went on to become a designer. Eventually, she
fulfilled her dream to launch her own Copenhagen-based fashion brand, Gestuz, in 2008.
Featuring bold prints, oversized 80s silhouettes and clean lines – her collection fuses retro
influences with classic Scandinavian elegance.
STINE GOYA

A Danish model turned stylist, turned fashion editor – Stine Goya gained 360° experience in the
fashion industry before founding her namesake brand in 2006. Going against the grain of
Scandinavian minimalism, Stine Goya has been a pioneering force in her use of colour. Taking
inspiration from her worldly travels including her several years studying in London, her designs
are defined by bright colour palettes, loud prints and strong silhouettes.

032C

Beginning as a Berlin-based biannual fashion and culture magazine, 032c has gone on to
become a global media and fashion brand. And it’s Maria Koch that’s responsible for propelling
its edgy fashion line forward. With a background in designing for the likes of Jil Sander and
more, Maria transformed 032c from a cult magazine into a boundary-pushing fashion label.
Merging streetwear with conceptual storytelling, the brand’s collection is 032c’s editorial vision –
worn.

ANCUTA SARCA

With Moldovan roots and a vision shaped in London, the Ancuța Sarca brand has brought a
fresh perspective to sustainable fashion. Known for creatively transforming worn-out sneakers

into bold statement heels, the brand made its debut at London Fashion Week in 2019,
redefining what upcycling means in high fashion. Sarca’s aesthetic blends architectural structure
with fashion, resulting in avant-garde designs loved by celebrities and eco-conscious influencers
alike — a bold step toward a more mindful and innovative industry. From neon heels styled with
minimalist athletic pieces, to slingbacks paired with vintage denim, and elegant upcycled shoes
fit for evening wear, Ancuța Sarca’s collection delivers versatility, attitude, and sustainability —
all in one stride.