Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi launched Preen in 1996, selling clothes inspired by iconic Britishisms like Victoriana and punk rock. One year later, they had a shop on Portobello Road, and in the years since, the London-based label has earned strong editorial coverage for its clean, fluid lines and slouchy-futuristic elegance.

A Fashion Week decampment from London to New York for spring 2007 solidified their international status, and they are now sold in more than 25 countries. As Cathy Horyn noted in February 2008, “their clothes get more sophisticated without losing their cool.” In Copenhagen in 2008, the duo—who in addition to their design collaboration are also a couple—debuted Preen Line, a younger offshoot that melds the classic Preen look with a little rock and roll.

“We still love all the Victoriana but we’ve moved it on to more chic, pared-down sexy. We always use the previous collection as a base for the new one. Put a last-season dress on a mannequin, add a blouse and there’s the new look.”

—Thea Bregazzi