An In-Depth Look at the "It" Ethical Fashion Brand
Sandra Sandor founded Nanushka in Budapest in 2006 with the vision to fuse ethics, quality, and contemporary femininity within one clothing line. Nanushka has swiftly emerged as a darling of the sustainable luxury fashion world. Its cult following includes A-listers like Kaia Gerber and Kristen Bell as well as over 400k Instagram fans.
But does Nanushka live up to the hype? I conducted an extensive Nanushka review to find out. Keep reading for a deep dive into Nanushka‘s backstory, an analysis of some best-selling pieces, comparisons to competitors, and final takes on whether these investment pieces are worth splurging on.
The Nanushka Origin Story
Nanushka sprang from Sandra Sandor’s passion for clothing that united ethics, beauty and purpose. After studying fashion design in Budapest and New York, Sandor returned home to launch Nanushka in 2006.
The fledgling company centered around Sandor’s philosophy that “if a garment is designed to function well, it will, by definition, be beautiful.” This ethos manifests today through Nanushka‘s flowing, meticulously constructed pieces that emphasize versatility and everyday wearability.
Initially, the brand only retailed locally in Budapest boutiques. But in 2016, Nanushka debuted its first international collection. Positive feedback flooded in, and the brand expanded distribution to over 450 stockists worldwide.
Nanushka’s Core Values
As Nanushka grew globally, Sandor remained committed to the brand‘s founding principles:
- Timelessness – Investment pieces transcend fleeting trends
- Wearability – Garments move gracefully with the body for all-day comfort
- Sustainability – Ethical processes limit environmental impact
- Community – Supporting local craftspeople and donating excess materials
These themes course through every stitch and inform every business decision. Next, I’ll analyze how Nanushka’s products themselves deliver on this brand promise.
Nanushka Product Review: Analyzing Some Bestsellers
Nanushka‘s bestselling products fuse contemporary silhouettes with ‘70s bohemian flair. The brand offers a wide array of womenswear essentials like dresses, shirting, knitwear and outerwear plus a sharply edited men‘s collection.
I reviewed five top products across categories to assess quality, style and value:
Nanushka Vega Long Sleeve Ruched Mini Dress – $995
The Vega dress modernizes ‘70s glamour with a body-skimming silhouette, cowl neckline and tiered ruching. The soft vegan leather fabric drapes beautifully. Details like the hood and zippered sleeves add edge. At 33 inches long, it hits mid-thigh for a leg-lengthening effect.
This showstopper feels luxurious against the skin without sacrificing comfort. The high price reflects Nanushka‘s commitment to developing innovative sustainable materials. For a bold night-out look, the splurge seems justified.
Nanushka Noki Recycled Wool Blend Turtleneck – $345
Nanushka‘s recycled wool sweaters exemplify the brand‘s knack for elevated basics. The Noki‘s ribbed texture and fitted mock neck cut a sleek silhouette suited for layering or wearing alone.
The merino wool and recycled polyester fabric is thick and durable yet gentle against skin. Compared to competitors, I‘d place the quality on par with other luxury knitwear brands like Vince and The Row. The neutral camel hue provides versatility across wardrobes and seasons.
Nanushka Basco Vegan Leather Pants – $495
Nanushka‘s vegan leather pieces often top bestseller lists for good reason. The Basco pants encapsulate the brand‘s ultimate cool girl aesthetic with their relaxed wide leg silhouette and paperbag waist.
The polyurethane leather feels supple with a matte finish that mimics authentic leather‘s drape. The quality seems comparable to premium vegan brands like Matt & Nat. The high waist is slimming while the dramatic legs billow gracefully with each step.
Nanushka Enci Organic Cotton Poplin Shirt – $250
Crisp shirting provides a cornerstone for many Nanushka collections. The Enci shirt provides an affordable entry point to try the brand’s polished-yet-relaxed signature.
The oversized organic cotton poplin offers breathability ideal for warm weather while still appearing tailored and put-together. The laidback dropped shoulders, front patch pockets and single button closure echo ‘90s minimalism.
Nanushka Noah Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat – $895
For the colder months, Nanushka‘s Noah coat bundles you in sophisticated warmth. The Prince of Wales check pattern and double breasted silhouette manage to be both contemporary and timeless.
Touchably soft Italian wool, recycled poly lining and a muted palette keep the look versatile for everyday wear. Compared to similar designs from other sustainable luxury brands like Cuyana and Everlane, Nanushka‘s superior fabrics and construction justify the investment.
How Nanushka Compares to Competitors
Nanushka occupies a unique niche combining high fashion appeal with ethical production that few competitors replicate. See how Nanushka stacks up against some comparable sustainable brands below:
| Nanushka | Stella McCartney | Reformation | |
| Price range | $200-$1000 | $500-$3000+ | $100-$400 |
| Aesthetic | Luxe boho | Bold/modern | Trendy/sexy |
| Sourcing & Manufacturing | 60%+ in Europe | Italy & UK | USA & China |
| Product range | RTW, shoes, jewelry | RTW, bags, shoes | Mostly dresses & jeans |
While all three brands offer conscious style, Nanushka provides greater price accessibility than the designer Stella McCartney label. Nanushka also eclipses Reformation‘s narrow product range with varied categories to build a whole ethical wardrobe.
The Verdict: Does Nanushka Live Up to the Hype?
So does Nanushka deliver substance to match the buzz? After conducting extensive research and analysis for this Nanushka review, my answer is a resounding yes.
By putting ethics on par with aesthetics, Nanushka fills a void in the fashion landscape. The brand‘s well-constructed garments balance relaxed and refined vibes that work for real life. Nanushka pieces easily integrate into wardrobes as luxe upgrades to everyday outfits.
The higher costs result from sustainable materials and production methods that minimize environmental harm. When accounting for quality, versatility and social impact, Nanushka items justify their price tags as long-term staples versus fast fashion disposables.
For shoppers seeking out sustainably-minded luxury fashion, Nanushka checks all the boxes. The brand authentically embodies conscience, craftsmanship and sophistication.
The Nanushka Review: Final Scores
Quality: 5/5
Superior construction and fabrics built to last
Style: 5/5
Timeless designs fused with modern polish
Value: 4.5/5
Premium costs balanced by investment-worthy pieces
Sustainability: 5/5
Industry leading environmental and social standards
How to Buy Nanushka
If this Nanushka review has inspired you to immerse yourself in the brand’s ethical elegance, below are some tips for shopping Nanushka across channels:
Nanushka.com
For the complete product range, shop Nanushka‘s website. Sign up for emails to get 15% off your first order.
Online Stockists
Find curated Nanushka assortments at luxury retailers like:
- Nordstrom
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- MyTheresa
- MatchesFashion
Flagship Boutiques
Visit Nanushka’s elegantly minimalist brick-and-mortar stores located in:
- Budapest
- New York
- London
I hope this comprehensive Nanushka review offered insightful analysis to evaluate whether channeling your inner boho goddess aligns with investing in these ethically crafted designs. Feel free to drop any other questions in the comments below!
