Who Owns What Not?
What Not is owned by What Not Brands Ltd., an independent privately held British fashion company. The company operates independently without any parent company or controlling shareholder, maintaining creative and operational autonomy since its founding.
Parent Company
What Not Brands Ltd.
Founded
2016
Status
Private
Headquarters
London, England, UK
Who Owns What Not?
- Parent Company: What Not Brands Ltd.
- Ownership Type: Independent
- Company Type: Privately Held
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| What Not | What Not Brands Ltd. | Independent |
History of What Not
- Founded: 2016
- Founders: Veronika Henry, Simeon Henry
What Not was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Veronika and Simeon Henry in London, England. The brand was created with a vision to challenge traditional fashion norms through oversized, gender-neutral clothing that prioritized comfort and individuality over conventional sizing and styling.
The brand quickly gained recognition for its distinctive aesthetic, featuring exaggerated proportions, architectural silhouettes, and a monochromatic color palette. What Not's early collections focused on reimagining everyday wardrobe staples like t-shirts, hoodies, and coats with dramatic, sculptural forms.
Throughout the late 2010s, What Not expanded from a small independent label to a globally recognized fashion brand. The company's commitment to sustainable practices, including local production and ethical manufacturing, resonated with increasingly conscious consumers.
In 2020 and 2021, What Not gained international attention through celebrity endorsements and features in major fashion publications. The brand expanded its retail presence through partnerships with select boutiques and department stores worldwide while maintaining its direct-to-consumer focus.
Throughout the 2020s, What Not has continued to innovate with new collections, collaborations, and expanded product categories while staying true to its core design philosophy of oversized, inclusive fashion.
About What Not Brands Ltd.
Who owns What Not Brands Ltd.?
What Not Brands Ltd. is independently owned by its founders, Veronika and Simeon Henry. The company operates without any parent organization or external investors. Veronika Henry leads creative direction and Simeon Henry oversees business operations.
Is What Not Brands the same as Whatnot?
No. What Not Brands Ltd. is a British fashion company founded in 2016 by Veronika and Simeon Henry. Whatnot Inc. (whatnot.com) is a separate American company that operates a live auction marketplace. The two companies are unrelated.
When was What Not Brands founded?
What Not Brands Ltd. was founded in 2016 by Veronika and Simeon Henry in London, England.
What is What Not Brands known for?
What Not Brands is known for its oversized, gender-neutral clothing with architectural silhouettes and a commitment to sustainable and ethical manufacturing. The brand challenges conventional fashion sizing and gender norms through its design philosophy.
Is What Not Brands publicly traded?
No, What Not Brands Ltd. is privately owned by its founders and is not publicly traded.
- Founded: 2016
- Headquarters: London, England, UK
- Company Type: Privately Held
Where Is What Not Made / Based?
- Headquarters: London, England, UK
- Manufacturing / Operations: United Kingdom, Portugal, Turkey
What Not Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Complete creative independence and design autonomy
- +Strong brand identity with distinctive aesthetic
- +Focus on sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices
- +Direct relationship with customers through DTC model
- +Flexibility to innovate without corporate constraints
Considerations
- -Limited resources compared to major fashion conglomerates
- -Higher production costs due to sustainable practices
- -Dependence on niche market appeal
- -Competition from fast fashion brands with lower prices
- -Need to balance growth with brand authenticity
Frequently Asked Questions About What Not
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors to What Not
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | USA | 1990 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Gildan Activewear | USA | 1989 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Lvmh | France | 1945 | Luxury | Europe | All Genders | |
| Lvmh | France | 1946 | Luxury | Europe | All Genders | |
| Lvmh | Italy | 1925 | Luxury | Europe | All Genders | |
| Berkshire Hathaway | USA | 1851 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

George
Owned by Walmart Inc.
Walmart's flagship clothing brand offering affordable and stylish apparel for men, women, and children with everyday fashion essentials.

American Apparel
Owned by Gildan Activewear
Los Angeles-based clothing retailer known for vertically integrated manufacturing and ethically made basics.

Celine
Owned by LVMH
French luxury fashion house specializing in leather goods, ready-to-wear, and accessories.

Dior
Owned by LVMH
French luxury fashion house founded in 1946 by Christian Dior, owned by LVMH and operating across haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, fragrance, and beauty.

Fendi
Owned by LVMH
Italian luxury fashion house known for leather goods, haute couture, and innovative design.

Fruit of the Loom
Owned by Berkshire Hathaway
American apparel company specializing in basic clothing and underwear, owned by Berkshire Hathaway.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: What Not competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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