The short answer. If you love La DoubleJ, look at Taller Marmo for Italian-made resort drama, Alemais for hand-drawn print with a conscience, Zimmermann for romantic occasion dressing, Borgo de Nor for painterly florals, and Dolce and Gabbana for Italian maximalism at a higher price. Each shares part of what La DoubleJ does, none does all of it.
La DoubleJ occupies an unusual position. It is Italian, it is print-led, it is genuinely joyful, and it is built on archival textiles rather than seasonal trend. That combination is rare, so “brands like La DoubleJ” usually means one of four different things. Work out which part you are actually shopping for and the answer gets much easier.
If you want Italian craft and archival print
Taller Marmo
Founded in Milan in 2018 by Yago Goicoechea and Riccardo Audisio, Taller Marmo makes the kaftans and column dresses that La DoubleJ customers tend to buy next. It is made in Italy, it is cut for heat and evening, and it leans on shape where La DoubleJ leans on print. The two sit together beautifully in a resort wardrobe. Shop Taller Marmo at Luxury Shoes .
Dolce and Gabbana
The obvious Italian maximalist reference, and the more expensive one. If what you love about La DoubleJ is Sicilian colour and unapologetic pattern, Dolce and Gabbana does it at a couture level. Expect to pay considerably more for it.
If you want the print, with a different accent
Alemais
The Australian house founded in Sydney in 2020 by Lesleigh Jermanus. Alemais prints are hand-drawn and often collaborative with artists, and the brand is built around traceable, responsible production. It is warmer and more folkloric than La DoubleJ, less retro-Italian, and priced a little below. This is the closest thing to a like-for-like swap on colour alone. Shop Alemais at Luxury Shoes .
Borgo de Nor
London-based, painterly florals, and a dressier register. The prints are romantic rather than kaleidoscopic, and the silhouettes are more fitted through the waist. Good if you find La DoubleJ’s swing shapes too loose. Shop Borgo de Nor at Luxury Shoes .
Farm Rio
The Brazilian answer, tropical and exuberant, and by some distance the most affordable name on this list. Nothing here is Italian silk, and it is not trying to be. Worth knowing if you want the mood without the investment. Shop Farm Rio at Luxury Shoes .
If you want the occasion dressing
Zimmermann
Founded in Sydney in 1991 by Nicky and Simone Zimmermann. It is the brand most often mentioned in the same sentence as La DoubleJ, and the comparison is imperfect: Zimmermann is romantic, broderie-led and built for weddings, where La DoubleJ is graphic, retro and built for a piazza. Zimmermann has the deeper occasionwear bench. I have set the two against each other properly in La DoubleJ compared with Zimmermann.
Johanna Ortiz
Colombian, sculptural, and the most theatrical option here. Ruffles, off-shoulder necklines and tropical colour. Choose it when you want the drama to come from the silhouette rather than the surface. Shop Johanna Ortiz at Luxury Shoes .
If you want the relaxed, textural side
Ulla Johnson
New York, artisanal, and quieter. Texture, volume and natural dye rather than a loud print. This is where La DoubleJ customers go when they want the ease and the craft without the colour. Shop Ulla Johnson at Luxury Shoes .
How they compare at a glance
| Brand | Founded | Signature | Buy it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| La DoubleJ | Milan, 2015 | Archival Italian prints | Joyful print with real craft |
| Taller Marmo | Milan, 2018 | Kaftans and columns | Resort evening drama |
| Alemais | Sydney, 2020 | Hand-drawn artist prints | Colour with traceability |
| Zimmermann | Sydney, 1991 | Romantic occasionwear | Weddings and events |
| Borgo de Nor | London | Painterly florals | A fitted, dressier line |
| Ulla Johnson | New York | Texture and volume | Quiet artisanal ease |
So which should you buy
If you want the thing La DoubleJ actually does, the Mantero silk archive re-coloured onto a shape that flatters almost everyone, there is no true substitute, and the swing dress remains the piece to own. If you are building a wardrobe around it, Taller Marmo covers your evenings, Alemais covers your daytime colour, and Ulla Johnson covers the days you want to be quiet. That is a complete resort wardrobe from four houses.
Frequently asked questions
What brands are similar to La DoubleJ?
The closest are Taller Marmo for Italian-made resort dressing, Alemais for hand-drawn print, Zimmermann for romantic occasionwear, Borgo de Nor for painterly florals and Dolce and Gabbana for Italian maximalism at a higher price. Farm Rio is the most affordable alternative.
Is Alemais a good alternative to La DoubleJ?
Yes, on colour and print it is the closest like-for-like swap. Alemais was founded in Sydney in 2020 by Lesleigh Jermanus, uses hand-drawn and artist-collaborative prints, and sits slightly below La DoubleJ on price. It is warmer and more folkloric, less retro-Italian.
What is the difference between La DoubleJ and Zimmermann?
La DoubleJ is Milanese, graphic and retro, built on re-coloured archival Italian prints. Zimmermann is Australian, romantic and broderie-led, with a deeper occasionwear and bridal offering. La DoubleJ suits a piazza lunch, Zimmermann suits a wedding.
Is there a more affordable brand like La DoubleJ?
Farm Rio is the most affordable comparable name, Brazilian and tropical rather than Italian. It delivers a similar mood at a much lower price, without the Italian silk and the archival print heritage.
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