As Butchaz very kindly pointed out in today’s Best Brand of 2011 post, many of this year’s smaller brands really gained a foot-in the door of the competitive world of streetwear, as well as many new start-ups appearing on the interwebs. Whilst we covered many of our favourites on the blog already, still came the gruelling task of narrowing them down to a mere 5 nominees for your prying eyes to choose from. But enough about how we’ve spent the past 365 days, here at the nominees!

Oh, but first the bit you all care about; the prize. Whilst previously we’ve put up a solid product to give to one of you lucky readers but this time you’re being given a little more freedom. The fellows over at Swallows and Daggers have kindly given us a £50 gift code for use on their online store to pass on to someone who leaves their choice as a comment below (more info at the bottom of the page*)!

Y’Oh Streetwear: You may recall that back in September I did an interview with Ms. Kara Messina – the founder of Y’Oh Streetwear. She’s been everywhere from i-D Magazine and even The Fader (all of which stemmed from her AHOODIE appearance, of course…). Her outlandish and never-boring African influenced shirts and parkas made waves in the UK and beyond. Launching their first collection this year was obviously a momentous occasion for the brand and I’m sure they will go even harder in 2012.

Enclave: Enclave Apparel are one of the few brands this year that strayed from the usual “couple of t-shirts in a Big Cartel store” format that is so widely used by the independent streetwear brands of today. Coming fresh out the block with an outstanding black on black varsity jacket amongst some elbow-patched sweats and banging graphic tees, Kyle at Enclave has already made a name for himself and his brand in UK streetwear and the only way is up.

Indcsn: Indcsn are a brand frequently covered on this very blog – from their recent Dertbag collaboration to their iconic ‘Get Fucked’ beanies – it’s on here somewhere. Despite being founded in June last year, we feel that this year has been a huge success for the UK based brand – need proof? See their vagina skate deck and aforementioned Dertbag collaboration – and they deserve some recognition for such an achievement.

Studio Rudo: Maybe I’m biased – being a streetwear blogger in the UK and all – but don’t all the best independent brands come from the UK? Well if the past three weren’t enough to convince you, Studio Rudo is bound to seal the deal. With an impressive variety of graphic tees under their belt already (glow in the dark prints, for example) and two vastly popular snapbacks, Rudo provides simple yet staple pieces that you need in your wardrobe for every season of the year.

Shwood: I guess I’ve bummed up my homeland enough. It’s time to branch out. To Portland, Oregon, where Shwood sunglasses are made. Over the past year, this wooden accessories brand has gone from zero to a worldwide success being sold in shops all over the world (including the infamous Flight Club in NY, Reed Space and the Bodega store to name but a few). Living in Scotland I don’t get the chance to wear sunnies much, but rest assured these would most definitely be my pair of choice.

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Disclaimer: Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to change or remove prizes at any given moment.