M&S looks to put spring in its step with new fashion ranges

Most under the spotlight is its garments after the company, which started as a stall at Leeds Kirkgate Market in 1884, reported a 1.3 per cent fall in like-for-like clothing sales for the July to September quarter, the ninth successive decrease. However, the current autumn/winter range – the first under the tutelage of style director Belinda Earl – was on sale for only three weeks of that quarter.

Nevertheless, company executives maintain that current autumn-winter sales are looking promising.

“We’ve had a really positive response from the customer,” said Neil Hendy, head of design at M&S Collection and Best of British.

Best of British, M&S’s new all-British made prestige brand of menswear and womenswear, has been particularly well received – and most of the fabrics are made in Yorkshire, many by Abraham Moon of Guiseley and Alfred Brown of Bramley.

Head of menswear Tony O’Connor said: “This has been a great way of presenting Yorkshire fabrics in a sexy, aspirational 
way. Rather than talk about luxury, I’d rather talk about British, because that’s where the luxury is.”

In another coup for Yorkshire manufacturing, M&S yesterday unveiled the England football team’s new official suit, made in blue mohair from Alfred Brown.

The new spring-summer collection for women features lots of texture and colour, especially lemon – a key shade for spring – and bright fuchsia, orange, emerald green and bright blue. Stunning key statement pieces include a green textured tunic dress that’s a steal at £45.

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