How to shop the high-end names on the high street
There can sometimes be a bit of a ‘them and us’ feeling in fashion. ‘Them’ who can afford to glide through page upon page of designer clothes and click ‘add to basket' whim. And ‘us’, for whom a luxe purchase is a goal or a once-in-a-blue-moon extravagance. But the lines are blurring.
For years, one solution has been copies. A fashion geek game is to go into street store and spot the catwalk-inspired outfits.
From Left: Studio by Preen at Debenhams striped dress, ￡59, Debenhams; Uniqlo U cotton-cashmere jumper, ￡24.90, Uniqlo; Emilia Wickstead x Bodyism floral leggings, ￡140, Bodyism
Of course, most shoppers don't realise that the floral blouse they are buying is a nod to the latest Balenciaga collection and maybe that’s fine; many designers now see it as a compliment when they are copied because it means they’re relevant.
But there’s a wave of labels taking matters into their own hands by opting into collaborations, and the results are some of the best pieces on the high street right now. Richard Quinn, who won the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design, told me he wants everyone to be able to wear his clothes. So, as well as selling for four figures, he is teaming up with Debenhams to offer his beautiful prints to a new crowd.
Also at Debenhams, the Studio by Preen collection has a brilliant selection of diaphanous dresses and statement tops from designers Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi.
From Left: Mix/Osman kimono coat, ￡199, Next; Mix/Isa Arfen tie shoes, ￡125, Next; Eudon Choi for Modern Rarity draped dress, ￡140, John Lewis
Eudon Choi is the latest name to join with John Lewis on its Modern Rarity range; everything is as meticulously cut as Choi’s main line. And if you worship at the alter of minimalism, Uniqlo’s U range (by Christophe Lemaire) is a must.
Finally, Next’s Label/Mix collection, which champions British designers, feels like the perfect way to buy into trend-setting looks at affordable prices. Isa Arfen’s signature bows and Osman’s Eastern-inspired pieces are some of the highlights. Luxe and affordable means no more 'them and us'.