M&S BEST OF BRITISH COLLECTION CELBRATES 1st ANNIVERSARY

Marks & Spencer (M&S) celebrates the Best of British collection’s first anniversary this Winter 14, following the global success of the first collection in October 2013. The launch marked the start of a three-year partnership between M&S and the British Fashion Council, under thePositive Fashion initiative, which has seen Marks & Spencer debut presentations at both London Fashion Week and London Collections: Men*.
Best of British Winter 14 Womenswear Collection

The Best of British Womenswear collection is synonymous with quality and outstanding design; supporting home grown talent and expertise. Developed by the M&S in-house design team based at the newly opened M&S Studio in Shoreditch, the Best of British collection is a true celebration of British craftsmanship and creativity. Using Marks & Spencer’s unique archive and rich history as a starting point, the collection is a modern exploration of heritage sensibility, as classic shaping is re-imagined with a contemporary aesthetic.

 

The Winter collection indulges in elegant tailoring once again, while taking the season in a graphic new direction.  A rich back drop of forest greens and muted monochrome are juxtaposed with vibrant chartreuse and geo-check for a striking take on heritage sensibility.

Statement outerwear and chic separates are elevated through layers of grid print and deep colour, for a vivid Winter aesthetic.  As well as championing established British manufacturers, Marks & Spencer have been able to nurture young talent, as the Winter Best of British collection sees the arrival of two designs from fashion student Lauren Field.

Lauren was a one of two winners of a competition run by Marks & Spencer and the British Fashion Colleges Council. The Council represents 32 colleges and Universities throughout the UK and together, they sought to find a young student to design for the Best of British collection.

After intense competition, M&S Heads of Design selected Lauren Field, from Ravensbourne College in Greenwich. Using the Best of British aesthetic as her starting point, Lauren has designed a sleek jumpsuit and elegant dress coat that add a subtle evening feel to the Winter collection.

Queralt Ferrer, Head of Design in M&S Womenswear said ‘’This is all about strengthening our ties with upcoming design talent. Lauren showed and incredible enthusiasm for fashion, strong commercial nous and a really good understanding of our own brand and our customer. She’ll now have the chance to see her work go from sketch to finished garment stage and then on sale in store and M&S.com.”

 

Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion  Council commented “It’s encouraging to see young design talent bring given the opportunity to shine on such a vast platform. Marks & Spencer is renowned for its efforts to invest in best practice at every stage of its production and this project will give the students the opportunity to see that process first hand.”

 

The Best of British Winter 14 Womenswear collection is available to buy in selected stores and online at marksandspencer.com from 6^th October 2014