The Holmbush store is playing host to collections by accessories designer Michael Van Der Ham and style icon Alexa Chung.
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The Eliza dress
Archive by Alexa is a 31 piece collection and is available in 83 selected stores, with only three on the south coast – Hedge End, Southampton and Shoreham.
Alexa Chung said: “I have always had an affection for Marks & Spencer.
“I am thrilled to be part of this special and unique project.
“There was something very touching about looking back through the British fashion and social history for which M&S is synonymous.”
Alexa
Using the Marks and Spencer archive in Leeds the items take inspiration from the past from the 1940s right through to the 2000s.
Included in the range is the Frances trench coat in luxe olive, taken from an original fifties gabardine trench; to quirky style statements, like the vivid paisley print Eliza dress, a remastered apron from the fifties.
The names of the pieces are inspired by popular baby names of the time.
Steve Rowe, CEO for Marks & Spencer commented: “It was a hugely insightful experience allowing Alexa full access to our company archive.
“Marks & Spencer’s history is vast and quality design has always been paramount; therefore using our expertise and classic designs and Alexa’s unique eye and approach to style, our collaboration was born.
“A new womenswear collection, curated by Alexa, with heritage firmly at its heart.”
Prices range from £19.50 for the Ruth vest two pack, to £89 for the Frances trench coat.
The range by Michael Van Der Ham includes an eight piece accessory collection featuring both bags and footwear.
A graduate of Central Saint Martins he has been showing his collections at London Fashion Week since 2009.
Karen Peacock, head of design for footwear and accessories said: “Michael’s unique approach to design and textiles has been hugely inspiring to work alongside, as his signature style has been elegantly interpreted for the Marks & Spencer consumer.”
As well as being online it will be in 26 stores across the country and in the south it will only feature at M&S Hedge End and M&S Shoreham.
[Source:- Bogno]