Tuesday 20 September 2011

Burberry flies flag for British fashion

As London Fashion Week draws to a close, luxury brands keep increasing their sales, and British brands like Burberry and Alice Temperley are selling well at home and abroad.Shotlist


UK-FASHION BUSINESS- Attracting sports stars and actors to the front row at London Fashion Week was British brand Burberry.

The spring / summer 2012 collection included the use of crafts like hand weaving and crochet.

Burberry's Creative Director, Christopher Bailey said he wanted to combine the old with the new.

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Creative Director, saying
"I wanted to celebrate these artisanal techniques so whether it be, whether it be crochet, whether it be beading, whether it be hand weaving things, and I wanted the contradiction between all the digital stuff that we're doing with technology because I like the idea of things taking time."

Burberry's essentially British aesthetic is a hit at home and abroad - largely thanks to Asian demand.

Worldwide sales from Burberry's retail network - which accounts for two thirds of turnover - rose by 50% in their first quarter - putting Burberry at the top of the luxury sector.

The group is also refurbishing its two London flagship stores as well as opening new outlets.

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Creative Director, saying
"We have a very strong presence and have historically had a very strong presence in China. it's a wonderful, wonderful country that we have many stores in already."

Designer Alice Temperley is hoping for similar international success.

Her fans already include Pippa Middleton and her sister Kate.

A Temperley-dress sold out online when the Duchess of Cambridge was photographed wearing it earlier this year.

Alice Temperley, Designer, saying

''I think she's brilliant for England. Perfect, perfect future Queen. I think she's definitely finding her way with her whole style, and I hope she'll become England's Grace Kelly.''

London's fashion shows come as UK shoppers are tightening their belts amid government spending cuts.

Fashion is the 15th biggest industry in Britain and it's vital for the economy.

Many hope when the international spotlight falls on London during next summer's Olympic Games the visiting sports fans will also be shopping for British brands.

Joanna Partridge, Reuters

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