British Invasion: London Calling

May 15
07:11

2024

Maxine E M Trowbridge

Maxine E M Trowbridge

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Summary: British fashion never goes out of style, and if London is calling your name, there are plenty of ways to get your fix of British designer wear. From Allegra Hicks' bohemian-chic luxury lifestyle brand to Nicole Bremmer's Brittique.com, discover the best of British fashion both in-store and online. This article delves into the stories behind these brands, their founders, and what makes their collections stand out.

Allegra Hicks: The Queen of Kaftans

A New York Debut

Allegra Hicks,British Invasion: London Calling Articles renowned for her bohemian-chic luxury style, opened her first flagship store in the U.S. on Upper Madison Avenue earlier this year. Known for her timeless resort attire, bold feminine prints, and sophisticated interior collections, Allegra Hicks has created a luxury lifestyle brand that resonates globally. The store's interior design is a collaborative effort between Allegra and her husband, Ashley Hicks, son of the late British interior designer David Hicks.

A Journey from Turin to London

Born in Turin, Italy, Allegra studied design in Milan and Fine Art in Brussels before moving to New York to work with artist Donald Baechler. She later moved to London, where she married architect and furniture designer Ashley Hicks. Allegra launched her own ready-to-wear collection in 1998, specializing in textile design and interior decor.

The Allegra Hicks Brand

Today, Allegra Hicks' brand includes two ready-to-wear and accessory collections, a cruise wear line, and home furnishings such as beds, baths, table linens, rugs, and cushions. Her collections are featured globally in fashion and lifestyle magazines and presented at London Fashion Week twice a year. The Autumn/Winter 2007 collection showcases her signature prints, rich velvets, and kaftans. You can explore her collection online at AllegraHicks.com or visit her store at 1007 Madison Avenue and Seventy Seventh Street in Manhattan.

Nicole Bremmer and Brittique.com: A Digital Fashion Revolution

From Corporate Success to Fashion Entrepreneur

Australian-born entrepreneur Nicole Bremmer founded Brittique.com, one of the hottest online boutiques for British fashion. With a business degree from Queensland, Australia, Nicole initially found success in the stockbroking industry. Known for never wearing the same outfit twice, she decided to pursue her passion for fashion and launched Brittique.com in 2006.

A Platform for Emerging British Designers

Brittique.com features upcoming British talent such as Camilla Staerk, Emma Cook, Erdem, Gil Carvalho, Peter Jensen, and Basso and Brooke. Nicole's vision was to create an online boutique that offers the latest fashion, shoes, and accessories from the best British designers. Her carefully selected collections reflect the key looks of the season, including ankle boots, dresses with accentuated waists, and bold prints.

Global Reach and Convenience

Brittique.com caters to a global audience, with prices listed in US dollars and shipping available via UPS. The Autumn/Winter 2007/2008 collections will be available online from mid-August. If you can't make it to London for a shopping spree, Brittique.com offers a convenient way to get your British designer fix.

Interesting Stats and Facts

  • Global Fashion Market: The global fashion market is projected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2022, with online fashion sales accounting for a significant portion of this growth (Statista).
  • British Fashion Industry: The British fashion industry contributes approximately £32 billion to the UK economy annually and supports nearly 890,000 jobs (British Fashion Council).
  • Online Shopping Trends: In 2020, 87% of UK consumers made online purchases, highlighting the growing trend of e-commerce in the fashion industry (Office for National Statistics).

Conclusion

Whether you're drawn to Allegra Hicks' luxurious bohemian-chic designs or Nicole Bremmer's curated collections of emerging British talent, the British fashion scene offers something for everyone. With the convenience of online shopping and the allure of flagship stores, getting your British designer fix has never been easier. Explore these brands and more to stay ahead of the fashion curve.

This article provides a comprehensive look at the British fashion scene, highlighting key designers and their contributions to the industry. For more information on the global fashion market, visit Statista. To learn about the economic impact of the British fashion industry, check out the British Fashion Council.