Kate Spade launches in London
KINGSROAD.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 02, 2011The American fashion retailer, Kate Spade, famous for its lady-like glamour and classic feminine accessories, has transported Upper East Side style to London in not only one, but two stores. One has opened on Symons Street, off Sloane Square and one in Covent Garden.
Adding shops to the British fashion mecca has been quite the popular move, as the brand follows in the footsteps of other American retailers Banana Republic, Tory Burch and J.Crew.
However, Kate Spade will have the upper hand, as its creative director, Deborah Lloyd, is from across the pond herself. Lloyd has an extensive style CV as well. Before taking the reigns at Kate Spade she spent time at Banana Republic and Burberry.
"We don't take ourselves too seriously and I think the Brits will appreciate that. We are also such a New York brand - so we'll bring a little bit of that spirit to London." Deborah Lloyd, tells the Telegraph in advance of the American label's London launch.
The British consumer has become enthralled with what is American “preppy, lady-like glamour” Lloyd calls it, and has made the red, white and blue favorites more and more popular on the UK high street. Some say it is the “Kate Middleton factor”, but sportswear has been catching on with the more rebellious fashionistas lately. New York is thought to be manicures and “lunching”, so adding a little Kate Spade to the city will introduce a modern colorful twist on classic pieces.
"As a Brit, I am thrilled to be opening in London," adds Lloyd. "It feels, in many ways, like the perfect homecoming for me. The stores will be our first major presence in Europe and will be the gateway to the rest of the continent. We are in an amazing expansion mode right now, with openings around the world. I am eager to find out how the ever stylish London girls will work the pieces into their look.”
Since starting in 1993 with simple nylon totes, Kate Spade now produces shoes, luggage, clothes, jewelry, stationary, eyewear and a home collection. Today the label has a thriving e-commerce business, 89 locations in Asia and 38 stores in the US.
Kate Spade New York boutiques are open from 2 September, located at 2 Symons Street, Sloane Square, SW3 and 1-4 Langley Court, London WC2E 9JY
Courtney Beard
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