Fashion retailer making huge high street comeback - and fans will be delighted

03 May 2024 , 13:01

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Laura Ashley clothes are being sold in Next stores (Image: Getty Images)

Laura Ashley fans can now purchase its clothes on the UK high street once again.

The struggling fashion brand shut all 153 its stores in 2020, after collapsing into administration. Laura Ashley went on to be rescued by restructuring firm Gordon Brothers, and a new collaboration with Next was formed. Next went on to sell Laura Ashley homeware and furniture in a selection of its stores - and now it has expanded this to include its clothing range.

The new 47-piece collection is available at selected Next stores and on the Next website, with products including dresses, blouses, skirts, trousers, shorts and skirts. The Mirror has asked Next how much of its stores stock Laura Ashley products and we’ll update this article when we know more. When we checked online today, prices started at £28 for a Laura Ashley broderie shell top.

Helen Ashmore, head of design at Laura Ashley, said: "It’s a combination of prints, designs and textiles from the archive, re-drawn, and interpreted to appeal to current fashion trends and silhouettes. We want to make sure that our heritage remains relevant to the woman of today, and we’ve achieved that in this collection. It’s a collection designed by women, for women from all walks of life."

The design team at Next added: "It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Laura Ashley on the relaunch of the women’s collection, which embodies a symphony of timeless elegance, British heritage, and contemporary charm." Laura Ashley was founded in 1953 and became a favourite of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Next to make huge change - and shoppers won’t be happy

Its first store was opened in Pelham Street, South Kensington, in 1968, with additional shops opened in Shrewsbury and Bath in 1970. The iconic fashion retailer saw its losses before tax balloon by 166% to £4million at the end of 2019, due to lower home furnishings sales and Brexit uncertainty. The retailer said disruption caused by the change in its Japanese franchise partner to Itochu Corporation also had an impact.

Levi Winchester