Iconic store makes huge UK high street comeback as loyal fans to be delighted

Iconic fashion and homeware brand Laura Ashley is making a triumphant return to the UK high street, much to the delight of its loyal fanbase.

After facing financial woes and closing all 153 of its stores in 2020 due to administration woes, Laura Ashley has been given a new lease of life by restructuring experts Gordon Brothers. The brand's revival began with a partnership with Next, initially featuring Laura Ashley's homeware and furniture lines in select Next outlets.

This collaboration has now blossomed to include a clothing range as well. The freshly launched 47-piece apparel collection can be found in certain Next stores and on its website, showcasing items such as dresses, blouses, skirts, trousers, shorts, and more. Items currently online include a Laura Ashley broderie shell top at £28.

The Mirror has reached out to Next for details on the availability of Laura Ashley products across its stores and promises an update once information is received.

Laura Ashley's head of design, Helen Ashmore, commented on the collection: "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 expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: "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."

The iconic brand Laura Ashley, established in 1953 and once a favourite of Diana, Princess of Wales, opened its first store in South Kensington's Pelham Street in 1968, followed by new outlets in Shrewsbury and Bath by 1970. However, the fashion retailer faced significant challenges as its pre-tax losses soared by 166% to £4 million at the close of 2019, with dwindling home furnishings sales and Brexit uncertainty taking a toll.

Additionally, the company cited disruptions from transitioning its Japanese franchise partner to Itochu Corporation as a contributing factor to its financial woes.

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