Saturday, February 24, 2007

New at Marks and Spencer

When I was 13, I never knew what Marks and Spencer is. Even though my aunts and uncles who went to London would frequently bought stuff from the age-old retail institution like ties, toiletries and its world-renowned undergarments, Marks and Spencer or M&S never appealed me.

Only in recent years I have begun to fall in love with the brand, or the store. From its sumptuous Swiss chocolate bars to the sweet-like-hell Scottish shortbread, everything that comes from M&S may caught my frenzy.

Last year, Littles (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, the main franchisee of M&S in Malaysia revamped its Suria KLCC store and turned it into the British-based label's flagship store for the country.

In UK, the brand was given a new breathe of life with effective business strategies such as 30% off from the current pricing structure as well as commissioning top British designer to spearhead its fashion and accessories department for both men and women.

Indeed, the strategies worked and as of 23rd of February, the company's share rose to 688p per share. Apart from its successful lingerie and womenswear line Per Una, M&S has added new lines such as the value-for-money Outstanding Value, Autograph for Men and Women, Limited Collection for Women, Fairtrade for Women, Blue Harbour and Blue Harbour Vintage for Men, and Collezione for Men. Recently, a few pieces from the Limited Collection were featured on a fashion spread for influential fashion magazine Vogue.

Psychedelic prints and the 70's and 60's silhouettes are the trend of Marks and Spencer's Limited Collection. For a relaxed weekend, you can always opt for pieces from the Autograph Weekend collection such as longline stripe cardigan, long sleeve college shirt and pinstripe blazer. For those who wants to feel chic but still in the casual mood, then the Autograph Ladies line is the answer. Knitwears, full skirts and loose trousers are a part of the collection which is exclusive to the Suria KLCC outlet.

For the menswear collection, M&S appointed two veteran designer in English menswear world, Timothy Everest and Nigel Hall to create an exclusive menswear collection called Autograph.

Crisp shirts, Savile Row tailored suits and subtle yet delicate fabrics used are the trademark of the collection. For shoes, the traditional art of English footwear making is brought to life at more affordable price thanks to the famous footwear maker Jeffrey-West. For casual looks, Blue Harbour offers you a selection of casual and comfortable clothes. Choose from its vintage blue jeans to t-shirts.

The new Marks and Spencer store is open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Other Marks and Spencer store within the Klang Valley is at One Utama, Petaling Jaya and soon to be open at The Gardens, Mid Valley Megamall by September 2007.

*Photos courtesy of Marks and Spencer.

Marks and Spencer - 28B, Concourse Level, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur; F30, First Floor, One Utama Shopping Center, Bandar Utama Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

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