Khaite Has Created An Exclusive Collection In Celebration Of Browns’ 50th Anniversary

Reasons to celebrate have been sorely lacking in 2020. But finally the perfect excuse. Browns is currently celebrating its 50th birthday celebrations.

This is good news not just for fans of the legendary London boutique, but also for devotees of Khaite, the New York brand that has become a favourite with cool girls the world over for its minimal pieces with an off-kilter twist and which has created an exclusive 22-piece Resort 2021 capsule for the occasion. The collection includes all the hits that Khaite has quickly become known for: luxe leather pieces, essential denim, square-neck peplum tops and a velvet mini dress. And remember that cashmere cardigan Katie Holmes turned into a viral sensation (with a little help from a matching bra)? It's back in a new burnished brown shade, perfect for the start of autumn.

Founded in 1970 by Sidney and Joan Burstein – simply known in the industry as Mrs B – for five decades, Browns has positioned itself at the forefront of creativity. A passionate advocate of new talent, the boutique introduced Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Ralph Lauren and Jil Sander to the UK market. It might be a popular idea now, but Browns was ahead of the curve in providing a space for hot new graduate collections to sit alongside established names and luxury houses (today it's also on a mission to help make fashion more conscious). Its power, influence and authority has only continued to grow since the '70s, but the innovative, boundary-pushing spirit of an independent boutique still remains. The Browns motto - #cooltobekind – is integral to its DNA.

‘Fifty glorious years and I’ve loved every minute of it!,’ says Mrs B. ‘When I started Browns, my aim was to establish a boutique that created an atmosphere that would capture our customers’ imaginations and bring joy when they shopped with us. I also wanted to source individual and timeless pieces from all over the world that would become their personal treasures. I’m excited that Holli Rogers [CEO since 2015], with the backing of Farfetch, is continuing to fulfil my dreams for Browns keeping it relevant in the most exciting way. Browns remains the best place in the world to find that special something.’

To celebrate the very special occasion, Browns – which opens the doors to a new flagship space in Mayfair soon, watch this space – is launching a campaign ‘Browns 50: The Height of Fashion’ in collaboration with cult fashion title Buffalo Zine. Ringing true with the essence of the store, it stars established names alongside up-and-coming talent. Accompanying videos will see fashion lovers divulging about the times they felt like their best selves and the clothes they were wearing to achieve this.

As loved by the designers it stocks as it is the customers who shop there, Browns has also enlisted the help of some of its favourite names, alongside Khaite, to create limited-edition capsules and exclusive pieces. Standouts include a wiggle-worthy pink mesh dress from Molly Goddard, a sleek white Wardrobe.NYC sculpted blazer that’s giving us major Bianca Jagger vibes, a psychedelic print - resurrected from the archives - Pucci silk kaftan (repeat after me: it is not too soon to start planning your summer 2021 wardrobe) and a Fendi Peekaboo tote, that could easily go the distance in your wardrobe for the next 50 years. Simone Rocha and Givenchy's cocktail dresses make us optimistic that there might be a party season after all.

A pair of sunshine yellow Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes feels particularly pertinent; it was Mrs B who first employed Blahnik when he moved to England. ‘I would show her my portfolio, we had great fun and she encouraged me,’ says the legendary shoe designer. ‘We have known each other for a very long time and always supported each other’. One thing’s for sure, the fashion landscape would look a lot different without Browns in it.

Here Browns’ head of womenswear, Heather Gramston, picks her pieces to buy from the anniversary collections: