Fashion is a notoriously fickle industry. Trends come and go, models fall in and out of favour, and last year’s It-brand becomes this season’s old news – it’s like a better-dressed version of the ‘Circle of Life’ sequence from The Lion King, but presided over by steely fashion editors.
However, that’s not to say that once a brand is out, it’s out for good. There’s nothing the fashion crowd love more than a good reinvention: see Burberry, or formerly naff catalogue label J. Crew, for a case in point.
In the week when Nineties high street favourite French Connection unveiled a swish new S/S’16 campaign, these are the reinvented high street haunts that you need to revisit, now.
French Connection
The FCUK logo is back! Yes, the parent-baiting slogan tee that defined your Nineties wardrobe will be returning to the high street from February, as part of a new nostalgic collection and campaign that celebrates the brand's heritage, starring actress Angie Sherbourne, artist Conie Vallese and singer Will Heard. If you don't fancy taking style cues from your sixteen year old self, there's plenty more to love about the new collection, which features modern takes on classic Nineties styles, including a beaded slip dress, loose checked shirts and mesh-overlayed bodycon.
Karen Millen
You’ll know it for the office-appropriate shift dresses and last minute wedding guest outfits, but this season Karen Millen has shaken things up, introducing breezy floral midis, graphic prints and acid brights. The laidback S/S’16 campaign stars models Angela Lindvall, Phoebe Collings-James and Caroline de Maigret.
Clarks
If the very mention of Clarks summons up memories of being measured for sensible school shoes every September, it’s time to think again. The brand has just teamed up with designer Christopher Raeburn for the eleven-piece ‘Sarawak’ collection, featuring desert boots and sandals in dusty beige and khaki.
Jigsaw
Nineties It-label Jigsaw had fallen off the fashion radar until a couple of seasons back, when the brand kick-started a subtle transformation that’s ushered in a relaxed, understated but not too trend-led aesthetic. It’s clearly paid off - the label reported a 19 per cent rise in takings in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Boden
Yes, it still has ‘yummy mummy’ associations, but Boden has managed to quietly position itself as a go-to for easy, quality basics and investment pieces: the recent Icons collection sold out in days. This season it launches the Future British initiative in partnership with the British Fashion Council, offering financial support and mentoring for young designers.
Camper
Mallorcan footwear brand Camper is a major beneficiary of the clompy shoes revival (thanks, Alexa Chung and Phoebe Philo), and now offers bolder, more graphic styles alongside the usual line up of trainers, brogues and slippers. The surreal, almost painterly SS16 campaign feels more directional editorial shoot than advert.
Warehouse
So, you probably never actually stopped shopping at Warehouse. Late last year, though, it was announced that the high street favourite would be getting a makeover from Alasdhair Willis (who also masterminded Hunter’s recent fashion reinvention) and designer Emma Cook. We’re excited to see their first collection, which will launch this autumn.