Earlier this month it was confirmed that Marc Jacobs was ending the Marc by Marc line, headed up by Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley, to assimilate it into one super brand.
Although they are expected to continue to be involved in the MJ label, today WWDhas reported that Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley will launch their own ready-to-wear and accessories brand called Hillier Bartley.
So what can we expect from their label? The designers told WWD that the brand, which they have been working on for years, can be described as "masculine elegance." Think Savile Row tailoring and "cloths, velvet, silk, merino wool and shearling."
Bartley said in a statement of the brand: “It is a culmination of everything I have learned as a designer and a woman, and is purely and defiantly about the clothes and fabrics. We have also looked at the women we admire, what we would want to wear and the inspirations that have been close to us for ages. Its ultimate heroine lies somewhere between Ian McCulloch and Katharine Hepburn. It’s about a woman our age, indie by heart, rakish and irreverent by nature, who is maturing into refinement and naturalness.”
Katie Hillier said: “Luella and I have always worked together in different ways. Now we are finally putting all our experience into making something that's a reflection of us, of what we want to wear. I’m really proud of what we’ve made – the craftsmanship, attention to detail and design. It’s been a real labour of love and I am really looking forward to seeing women we admire carrying our bags and wearing our clothes.”
Here is what we can expect from Hillier Bartley...
1. The logo is super chic
They have already revealed the logo of the brand. Chic, non?
2. A celebration of all things British
Expect British heritage to be an important part of the brand's DNA. The collection will be manufactured in the UK using materials from British mills, apart from the bags which will be made in Italy.
3. The support of the It Brit crowd
Luella and Katie have always had support from the biggest name in the business. Katie has worked with Victoria Beckham; Alexa Chung is Luella's fan-girl and Beyonce was a big fan of their work of Marc by Marc. Alexa said to Grazia Daily of Luella at their debut Marc by Marc show: 'I was always such a huge fan of Luella so I'm thrilled she's designing again.'
4. Cult pieces
Although the ready-to-wear line will be focused on tailoring and separates, Luella and Katie know how to make must-have cult items. From Katie Hillier's bunny necklace to the MJ Bunny Hop dress, expect a big waiting list.
Watch our previous interview with the designers below...