MARKS & SPENCER is launching a womenswear and menswear collection celebrating the British manufacturing and design industry. The autumn/winter 2013-14 Best of British line - which reflects M&S' new focus on breathing new life into its clothing categories - takes inspiration from the M&S archives, and is made using an array of high-quality British fabrics - from luxury Scottish cashmere to fine Yorkshire cloths.
"Best of British brings a definitive collection of quality and luxury pieces to the M&S customer," said M&S Woman head of design Neil Hendy. "The timeless collection is beautifully crafted in Britain bringing home-grown design and manufacturing talent to the high street. It encapsulates skilled craftsmanship, fine detailing and premium fabrics to produce a capsule collection of contemporary investment pieces with subtle heritage references."
The womenswear offering was overseen by style directorBelinda Earl, whose debut collection for the brand has already received praise for its fresh take on timeless classics. Best of British is full of pieces that almost make the prospect of autumn seem tempting, including tweed cropped trousers, slick tailoring, cable knits and the perfect brogues.
The menswear counterpart, modelled here by Pixie Lott's boyfriend, Oliver Cheshire, has already been a hit with London's best dressed gentlemen - David Gandy loved the Prince of Wales check overcoat so much that he asked to keep the prototype loaned to him. Highlights include Shetland-wool jumpers, a double-breasted tweed overcoat, cobalt blue knitwear and understated double-pocketed bags.
"We have brought together the best in British menswear, working with the very best artisans and craftsmen in Britain, whose skills are usually reserved for bespoke orders, together with the best British fabrics and manufacturers to produce a collection that is accessible to our customers," said M&S head of menswear Tony O'Connor. The collection has a truly broad appeal and targets those who remember some of the heritage styles from the first time round, those that appreciate classic British look, as well as those with a fashion forward style."
The collection lands in stores in October.
