Luella Bartley ceases trading for now

Luella Bartley, one of the British fashion industry's biggest success stories, announced that her Luella fashion label has ceased trading after its key financier pulled out. Club 21, the company which holds the license to the label, as well as brands including Emporio Armani and Mulberry, withdrew from its partnership and said in a statement it had decided "not to invest further". The move follows the unexpected closure last month of the brand's key ready-to-wear manufacturer, Carla Carini.

Named British Designer of the Year in 2008, Bartley regularly received rave reviews from press and buyers alike for her "English eccentric" style shows. Her last collection, for spring/summer 2010 and featuring bows, heart-shaped cut-outs and her signature colourful prom dresses, was shown during the 25th anniversary of London fashion week in September to critical acclaim. Unless other backers are found this collection is unlikely to appear in stores.

With an estimated turnover of £9m and celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller, Alexa Chung and Lily Allen wearing her designs, Bartley has built a strong identity for herself.

"This is a very disappointing situation for everyone involved with the brand," Bartley said. "I very much appreciate the support that Club 21 subsidiary VSQ has given me, but it is upsetting not to be able to protect jobs in this difficult economic climate. We have a number of options open to us, and are considering these over the coming months."

Image: Luella SS10
Source: Guardian