Viyella news and archive

Bidders plot to break up Austin Reed

Buyers interested in taking over collapsed formal wear retailer Austin Reed are keen to divide up the tailor's portfolio rather than keeping it intact. The retailer entered into administration late last month a day after BHS and a week after being acquired by retail specialist Alteri Investors. The 116 year old retailer's stores network, which...

Fashion

Austin Reed buys Viyella

The clothing retailer Austin Reed has agreed to buy womenswear company Viyella from its administrators, safeguarding about 230 jobs. Viyella had about 450 employees when it went into administration on 7 January. Since then, several stores have closed, including its concessions in the department store House of Fraser. "There are good synergies...

Fashion

Viyella in administration

Viyella , the first branded fabric in the world and a British institution, has gone into administration. Viyella fabric was a blend of wool and cotton first woven in 1893 in England and made of 55 per cent merino wool and 45 per cent cotton in a twill weave, developed by James and Robert Sissons of William Hollins & Company, spinners and...