Karen Millen set to open flagship with atelier in Knightsbridge

Contemporary women's wear brand Karen Millen is preparing

to open a new flagship store, complete with working design atelier in Knightsbridge, London.

The new 8,000 square foot flagship store on 23-27 Brompton road will succeed the current store Karen Millen which operates in Knightbridge and is the first store to open that is large enough to feature the brand's whole range of clothing, shoes and accessories. The flagship store will also feature a new logo and renewed store concept.

Mike Shearwood, CEO at Karen Millen revealed to Drapers: "There has been a huge investment over many years in growth and international expansion, and really at the expense of the domestic market. We're [now] focusing our attention on the UK."

The brand has been busy relabeling itself as an affordable luxury brand over the past year and aims to have the new three-leveled flagship store solidify Karen Millen's presence in the British luxury market as well as its international markets.

Shearwood adds: "Almost 70 percent of our business is overseas and international, premium clients shop with us around the world. They expect and deserve to see a true evocation of us in our home market."

The flagship store will also feature an in-house design studio in it's basement, where tailor made garments will be produced. The opening of the store's atelier comes after the success Karen Millen received last year when they trialed temporary design studios in a number of department stores around the world.

The new Knightsbridge store is set to open at the same time as Karen Millen's new store on Fifth Avenue in New York this Easter and are part of the brands ongoing expansion plans, which include growing in new markets such as India and Canada.