Debenhams to launch 200th anniversary collection

Department store Debenhams is celebrating its 200 year anniversary with an exclusive limited edition collection spanning across fashion and homewares. The collection, designed exclusive by its Designers at Debenhams, includes a floor-length

gold sequin dress by Julien Macdonald, a luxury leather nude coat from Betty Jackson, as well as decorative plates and mugs designed by John Rocha, Ben de Lisi and Matthew Williamson.

The 200 Year collection, launches next month in store and online, with a waiting list opening this week, and will consists of four coats, four evening dresses, handbags, purses as well as decorative homeware pieces and a selection of handbags and purses designed to offer its customers a piece of “retail history”.

Debenhams Chief Executive Michael Sharp says: “We are delighted to be celebrating 200 years as one of the best loved retailers and feel privileged to have been serving the public for two centuries.

“We are thrilled to be offering our customers a chance to commemorate this momentous anniversary with a collection from our most influential designers.”

Debenhams to celebrate anniversary with exclusive line

The limited edition collection will be priced from 12.50 to 299 pounds and will also include designs from Henry Holland, Preen, Jenny Packham and Jasper Conran.

Commenting on taking part in the retailer’s designer initiative, Henry Holland said: “Working with Debenhams has allowed me to reach out to women through my designs and dress them in exciting, affordable fashion. I hope our partnership continues for many years to come.”

The retailer began life on Christmas Day in 1813, when William Debenham bought a share in the draper’s store at 44 Wigmore Street in London, which was eventually renamed Clarke & Debenham. Since then it has become one of the best known names in retail with 240 stores across 28 countries.

The birthday comes as the department store prepares to re-launch its flagship Oxford Street store later this year after a 26 million pound refurbishment, and follows on from the news that the retailer has added three new designers to its roster – Saville Row tailor Patrick Grant, interiors designers Abigail Ahern and Vikki Elizabeth, and London Fashion Week designer Todd Lynn.