Major high street fashion brand loved by Princess Kate shuts down website

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The British fashion brand has been around since 1990.

A prominent high street fashion retailer, whose admirers are said to include the Princess of Wales and former Prime Minister Theresa May, has shut down its website following its entry into administration.

• LK Bennett was established in the 1990s, initially specialising in footwear before expanding its offering to include clothing and accessories such as handbags. The company described itself as “the British affordable luxury brand” and was founded by Linda Bennett in London “with the vision of bringing a bit of Bond Street luxury to the High Street”.
• In 2012, the brand launched a flagship store in Manhattan after the “Kate effect” was reported to have “propelled the quintessentially British brand” into the American market. Tony DiMasso, who served as president at LK Bennett at the time and was previously chief operations officer at Jimmy Choo, commented: ” Kate Middleton is an elegant lady, she wears our clothing and our shoes very well, and the American public are infatuated with her, which has definitely helped us, being new to the American market.”
• However, in December the company, which employs around 280 staff, filed for administration, marking the second time in six years it had teetered on the brink of collapse. In 2019 the business entered administration after its owners failed to secure a new financial backer, and was subsequently purchased out of insolvency by its Chinese franchise partner, who saw off competition from Sports Direct’s Mike Ashley. In January this year, the premium brand filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the High Court.
• Last week, LK Bennett announced its website would close within days and that it would launch its “biggest offer ever” for customers to snap up last-minute bargains. This followed the high street favourite beginning to shut its shops earlier this year.
• Earlier this week, final sales were under way, with prices slashed by at least 80%. The retailer also announced an online exclusive sale of up to 90% off its high-end dresses, shoes and accessories, giving shoppers one last chance to grab a bargain, reports the Mirror.
• The website now displays only a large banner reading, in white lettering on a black background: “Website and phone orders have now ended.” A message on the site states that “if you have placed an order this will still be processed as normal”.

According to its website, the chain retains nine stores, predominantly in and around London, along with seven concessions elsewhere, including two in Dublin.

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