John Lewis has launched its biggest-ever fashion collaboration, bringing London-based womenswear label RIXO to 30 John Lewis stores, as the department store works to boost its premium fashion credentials.
The partnership, first announced in July, went live on 22 October with the 44-piece collection available at select stores nationwide and online.
The a vintage-inspired collection is rooted in a shared belief that clothes should make you feel like the best version of yourself, according to the collaboration.
Each piece has been designed to be worn again and again and suited to a range of special occasions.
RIXO co-founder Orlagh McCloskey said: “This collaboration feels like a true extension of RIXO – taking the heritage of John Lewis, leaning into its incredible archive, and bringing it to life with that RIXO magic.
“If you’re going to do a collaboration, you have to do it properly. It should feel as strong, if not stronger, than anything you’ve created before – every piece considered, every detail cared for, and something you feel genuinely proud to put your name to.
“We wanted the collection to do the talking. We can’t wait to see women across the UK, whether they’re longtime RIXO lovers or discovering us for the first time through John Lewis, style it in their own way and make it theirs.
“We feel incredibly proud to have created something that reaches a wider audience than our London stores.”
The collection includes dresses, knitwear, blouses, jackets, skirts, scarves, shoes and bags. New shapes and patterns offer “something truly unique and special”, available exclusively at John Lewis.
Among them, is the hero piece The Vesper: a full-length dress finished with delicate cap sleeves and a ruffle neckline, in an archive print.
The partnership described the drop as featuring flattering silhouettes with considered design details.
Vintage floral prints in an autumnal palette feature throughout alongside velvets, sequins, cashmere and lamé. Fur and lace trims, ruffles, metallic embroidery and intricate embellishments are designed to make each piece “feel extra special”.
Accessories complete the collection with a distinctively vintage feel, think intricate beaded bags, silky scarves and statement metallic footwear.
Rachel Morgans, fashion director at John Lewis, added: “RIXO is an iconic British brand adored by so many, much like John Lewis, so it felt natural to create something special together.
“RIXO has such a strong community so we feel honoured to be a part of it and we’re proud to be supporting a British, female-founded brand. Being able to use the John Lewis Partnership Archive for the collection feels extra special, using our extensive heritage to create something that feels contemporary and unique for our customers.”
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