Who doesn’t want a Bella Freud jumper? The London designer’s iconic slogan sweaters have been on our wish list for years, and are regularly spotted on celebrities and fashion folk alike.
However, with Freud’s popular 1970 knit costing £355 a pop, we’ve never been able to take the plunge so far, which is why news of a collaboration between the designer and high street retailer Marks & Spencer is very welcome indeed.
The collection – which launches online and in selected stores today – includes those signature slogan sweaters at a fraction of the price. The cashmere jumpers, emblazoned with words such as ‘Nature’, ‘Honey’ and ‘Divine Femme’ cost between £129 and £139, while a merino wool jumper with the words ‘Blue Sky’ will set you back £49.50.
There’s a nod to the trend for all things demure – plus fashion’s current obsession with school uniform-like pleated skirts and blazers – in the form of pinstriped tailoring and pussy bow shirts. ‘For Bella, the indispensable piece from the collection is the suit’ said M&S when revealing the launch.
The collaboration also includes brightly-coloured accessories, such as bold scarves, vibrant beanie hats and eye-catching bags. Prices start at £15 for a M&S x Bella Freud tote.
Inspired by the history of M&S and how it impacted her own life, Bella visited the M&S company archive in Leeds, immersing herself in the brand, ahead of designing the 27-piece collection alongside the M&S design team in London.
‘Bella worked collaboratively with the M&S design team to create the collection’ the retailer revealed. ‘From concepting at the archive and sketching designs in her London studio, through to seeing the collection come to life on set during the campaign shoot.’
The knitwear in the collection is available in sizes XS to XL, while the wider collection is available in sizes 6 to 24.
