Words//Isabelle Cassidy
Instagram//@isx.belle
Instagram//@isx.belle
After being approached by a modelling scout at Reading Festival at the age of 16, over almost two decades Alexa Chung has risen to the status of one of the UK’s ‘it girls’ of fashion, winning the British Fashion Council British Style Award multiple times. She’s dated superstar frontmen like Alex Turner, had a Mulberry bag dedicated to her and recently released a fashion guidebook aptly titled ‘It’. Her talents range from model to presenter, recently filling the prestigious role of a contributing editor for Vogue. Chung’s devotion to fashion is infectious - her recent mini-series for Vogue’s YouTube channel aiming to make the industry more accessible to everyone, not just those with contacts and connections. A great ambassador for the industry, she creates a warm and funny atmosphere that is an insightful look into a world that seems closed-off and daunting for those looking to enter it. I definitely found it inspiring.
The list goes on, however this time it is M&S who have chosen to take advantage of not only her fashion know-how, but her ‘it girl’ status for their new Archive by Alexa collection for Marks & Spencer. Alexa is loved for her distinct style, her recent line for AG jeans epitomising the minimalist, chic yet edgy look she manages to pull off countless times. The M&S collection is based on the idea of updating old pieces, someone like Alexa with such a clear unique style being perfect for the job. The rest of the ‘biggest collection to hit the British high street’ is tipped to be being released on the 13th of this month, so what better time to explore some of the pieces already curated by Chung and the team at M&S.
About this venture she said:
“It was so fun to be given the keys to the M&S archive and such a treat to get to cherry pick the very best of their vast collection of pieces.”
About this venture she said:
“It was so fun to be given the keys to the M&S archive and such a treat to get to cherry pick the very best of their vast collection of pieces.”
So, what’s the verdict? It is likely that M&S have made a smart move. Writing as a 17 year old girl, I would say Marks and Spencer is by far not considered to sell cool, fashionable clothes. I’m not saying the clothes are horrible, but if an item fits a style I want to follow, I feel it was more likely to be accidental in its design. However, as a brand it probably has recognised this, as well as the fact that vintage clothing is a niche that has not yet been explored widely on the high street (the exception being the likes of Urban Outfitters). My favourite piece is the Eliza dress; I love the way that the original print compliments the more modern shape and black piping. Alexa’s love of pan-collars, a-line shapes and bold pattern is all over this collection and it’s lovely for it. This shop was in desperate need of some reinvention in order to appeal to younger shoppers and I think that the popularity of this collection will prove whether this gamble has been effective. In my eyes, with all her experience and style expertise, anything Alexa Chung is directly involved in will be successful and personally, I am looking forward to the release of the rest of the collection.