Style file: La vie en rose in Dorothy Perkins

High street staple Dorothy Perkins is celebrating its centenary with a special edition collection inspired by the brand’s floral heritage, says Emma Akbareian

Emma Akbareian
Wednesday 07 May 2014 19:15 BST
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One hundred years ago the world of fashion was undergoing a revolution; corsets were being abandoned, silhouettes were loosened and hemlines were rising. The retail industry was changing too, and indeed has been ever since, but among the shifting landscape of UK fashion retailers Dorothy Perkins, or ‘Dotty Ps’ as it is affectionately known, has been an enduring presence.

The store began life as Ladies Hosiery and Underwear, selling lingerie. A rebranding decision led to the name Dorothy Perkins in 1939, when the company director’s wife decided to name it after her favourite rose.

From humble beginnings selling stockings to today’s plethora of fast fashion offerings, the brand has come a long way since it first opened its doors. Now Dorothy Perkins has more than 600 stores in the UK alone, and boasts the statistic of one jersey top sold every two seconds.

In the run-up to the brand’s centenary there couldn’t be a more appropriate way for it to celebrate its heritage than with “All About Rose” a romantic collection made up of rose shades, prints and embellishments inspired by its floral namesake.

The collection includes literal interpretations as well as more subtle ones; bold floral print maxi dresses and palazzo pants sit alongside simple separates in the softest shades of petal pink.

More intricate pieces such as jacquard rose detailing on sweaters and 3D flower embellishment on shrugs make up the more opulent side of the range. There is a jewellery collection too in Perspex, metals and ribbons to create a floral look in full bloom.

dorothyperkins.com

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