Burberry is ramping up its expansion plans after earmarking £200m for new stores this year as global demand for its luxury goods defies the downturn in the UK. The luxury brand, which will open in London, Brazil and Shanghai, unveiled a 26 per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £376m for the year to March, on sales up 24 per cent to £1.86bn.

A greater focus on the menswear market boosted Burberry today as the luxury goods group reported a 24% jump in annual profits.

Some of the country's best known fashion designers and examples of their work are featured on a set of new stamps which go on sale tomorrow.

The beleaguered fashion chain French Connection has put up the "for sale" sign outside 14 of its UK shops in large shopping centres across the UK.

French Connection's eye-catching – and headline-grabbing – FCUK branding was a huge success in the 1990s, but is it behind the clothing store's current financial woes?

There were speeches, handshakes, and ever so many parties – but somehow the royal couple have survived a year. Harriet Walker marks the occasion

Yves Saint Laurent handbags and Brioni suits have helped French luxury group PPR post a strong start to 2012 reporting €3.3bn in turnover for the first quarter.

Don’t let April showers get you down – there’s plenty of stylish wet weather gear to keep you warm and dry

Styling: Lee Holmes
Photographs: Paul Smith
Model: Kristoffer at Elite
Grooming: Matt Raine using Chanel

Two British heritage brands, two very different fortunes... Harriet Walker considers Burberry's success and Aquascutum's decline

Once, most British chaps wouldn't be seen dead carrying a tote or a sleek satchel. How things have changed...

Where once stood Marilyn, now stands Delia, in a Norwich City scarf. HG Wells has been ousted by JK Rowling, Marlene Dietrich bumped by Kate Moss. As for John, George and Ringo – they're nowhere to be seen.

It is one of the most distinctive album covers in British pop music history, featuring some of the most iconic faces of its day.

The season is almost upon us and all those interested in hats – and there's no better time of year to celebrate their flamboyancy, of course – might like to pay a visit to the genteel city of Bath for inspiration.