Debenhams adds Richard Quinn to designer roster

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Feb 20, 2018

Debenhams’ reshaping of its strategy for for flagship Designer at Debenhams offer is continuing as the company names Richard Quinn to the line-up.

The first collection will debut in May and will comprise 12 dresses, priced from £69 to £149, with a second collection following for spring/summer 2019.

Quinn is a Central St Martins graduate who left with a Master of Arts in Fashion as recently at 2016 before launching his own label and opening a print studio that’s used by young designers. He won the 2017 H&M Design Award, and last autumn produced a collection in collaboration with the retailer.

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Steven Cook, Debenhams’ MD of fashion and home, said: “Collaborating with design talent to create collections with appeal to the high street is a compelling part of Debenhams and we are delighted to recruit Richard’s fresh and unique aesthetic to our offer.”

That unique aesthetic includes a high profile in print creation and with print and pattern being a key purchase-driver at present, that should be good news for the chain.

It follows the arrival of Preen on the roster two years ago, a collaboration that has made a big impact, despite the retailer facing challenging trading conditions. A capsule Studio by Preen dresses collection has been added for SS18 and the retailer has rolled out the line to more stores for a total of 48 locations.

Debenhams is currently trying to reinvent itself as a hub for ‘social shopping’ and part of its approach to this has included taking a close look at its Designers at Debenhams offer. It is dropping long-serving designer names and picking up newer, cooler brands that should resonate with Millennial shoppers.