Summary

So, to summarise autumn/winter 2011-12. It's all about taking the influences that have been manifesting themselves for the past few seasons and evolving them into something new but not radically different, but still with enough of an edge to make the customer feel she is seeing something which may not be revolutionary but is still undeniably covetable. It's about moving slowly but surely, capitalising on best selling lines with subtle adjustments, new colour or an embellishment - enough to differentiate but not alienate. The post-recessionary customer wants the familiar not the radically different. She wants the comfort of knowing that what she is purchasing will have staying power but still make her feel individual. We think our three trends for the season ahead summarise that mood of thinking, whether it is the elegance of the early part of the 20th century in our Cosmetique look, the harder more powerful dynamism of the Elizabethan-inspired Keepsake mood or the more youthful Forager trend, combining sportswear influences, handcrafted effects and protective furs into one neat package.