British retailer John Lewis has announced its latest collaboration, this time with couturier Bruce Oldfield. The British designer has created an exclusive 60-piece ready-to-wear collection, named Bruce by Bruce Oldfield, which will be on offer at the store in the fall.
“I have spent the past 40 years building my own couture line and I am thrilled to announce my first high-street collaboration with John Lewis,” said the Oldfield. “Bruce by Bruce Oldfield draws on my classic silhouettes with key pieces for any modern woman’s wardrobe; classic outerwear, juxtaposed tailoring, and sumptuous evening-wear. The collection plays on a monochromatic palette, full of structure and texture and that is softened with a touch of cashmere.” Jo Bennet, head of womenswear buying at John Lewis, added that: “We always take great care ensuring we introduce partnerships at John Lewis that have our customers in mind. It felt like a natural partnership for us as we discovered we had a lot of brand synergies; attention to detail, importance of quality and a shared belief that style is ageless. We believe the Bruce by Bruce Oldfield collection is the perfect addition to our unique and distinct offer.”
The news comes after John Lewis’ previous designer collaboration with Alice Temperley—called Somerset by Alice Temperley—became the fastest-selling collection in the history of the brand. But Bennet was keen to emphasise that their current pieces with Oldfield are set to give customers something brand new, and perhaps unexpected for customers familiar with the designer’s style: “The two collaborations are very different in aesthetic and influence. Bruce’s design handwriting is structured and couture inspired while Somerset is a bohemian signature style peppered with a carefree spirit,” she said.
Bruce by Bruce Oldfield will be available to buy online and from John Lewis stores from September and for every Little Bruce Dress sold £20 of the proceeds will go to British charity Barnardo’s, of which Oldfield acts as vice president.
