Selfridges Launches New Retail Concept in Support of Independent Designers – BoF
Tue 8 Dec
The UK department store chain’s “Rewiring Space” opened at its Oxford Street as strict lockdown measures were lifted in London. The concept is the result of open conversations between brands, operators and retailers looking for ways to reshape the fashion system as a result of the pandemic.
Twenty Europe-based designers, including Christopher Kane, Erdem, Coperni, A-Cold-Wall, GMBH and Neil Barrett, will sell current and past-season items — including original runway samples and one-off prototypes — for up to 70 percent off the original retail price.
(Selfridges’ executive buying and merchandising director Sebastian) Manes, along with Tomorrow London chief executive Stefano Martinetto and other members of Rewiring Fashion, selected the participating designers. Tomorrow London is also supporting the project by bringing in additional salespeople.
“They needed this chance and opportunity,” Martinetto said. “It marks a fundamental shift in the relationship between retailers and independent designers.”