Get the latest gossip

‘Deeply concerning’: Vampire’s Wife closure shows battle faced by independent British fashion brands

Collapse of Matchesfashion platform is major factor in implosion across the supply chain, say industry insiders

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and industry leaders including executives from Harrods and Selfridges have backed a renewed call for the UK government to reinstate VAT-free shopping for international tourists, which was scrapped in 2020. Mustafa Fuat, the founder of Gosia London, which specialises in the manufacture of luxury womenswear pieces and until recently supplied Matches-stocked brands including Roksanda, described it as a “double whammy”. The June edition of men’s fashion week in Milan has already tempted many London-founded brands to Italy, with Martine Rose, David Koma and Dunhill joining the schedule.

Get the Android app