IT’S the fashion label that has been championed by the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Alexa Chung and Kate Middleton – yet it remains Marks and Spencer’s unsung hero.
Now, to celebrate 25 years of its Autograph range, the High Street chain has revealed a new collection which confirms the brand as one of the best for everyday essentials — even though many items do not come cheap.
Kate Middleton wore a £158 pink Autograph suit while visiting the London Ambulance Service in Croydon[/caption]
One of the hero pieces, a gorgeous snakeprint jacket, comes in at £299 with matching trousers costing £250 — but they are still predicted to sell out quickly.
Fans will be pleased that most of the collection costs under £100 and features lots of textures, with pure silk shirts, luxe cosy knits and pops of cornflower blue as well as classic neutral shades.
Each piece looks sharp, on-trend and premium.
Autograph’s lingerie line is also a hidden gem, with intricate lace bodysuits for just £26 and sumptuous satin chemises that are perfect for the boudoir.
It’s further proof that M&S has successfully shed its reputation as your nan’s favourite brand — but those in the know have long said that Autograph has been ahead of the curve from the very start.
Launched in 2000, replacing the beloved St Michael label, it brought in renowned designers such as Betty Jackson, Julien Macdonald and Philip Treacy to create an instant hit.
The label delivered style and sophistication to M&S, offering classic silhouettes, sharp tailoring and core wardrobe staples.
A-listers such as model Rosie and Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds appeared in campaigns, which was previously unheard of.
The brand unveiled the UK’s first garment made from all-recycled wool in 2012 — and rival brands are only now catching up with the pioneering design.
And in 2015, a suede midi skirt became a viral sell-out after It Girl Alexa wore one at New York fashion week, triggering a 3,500-person waiting list before the garment had even hit stores.
The label even gained the royal seal of approval in 2020 when Kate Middleton wore a £158 pink Autograph suit while visiting the London Ambulance Service in Croydon, South London.
So here’s to another 25 years of what seems to be the secret weapon behind the success of Marks and Spencer.