Miss Selfridge

Miss Selfridge is a British fashion brand with a storied history that began in the heart of London. Originally conceived in 1966 as the young fashion section within the iconic Selfridges department store, it quickly established itself as a standalone entity, catering to the vibrant youth culture of the time. The brand was a product of the swinging sixties, a period known for its cultural revolutions and fashion innovations. It was during this era that Miss Selfridge introduced its first mannequins, inspired by the model Twiggy, and launched paper dresses designed by Sylvia Ayton and Zandra Rhodes, which were intended to be worn once and then discarded.

The brand's name was inspired by a window display at the Bonwit Teller store in New York City, which featured "Miss Bonwit" dresses targeted at teenagers. Charles Clore, the owner of Selfridges at the time, brought this concept to the UK, launching it across his Lewis's and Selfridges stores. By 1967, Miss Selfridge had concessions throughout the country and by 1969, it had branched out into independent stores on the high street. The brand was also known for its collaborations with high-profile designers, including Pierre Cardin, who was commissioned to create exclusive collections.

Ownership of Miss Selfridge changed hands in July 1999 when the Arcadia Group, led by Sir Philip Green, acquired it. The brand expanded its presence with an online shop in 2003, but its profitability fluctuated over the years. In late 2020, the Arcadia Group went into administration, and in early 2021, ASOS acquired Miss Selfridge, along with other brands from the group. This acquisition marked a significant shift for Miss Selfridge, transitioning it from a high street mainstay to an exclusively online retailer.

Throughout its history, Miss Selfridge has been a reflection of changing fashion trends and consumer habits. Its early days were marked by innovation and a sense of exclusivity, as it was the go-to store for many young shoppers. However, as the retail landscape evolved, so did the brand's identity and market position. The transition to online retail has allowed Miss Selfridge to reach a broader audience, adapting to the digital age while continuing to offer fashion-forward clothing and accessories. Despite the changes, the essence of Miss Selfridge remains rooted in its heritage, celebrating the youthful spirit and fashion-forward thinking that it was built upon.