Despite standout moments such as 2013’s pink coat, much of the embattled retailer’s clothing feels outdated and stale What a difference a week makes in the world of M&S clothing. Last week was dominated by the launch of the second Alexa Chung-designed archive collection, with several pieces including Instagram favourite Crown jacket – currently sold out in most sizes. This week, the store is downsizing its clothing ranges in response to consistently bad figures. From a fashion point of view, it’s a bit of a shame. Chung’s collection was a bold move for a brand more associated with cotton knickers and Twiggy Christmas adverts than a style icon with reach to the millennial customer. It seemed to suggest the ship was finally turning around, and has been followed with other collaborations – Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece on childrenswear, Baarts & Siegels on menswear. Continue reading...