When Cyndy was 17 and working in Wigmore Street in the 1960s, her department store of choice was Debenham & Freebody. Nothing’s changed, except the name.
As Debenhams latest Spring collection hits the stores, Cyndy takes a look back…
“I loved Debenham & Freebody as it was known then; a very smart, elegant store. With my first month’s salary at the property company I had just joined, I rushed off to Debenham’s handbag department and bought a small, black leather bag with stitching on the outside and a tuck-in flap closure . I loved that bag. Always in the belief that one can never have too many handbags, it was the first of several handbags I bought from Debenhams”.
Of course, Debenhams is a British institution, and has been a stalwart of the British high street in one way or another since 1778, but how exactly did it get to be the retail giant that we know and love and where did the story begin.
Debenhams can trace its history back to 1778 when William Clark established a drapers store at 44 Wigmore Street in the West End of London and this was the first ‘Debenhams’. From 1813, the firm became known as Clark & Debenham and prospered during the Victorian era.
Then following investment in 1851 from Clement Freebody, it was renamed Debenham & Freebody.
Fast forward 100 years and by 1950, the Debenhams name was well established, and the company was the largest department group in the UK. The modern era of high street, and eventually online shopping, had begun.
The modern Debenhams has strong roots in its British heritage and this is reflected in the collections season after season. Both in store and online, Debenhams gives its customers a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of brands and concessions to ensure the 21st century retailer is on trend and fashion forward each and every season. Debenhams achieves this through its own brands and through unique collaborations with a variety of international brands and designers. The exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio that has been established for over 20 years, and SoSensational favourites include J by Jasper Conran, Principles Ben de Lisi, No. 1 Jenny Peckham and RJR.John Rocha.
Although Cyndy is usually a Debenhams online shopper at SoSensational, last week she took a look at the Debenhams flagship store in Oxford Street in London’s West End.
“Walking through the bright, spacious beauty hall, my senses were hit with a sea of pastel pink – the understated but hot-topic hue for this spring and summer. A beautiful sight to behold. And wandering from floor to floor, drooling over the collections, it was difficult to come up with a choice of just 6 top picks! So I narrowed it down to the brands that are so much a part of what keeps Debenhams in the forefront of fashion, day after day”.
Keep up with the floral trend with this Star by Julien Macdonald multi-colour wrap midi dress, £55. “I particularly love the way that this wrap dress will translate beautifully to a mature silhouette. I would wear this without any jewellery (maybe some simple stud earrings!), allowing the dress to take centre stage. Team with black strappy heels for a fashion forward look, and the mini pink bag below would look wonderful with this dress.”
This Star by Julien Macdonald Black rose embroidered biker jacket, £75, adds a hint of rocker-chic to this season’s embroidery trend. “I adore biker jackets, and this one is an absolute star. Make sure to keep the rest of the outfit neutral. Black jeans and a white top are all that’s needed. “
Backpacks are cool again – this Faith Light pink ‘Erin’ backpack, £28, shows that women of any age can rock a backpack! “It has adjustable straps and is super roomy inside making it ideal for keeping everyday essentials organised. Team with the floral shoes below to take any casual outfit up a notch or two, or make an edgy difference to a plain navy or black dress.”
Trainers are just getting better and better this season if these Nine by Savannah Miller Pink floral embroidered shoes, £35, are anything to go by. “Be on trend with your footwear, and kind to your tootsies at the same time! Team these trainers with casual jeans, or for a more dressed up look, choose a flattering pencil pleat skirt. ”
Stand out from the crowd in this stunning Studio by Preen Red high waisted midi skirt, £49. “Look sensational in this midi skirt from the Exclusive Studio by Preen range at Debenhams. With a high waist that you can tie yourself, it’s sure to suit everyone! Tuck in a great navy shirt and add some navy shoes and the look is complete!”
No blog by Cyndy would be complete without some orange! Principles by Ben de Lisi Orange asymmetric strap high court shoes, £39 are the ultimate occasion shoe. “These shoes will give a shot of colour to any neutral outfit, and I particularly love the asymmetric strap which helps to slim the ankles!”
Do you have any stories about Debenham and Freebody to share? Tell us below how you remember it…
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