Kuwait - 28 May 2009: Originally part of the world famous Selfridges department store, and having its first home on Duke Street in central London in 1966, Miss Selfridge has grown to become an iconic brand in its own right. In a strategic partnership with M.H. Alshaya, the Middle East's leading retailer, Miss Selfridge has opened its door to young style savvy fashionistas at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait on 2nd of May.

"We are thrilled to introduce the Miss Selfridge brand to our growing portfolio of young fashion brands in Kuwait." Stated Pat Kelly, Business Director of Miss Selfridge at M.H. Alshaya "Miss Selfridge is a young, vibrant and elegant fashion brand that perfectly suits the glamorous style that is so important to young fashion conscious women."

The fashion team at Miss Selfridge is led by Creative Director Yasmin Yusuf who has overseen this year's Spring Summer collection of stylish design, influenced predominantly by the fashion and music of the 1980s such as Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan, Debbie Harry and Bananarama. The brand's signature vintage inspired looks are dominating throughout the collection and perfect for young women wanting on-trend smart and casual daywear and fabulous eveningwear with full on glamour.

The unique positioning of Miss Selfridge derives from its 'fashion only' proposition-meaning there are no basic products in the Miss Selfridge range. Taking inspiration from vintage pieces gathered from all over the world by its team of buyers. Each piece is crafted with special attention to details - ruffles, bows, fabrics and graphic prints - for a styling that is both individual and playful, but essentially feminine. "Whether you are looking for a glam, statement outfit or casual on trend daywear Miss Selfridge has everything you need to update your wardrobe with those staple hits of the season." Pat Kelly exclaimed. It is this unique handwriting that has captured the imagination of today's customers.

Miss Selfridge customer is outgoing, impulsive, and romantic. Loving newness and change, she comes to Miss Selfridge for inspirational and on-trend looks for all aspects of her life - a smart blouse for work with a fashion twist, a scene-stealing dress for nights out with friends, casual clothing that combines personality with style.

With a flagship store on London's Oxford Street, Miss Selfridge now has over 200 shops in the UK, Europe, Asia and Middle East, and its reputation is growing internationally, with M.H. Alshaya planning to add a significant number of Miss Selfridge Boutiques in the region.

Spring/Summer 09 Collections

For Spring Summer 2009 Miss Selfridge presents a collection of stylish designs influenced predominantly by the fashion and music scenes of the 1980s such as Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan, Debbie Harry and Bananarama. The brand's signature vintage inspired looks are dominant throughout the collection and perfect for young women wanting on-trend smart and casual daywear and sexy eveningwear with full on glamour. 

Bleached, distressed and marble wash denims are teamed with batwing tops; rolled cap sleeves for a modern take on 80s silhouettes and see a new look emerging for the Miss Selfridge girl. The abundance of dresses in the collection still offers that flirty feminine signature style we are renowned for.

The collection sees a striking color palette of jade, purple, hot pink and electric blue with accents of black, white and dove grey. Shaping is sexy with cowl back detailing, voluminous tops and dresses with cinched in waists and peplum details on skirts and dresses. Playsuits in washed out denim with stud detailing offering a distinctive edge to the look. Zips form key design detail on dresses, jackets and skirts. Soft suede biker jackets in bright colors such as jade green and electric blue add a bold statement to any outfit.

Tiered prom dresses with fluid, boxy jackets or slouchy harems worn with placement print off the shoulder, jersey tops and batwing cardigans give an 80's edge. Accessorise with an angular patchwork clutch or a boxy patent day bag. Color blocked platform shoes in fuchsia or electric blue on black complete the look.

Neutral washed out colors on pretty cut work detail tops and dresses layered with mid wash denim offer a casual look. Empire and dropped waist are key, delicate florals and checked shirts provide the perfect relaxed feel for the start of the season. Tie-dye and ripped detailing t-shirts add a unique twist to the look.

Batwing and Raglan sleeves bring newness to pretty plain and check shirts layered with burnout casual jersey tops. Worn denim with embroidered detailing looks well loved and is something you cannot live without.

Whether you are looking for a glam, statement outfit or casual on-trend daywear Miss Selfridge has everything you need to update your wardrobe with those staple hits of the season for Spring/Summer 09.

-Ends-

About M.H. Alshaya:
M.H. Alshaya Co. is one of the leading retail companies operating in the Middle East and is the franchisee for more than 50 international retail brands including TOPSHOP, Starbucks Coffee, Mothercare, Debenhams, Boots, The Body Shop, Foot Locker, H&M and Miss Selfridge. Based in Kuwait, Alshaya operates more than 1,700 internationally- branded stores across 16 countries: KSA, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, Cyprus, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Poland and most recently in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary.

This network of stores is supported by an integrated pan-regional infrastructure, incorporating best practice activities in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, IT, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial control. Alshaya Retail employs more than 15,000 employees from over 37 different nationalities.

Access more information by visiting www.alshaya.com.

Media contacts:
Miss Selfridge
Rana Hammoud - Brand Marketing Manager for ARCADIA Fashion Brands
Tel: +965 2 2242114
Fax: +965 2 2242440
email: rana.hammoud@alshaya.com

BPG Public Relations
Nancy Nusrally - PR Manager
Tel: +965 2 2411676 ext 124
Fax: +965 2 2492644
email: nancy@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2009