French Invasion
LAUREN MILLIGAN 27 January 2011
CHIC French label The Kooples hasn't approached a British launch cautiously -opening eight points of sale almost simultaneously over the past few months - and the brand's founders insist the gamble has paid off.
"First weeks of sales in the UK are way over our expectations," the brand's founders - three brothers named Alexander, Laurent, and Raphael Elicha - told us. "We have already opened stores inCarnaby Street, the King's Road and in St Christopher's Place and men's and womenswear concessions in Selfridges in London, Birmingham and Manchester. We'll soon open a fourth store in London. The Kooples is one the best brands in terms of turnover in Selfridges' contemporary department."
The French label's link to London is strong; all its suits are made in Savile Row - hence the London move. But what if the brand's famous advertising images - feauring real-life couples - were given a British twist?
"Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull," Raphael Elicha cited, when asked the ultimate British Kooples couple. "Today it would be more like Pete Doherty and Kate Moss! Maybe they could get back together?"
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/110127-the-kooples-interview-with-elicha-b.aspx
