The Kooples

What is the Kooples?

By Stephanie Hussonois

The Kooples is bringing chic back to the streets, dressing men and women in sharp allure, with a style borrowed from icons of fashion and a love for vintage.

This franco-british elegance made for urban living has everything from dress shirts to party dresses, jeans to suits, shoes to jewels, and a state of mind that has the somber thoughts of night owls falling in love in the early hours of the morning. – TheKooples.co.uk

Located in eight areas in London, including Central London and Westfield, The Kooples are definitely making a statement. The chic designs, mixing both Parisian and British styles just ooze edgy sophistication, whilst showing their vintage and iconic fashion influences. Three brothers named Alexandre, Laurent and Raphael are behind this genius brand. Another interesting fact is that they have now teamed up with Savile Row; experts in tailoring. While founders Alexander Elicha visited Norton & Sons in search of a suit they discovered they did consulting work for other fashion houses. Alexandre and Laurent would go to them with an idea, sketch, picture or technical drawing and they cut customs based on Savile Row’s own interpretation of ideas. Savile Row would produce the finished samples from which the brand would create for their stores. They are specific with what they want; complicated details such as collar details, cuffs, concealed pockets and other unique touches. You get a tradition of beautiful tailoring with a 21^st century twist.

                         

            Music is an integral part if the brand’s image; they are soon to be launching records whose style includes indie, pop, electro and folk. Most songs are sung in French and English and they are obsessed with music form the 80’s. Good choice.

The first time I stepped into The Kooples was in Westfield, Stratford. Displays were simple, and didn’t need any extravagant lights or gimicks. It emphasises the fact that their clothes speak for themselves.. Adverts were everywhere on buses and taxis, showing different couples living in France and the UK. The place was tidy, garments in size order and separated either half of the store for men and women. I loved nearly everything there, especially the Men’s collection seeing as I always want a more masculine touch to clothes that I buy (men have the prefect wardrobe!) Being a student does not help since I could not afford a thing, otherwise I would be sporting their leather lapels and crimson skinny jeans. Their prices range from £65 for a printed tee shirt to as much as £1000+ for a coat. I can still dream, right?