French Connection launches in Chandigarh

Company Brief

New Delhi, October 20 2008

French Connection, the edgy and attitudinal British high-street fashion brand entered Chandigarh with the launch of its first store at the Kapsons Mall. Launched in India by the Murjani Group in April 2007, French Connection now has 13 stores across the country.

Announcing the launch of the first store, Bhavna Darira, Marketing Head, Murjani Group says, “Chandigarh is an important city for us and we believe that city offers great potential due to the large section of aspiring and affluent population. Being a fashion conscious destination, with the launch of French Connection, we are confident of creating a strong connect with the consumers who resonate with the brand in being edgy, stylish and discerning.”

With 500sq.ft of shopping space, French Connection at the Kapsons Mall introduces the Autumn Winter 08 Collection, the third of four collections for the year. The Autumn Winter 08 collection is a step back in time to beautifully refined, design-led fashion using luxurious fabrics and unique detailing with the French Connection twist, making it individual and desirable. Tailoring is key to the collection - from super skinny trouser silhouettes, to loose masculine tailoring giving a feminine touch with front pleating and ankle gathering. There is little room for shrinking violets this season, not when red is the dominating colour!!

Slick tailoring, detail and juxtaposed volume make French Connection’s Autumn Winter 08 collection for men a sumptuous feast of style. For the first time in India, French Connection introduces formal suits with a refined offering of classic silhouettes and modern fashion styles. An eye-catching one-button suit with long lapels, combining sharp tailoring with directional design; is something that Indian men can look forward to this season. The attention to detail is evident in an assortment of white ‘dress’ shirts. Gingham shirts burst onto the scene in bright yoke yellow and tropical coral shades. Innovative fabrics pave the way in outerwear. The colors for the season range from blue black and dark khaki to charcoal hues. This season voluminous, over-sized outerwear is worn with narrow leg trousers or skinny jeans to play on proportion.

Key Looks for women:

Dresses focus on daywear styles - figure defining is key with pleat detailing creating movement and volume on sleeves and shape. Body conscious knit styles are contrasted against flowing, flirty halter neck styles with large stone embellishments. Belted 40’s shirtdresses dominate the collection in slinky jersey with glamorous gold buttons. As the season progresses, the style is updated with vintage prints on satin fabrics. Evening dresses are given an edgy, early 60’s feel with all over fringing making a statement.

This autumn, the bigger the coat, the bigger the statement! Outerwear is dominated by the traditional pea coat, given added detailing with PVC or bold brass military fastenings. Black and white print macs give a nod to the 60’s. It’s all about patent and shine and all things fine. Blazers take influence from pirate couture in double-breasted cuts with bronze fastening detail. Shirts are buttoned up throughout the season with puff sleeve detail in vintage inspired prints and covered mini buttons.

Elsewhere, opulent knitwear patterns are translated onto super silky tunics with delicate beading on hems and necklines. There is a definite move away from all over embellishment with subtle detailing taking the front row. Knitwear is super sized – collars and cuffs are exaggerated but the overall shape is shrunk, loose and cropped. Cardigans take inspiration from the 70’s featuring bold Aztec prints.

Everyone knows that winter is about the trouser. After the popularity of the skinny last year, other shapes are making a comeback – the wide-leg, Capri, flare, classic, jeans (everywhere and every kind), – but the most flattering, on everyone, is the long, lean and high waisted. Cinch yourself in with a belt for definition and a narrow silhouette, throw on a cropped angular jacket and you will find yourself power-dressing for a new generation.

Calf length 1940’s high waisted, belted wool skirts sit along kitsch acid lemon dip dye styles. Preppy volume wool skirts in muted honey sit high on the waist; team with a must-have wet look vest and cropped pvc biker jacket.

Denim has come into a shape of it’s own with a new slick identity, cleaner and fitted to flatter, from sexy skinny in wet look coatings to indigo vintage wash. The 70’s influences high waisted wide-leg styles which can be teamed with striped ‘sailor boy’ jersey. This season sees the introduction of organic denim in the Earthy style, available in slim fit, boot flair and tailored flare, using organic cotton and vegetable dye.

French Connection’s Autumn Winter’08 collection for women is priced at Rs. 3295 upwards for dresses, Rs. 3995 upwards for coats and jackets, Rs. 2295 for tops, Rs. 2695 upwards for skirts and Rs. 995 upwards for accessories.

Key Looks for men:

French Connection’s suits are designed with special emphasis on high-quality with a sharp finish, with Sharkskin or Herringbone tweed, in pure wool. Classic silhouettes present peak lapels and super slim internal welt pockets, while fashion styles are cut to a lean silhouette and feature slim lapels and slanted pockets. Bound internal seams are throughout suit jackets, and slim fit trousers are smartly finished with narrow waistbands.

This season, checks are in and French Connection shirts have patterns that range in size from micro squares to blown-up jumbo checks. Details include large bellow pockets on select styles and micro collars for a smarter finish. Cut and proportions have been considered to showcase front bib panels and extended button plackets to be worn with wide leg double pleat trousers or tapered styles.

Jacket linings make their own statement in over-dyed ginghams and bright checks, as seen in the ‘Classic Litchfield’ double-breasted pea coat. ‘Parkas’ continue to boast imposing fur-lined hoods for complete anonymity. Key details feature throughout from vertical chest pockets with exposed zip; to fake raglan seams and shaped popper tabs.

Denim remains clean and un-treated. Black ultra slim fit ‘Skinny Boy’ jeans take reference from ‘Indie’ rockers and ‘Emo’ boys.

Accessory highlights include an oversize tan leather woven holdall, braided belts which range from ultra thin to chunky and a tie selection which boasts small floral prints and brocade detail along side knitted ties with spots or horizontal stripes.

French Connection launches new organic clothing range. The brand does its part to raise awareness of global issues by producing a new line of eco friendly jeans and slogan t-shirts, made from 100% organic cotton. The message is ‘Fcuk violence’… ‘Fcuk war’…‘dispose of disposable fashion’…’carbon footprint reduce emissions climate change Fcuk’ and so on. The season also sees the introduction of organic denim in the Earthy style, available in slim fit, boot flair and tailored flare, using organic cotton and vegetable dye.

French Connection’s Autumn Winter’08 collection for men is priced at Rs. 2295 upwards for shirts, Rs. 5295 upwards for jackets and coats, Rs. 2695 for trousers and Rs. 695 upwards for accessories.

For further information, please contact:

Murjani Group

Shiraz Bhavnani

Mobile: 9920770393

Email: shiraz.bhavnani@murjanigroup.com