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When you enter Lacy’s shop in Little Clarendon Street, it is evident that it is a place for the discerning customer who expects more than the throwaway fashion that seems so ubiquitous on today’s High Street.
On my recent visit I felt genuine warmth of welcome so rarely found in shops selling designer clothes. Sue Rosser, who has run the successful shop for 22 years, tells me she still loves meeting customers and helping them with their purchases. Sue is ably assisted by daughter Debbie, who has plans to take Lacy’s into the 21st century with an e-commerce website; the family duo makes an impressive team. ‘Impressive’ is also the word I would use for the designer labels on offer.
The beautiful cashmere coats, silk knits and wool trousers by Joseph make one feel like a million dollars, and Nicole Farhi’s jewel coloured tops, floaty skirts and wonderful soft bamboo knits never fail to please. Karen Cole uses the best organic Merino wool from New Zealand, and Lacy’s customers return each season to top up their Cole knits. As Debbie says, Karen keeps it simple but updates her line with new colours each season.
Looking through the racks I was drawn to Save the Queen, an Italian label. Save the Queen has a cult following; customers come from miles away to purchase items from the artistic collection. Stunning jackets, tunics and dresses with unusual colour palettes from Hoss Intropia are also favourites. Sue tells me another popular label is Crea Concept, ideal for customers desiring clothes that flatteringly drape the female form.
More recently, Lacy’s has introduced Lipsy to their stable of designers. The impoverished student craving a hot little number for her college parties will find Lipsy’s flirty and reasonably-priced little dresses the perfect solution.
So what of the future for this very popular establishment? “Well, we have jeans coming in soon to lift the derriere”, say this infectiously enthusiastic pair. “The more you pull the cords inside the jeans, the more the bottom lifts!” Although both Sue and Debbie had a twinkle in their eyes, I’m sure they were in earnest. Apparently US media maven Oprah Winfrey has endorsed the miracle jeans, a sure sign that they will be flying off the shelves!
When asked about what the credit crunch means for her business, Sue replied that she felt quality of product is more important than ever for retailers. This was born out recently when Lacy’s had their best trading day ever. Discernment, after all, never fails, and Oxford’s shoppers know a good investment when they see one.
Reviewed by Mary Elliott |
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