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British Fashion by the Lyle & Scott brand

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Lyle & Scott: A Timeline Snapshot

Lyle & Scott was founded in 1874 as a manufacturer of authentic Scottish knitwear. The brand still draws inspiration from its heritage and archives that include designs by Christian Dior and Michael Kors. During the last 50 years, the brand has expanded to include four collections: Vintage Men’s and Women’s, Heritage Men’s, Club Men’s and Women’s, Archive Men’s.

A Lyle & Scott brand rejuvenation occurred in 2003, with the launch of Lyle & Scott vintage – gaining a host of celebrity fans including: the Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Tim Lovejoy, Steve Jones, Simon Amstell and Dermot O’Leary. As of 2011, Lyle and Scott has its own standalone flagship store in London’s Covent Garden, an e-commerce store, as well as having concessions in many department stores throughout the UK including, House of Fraser, Selfridges, Cruise, Fenwick, Infinites and John Lewis.

• 1874: Lyle & Scott was founded in Hawick in the Scottish Borders by William Lyle and Walter Scott, with a loan of £800.
• 1954: Lyle & Scott design an exclusive Cashmere collection with Christian Dior.
• 1960: The recognisable Lyle & Scott golden eagle logo is launched.
• 1968: A new Golf range is offered as Lyle & Scott attend their first Open Championship. The golf range is an instant success golfers Gary Player, Tony Jacklin and Greg Norman
• 1975: Lyle & Scott is granted the Royal Warrant by appointment to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
• 1981: Lyle and Scott clothe the Ryder Cup Team in recognition of their success.
• 1982: Lyle and Scott clothe the Hennessey Cup Team.
• 1985: The first ladies golf range is launched.
• 1986: Greg Norman, a Lyle & Scott dressed golfer, wins the Open at Turnberry.
• 1991: Ian Baker-Finch wins the Open at Royal Birkdale – another victory for the Lyle & Scott sponsored golfer.
• 1998: Association with world class golf players continues with sponsorship of Lee Westwood.
• 2001: The brand is updated and marked the beginning of a new era for Lyle & Scott producing contemporary styled garments that became and instant hit with young fashion conscious celebrities, especially in the British indie music scene.
• 2003: Lyle & Scott vintage is launched, complete with the golden eagle logo.
• 2004: The Lyle & Scott flagship store and first standalone store opens in London’s Covent Garden.
• 2007: The Lyle & Scott Heritage collection is launched. With a looser fit than the Vintage Collection, it features tonal Eagle logos for those prefer the more subtle styling.
• 2009: Lyle & Scott received the Drapers Young Fashion Brand of the Year. Also in 2009, Lyle & Scott launched the ‘Club’ collection, a golf line aimed at the younger golfer as well as the Lyle & Scott e-commerce store.
• 2010: The Lyle & Scott online shop is re-launched (by BT Fresca) in the UK, Germany, France & Sweden.

The Lyle & Scott Brand Aesthetic

The varying Lyle & Scott collections are geared towards different consumer markets. The Heritage collection is designed for men who prefer the ‘preppy’ yet classic look. The Club range is aimed at the younger more fashion-conscious golfer. The Lyle & Scott Vintage collection, offers its consumers a bold, edgy and independent look. This Vintage collection has been instrumental to the rejuvenation of the Lyle & Scott brand, being worn by many high profile celebrities.

Lyle & Scott Financial Performance

Despite the times of economic downturn, in 2010, Lyle & Scott saw a 34% rise in net profits from the previous year, fuelled by a 28% sales rise and a 35% surge in UK turnover. Boosted by the weak position of the sterling, the brand saw a 16% rise in sales throughout Europe, however, sales outside of Europe were down on last year.

‘Curated by’ Lyle & Scott

In 2011, Lyle & Scott launched the ‘Curated by Lyle & Scott’ initiative to showcase new musical talent. The concept gives up-and-coming bands the chance to win a slot to play at gigs via a fan-influenced competition run on Facebook. The four ‘Curated by’ Lyle & Scott gigs, took place at East London’s XOYO club venue. The videos of each band can be seen on the Lyle & Scott Youtube channel.

Visit the official Lyle & Scott website, here.

If you like the look of Lyle & Scott, check out fellow British labels Fred Perry, Sunspel and Pringle.

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