I was one of the many eagle-eyed millennials swept in by Wendy McColm’s cinematography when And Other Stories first opened its doors back in the spring of 2013. ‘Rendez-vous’, an idiosyncratic fashion film, featuring the stylish Jeanne Damas, alluded to a narrative that set the tone of what was to follow. The subtext was the age-old fashion conundrum—having too many clothes, yet nothing to wear. To which its prospective customers answered with a resounding yes! From that moment onwards, I knew And Other Stories was a brand worth staying close to. Call me a slave to good marketing if you will, but ambiguity heightened the anticipation of its launch. It was also simultaneous with my foray into attainable wardrobe investments. Including staples, like jeans and t-shirts.
Since then, the brand has progressed becoming steadfast on the high street and their aesthetic is highly distinguishable, with an emphasis on timeless silhouettes. With creative ateliers from Paris to Stockholm, influences are heavily drawn from European styles of dressing. It release modest collections, with a core focus on the reintroduction of older season styles. You know the blazer you coveted two/three years ago? You may find it nestled amongst their newer collection and that’s a testament to its well-considered designs.
I’ve acquired some pieces I’m intent on having for years to come—like my open back puff sleeve dress. I also have a longline coat I purchased many moons ago, and a sweet gingham dress that comes out to play each summer. On my latest visit to the store, I was particularly impressed with their increased use of natural and eco-friendly fibres such as RWS certified wool, Naia™ (regenerated cellulose) and Lyocell.
It’s the place to start if you’re not quite able to invest with premium retailers but aspire for exceptional quality and pieces that will last. & Other Stories is doing colour brilliantly this season, whilst remaining true to its brand identity as styles are re-wearable and timeless. Look below for my edit, which includes jewellery, ageless dresses (like the aforementioned wrap dress in a different pattern) and a surprise pick for the upkeep of your clothing.
Tagged: high-street