Those under 30 may walk past River Island’s Chelsea Girl Wardrobe in Westfield London without batting an eyelid. But say: ‘Chelsea Girl is back’ to anyone who shopped the high street in the 70s and 80s and you throw them right back to the days of making love not war in an instant.
Founded in 1965, Chelsea Girl was the UK’s first fashion boutique chain. It was THE place to shop on the high street. Then in 1988 it closed to become River Island, the more modern take on its predecessor.
But with fashion taking a decidedly nostalgic vintage turn, it’s highly appropriate that River Isalnd is bringing Chelsea Girl back out and reinventing those classic items for the 21st century girl with an exclusive capsule collection.
Some of my favourite items include the vintage tees, which are having another fashion moment; the perfect 70s flared-jean – a much more flattering shape than the modern skinny jean; and wide-legged trousers in flower-power-tastic prints. I’m also drawn to this long-sleeved cream top which just makes me think of Twiggy rollicking through a field of daisies..
Floral trousers: £20. Long-sleeved top £30. T-shirts: £15.Jeans: £35.
