British label Luella has ceased trading. Its financial backer, a subsidiary of Club 21, has decided not to invest further in the label. Designer Luella Bartley, who won the British Fashion Council's 2008 Designer of the Year award, said in a statement that she has a "number of options" to consider for future financing. However, her troubles don't stop with Club 21 — orders for her spring 2010 collection won't be shipped after ready-to-wear producer Carla Carini abruptly shuttered last month. "[I]t is upsetting not to be able to protect jobs in this difficult economic climate," added Bartley, whose spring 2010 collection received glowing reviews. In the meantime, Bartley and her team are working as creative consultants to Liberty, helping with Christmas decorations. Just goes to show — one day you're the designer of the year, the next you're trying to figure out how to best drape tinsel. This economy is a real bitch.

Luella Ceases Trading [WWD]