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Daily Fashion & Runway News
In 1884, Jaeger was founded according to Dr. Gustav Jaeger’s philosophy that natural fabrics produce well-being and good health. Over the years, the brand became known for tweed jackets and wool pleated skirts, which catered to an older, conservative clientele, and eventually evolved into a financially insecure label with a dowdy image. But in 2003, entrepreneur and president of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman bought the company and hired Belinda Earl (former president of Debenhams) as CEO. With Karen Boyd (who earned recognition back in the eighties by working with Helen Storey) as head designer, they launched Jaeger London, which debuted in 2008 with chic mohair coats and dark, short-hemmed shifts with subtle checkered prints. The show generated substantial buzz within the industry (it didn’t hurt that the show was styled by British Vogue’s fashion director, Lucinda Chambers, and hats were provided by Stephen Jones). Soon, some of London’s biggest names—Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Kate Moss—were sporting pieces from the moderately priced line. In addition to Jaeger London ready-to-wear, there’s menswear, handbags, shoes, and perfumes, and since 2006, Jaeger Black, a higher-priced line dedicated to evening apparel. In 2007, Jaeger London launched a collection exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue.
“The Jaeger London label is a snapshot of the upper level of the aspirational British high street—the middle England middlebrow, middle-aged taste of the nation. As such, it's not a designer collection but an update on commercial perennials: this season, a seventies hippie-slash-safari, ethnic-y print vibe made sensible for a woman who works and attends dinner parties.”—Sarah Mower Style.com
“People tell me I design sexy clothes and I hope I do. I still believe women want to look attractive to men. But I like to think my clothes are very wearer-friendly. I think of myself when I design, of my imperfections, and I think of how I can best show off the good bits and disguise the flabby bits.”—Karen Boyd The Guardian
Karen Boyd