Carried away by chic handbags and elegant frocks in dazzling colours, fans of British luxury fashion brand Lalage Beaumont (LB) and its effortless styling will be turning heads amid the social whirls and finery this summer. But for all the company’s achievements, notably manufacturing many products in the UK and selling collections through its own shops as well as online, it’s a label still under the radar.
Founded and run by Beaumont herself since launching 21 years ago Lalage Beaumont continues to grow – 30 per cent last year – all despite wider economic challenges and in a sector dominated by international giants. Beaumont’s own pedigree includes strong heritage connections designing for Aquascutum, Mulberry and Burberry. “Working for them made me want to have my own business and after travelling overseas I came back and did it,” she explains. After progressing from producing women’s ready-to-wear and wholesale for other retailers, she opened her own boutique in Mayfair. Others have followed in Knightsbridge, Belgravia and bijou Burlington Arcade while a franchise in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is doing very well too bringing in Gulf region clientele. On the domestic counties front she has also expanded with retail group Hoopers which features LB in its Tunbridge Wells, Wilmslow and Harrogate department stores.
Now with a team of 15, bold colours – flattering turquoise is a favourite – and bags are LB’s big attractions. “Our clothing niche is timeless, sophisticated formal wear for business and special occasions, everything from Royal Ascot to Wimbledon, investitures and weddings,” says Beaumont who is self-funded. “Customers do visit us to browse but the majority have a clear purpose and intent to buy. Our handbags stand out for their one style in a myriad of colours, which become talking points, and for their relatively accessible prices. Our customers create collections of them. Most of our clothing customers are from the UK while those for our bags, which are 80 per cent of our business, are more from the Middle East, the US and south east Asia.” The bags (from £695) are made in Europe with small batch runs of clothing, scarves and hats produced in London and Nottingham.“Being close to the manufacturing supply base enables us to react quickly to changes in demand and has given us the opportunity to offer made-to-order so our clients can customise and have something unique,” says Beaumont who is self-funded. “Our business model is convenient, efficient and sustainable. Making in the UK can be more expensive but it’s offset by the proximity.”Having an online channel saved LB during lockdown but post-pandemic the blow of losing tax free shopping is one it is still struggling with. “Extending our retail base has been one way to counter the loss, but the regulation has hit us hard like it has many others. Restoring it would make such a difference to our growth,” adds Beaumont who has now set her sights on developing a global wholesale business with Canada, and northern Europe first in line. www.lalagebeaumont.com
