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Penelope Chilvers Steps Beyond Footwear: A New Era of Apparel for SS26

WHAT'S THE STORY?

This iconic footwear label is venturing into apparel for SS26, offering chic, sustainable wardrobe essentials. Explore the inspiration and key pieces that define this exciting new chapter, extending their signature style from ankle down.

From Shoes to Style

A celebrated British luxury brand, known for its exquisite fusion of Spanish artisanal skill and enduring English design in footwear, is embarking on a significant

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expansion into the fashion arena. For the Spring/Summer 2026 season, they are introducing a thoughtfully curated clothing line. This collection aims to provide versatile, "beautifully considered staples" that perfectly harmonize with their acclaimed shoe designs, thereby fulfilling a long-held ambition to dress their clientele comprehensively, from head to toe. This strategic move follows the considerable success and high demand experienced with a small selection of apparel introduced in autumn 2025, signaling strong customer desire for a more complete offering that embodies the brand's unique aesthetic and commitment to purposeful, artisanal craftsmanship. The vision is to cultivate an entire lifestyle concept, where the brand's dedication to exceptional quality and distinctive decorative artistry remains paramount, creating a cohesive world that truly lives and breathes the brand's ethos. This expansion into clothing represents a natural progression, driven by years of customer requests for wardrobe pieces that extend the brand's distinctive style above the ankle, a temptation the designer found irresistible.

Four Drops of Fashion

The Spring/Summer 2026 apparel collection is structured into four distinct drops, designed to cater to evolving seasonal needs and moods. Two initial drops will arrive for spring, followed by two more for the summer period, commencing in March. Each release is meticulously crafted to offer "essential pieces" that offer maximum versatility and functionality within any wardrobe. Beyond aesthetics, a core tenet of this clothing venture is a strong commitment to sustainability. The brand prioritizes the use of biodegradable materials and employs design strategies that aim to minimize waste, reflecting a conscious approach to fashion production. This multi-drop strategy allows for a phased introduction of pieces, building anticipation and offering a diverse range of styles that resonate with the brand's heritage while embracing modern sensibilities and environmental responsibility. The intention is to provide customers with a consistent flow of desirable, responsibly made apparel that complements their existing footwear and accessories.

Spring's Light Edit

The first spring drop is characterized by its minimal approach, drawing inspiration from the art of packing efficiently for a compact holiday, specifically for carry-on luggage. This collection features an unlined utility jacket adorned with subtle watercolor stripes, ingeniously designed with internal pockets spacious enough to hold a passport. Complementing this is the 'Mala' striped kaftan, a versatile piece perfect for transitioning from day to evening wear. Crafted in Italy from a soft, flowing viscose-blend fabric, this kaftan embodies effortless elegance. These apparel items are intended to be worn alongside the brand's robust cowhide 'Siesta' sandals, featuring a durable crepe sole, and the stylish 'The Fortune Teller's' bag, creating a distinctive "safari style edit with a difference." This curated selection focuses on lightweight, multi-functional pieces that offer both practicality and chic style for the discerning traveler.

Notting Hill Vibes

For the second spring drop, the creative inspiration shifted to the vibrant textures and rich color palette found on the streets of London's Notting Hill. This resulted in the creation of the boxy 'Practically Perfect' jacket, expertly made from a resilient 100 percent two-tone cotton canvas, envisioned as an indispensable "true go-to layer." Accompanying this jacket are matching cargo trousers, featuring a distinctive patched canvas design. The collection also includes elegantly striped blouses and finely knitted tank tops, produced in limited quantities by family-run factories in Portugal, utilizing luxurious Alpaca and Merino wool. Further highlights within this drop include charming floral printed cotton dresses and blouses, alongside versatile denim skirts and practical jodhpurs, offering a sophisticated blend of urban style and artisanal quality.

Summer's Gentle Breeze

Following the spring releases, the summer capsule collection draws its essence from the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds. This segment features a delightful array of striped and floral separates, set to launch in March. Complementing this is a relaxed holiday edit, inspired by leisurely summer breaks in the Greek island of Patmos. This part of the collection showcases flowing maxi dresses designed to "blow in the seashore wind," exuding an ethereal and free-spirited quality. Additionally, there are kaftan-style dresses adorned with enchanting blue rose prints and elegantly finished with laced edge detailing, capturing the serene beauty and relaxed atmosphere of a coastal getaway. These summer pieces are designed to offer effortless style and comfort for warm-weather adventures.

Price Points and Presence

The pricing for the new clothing range spans a broad spectrum, starting from an accessible 20 pounds for ribbed cotton socks, reflecting the brand's commitment to offering pieces at various entry points. At the higher end of the collection, the exquisite 'Maria' maxi dress, featured in the summer drop 2, is priced at 399 pounds, signifying the luxury craftsmanship and materials used. This pricing strategy aims to make the brand's aesthetic and quality more attainable while still offering premium options. The brand maintains a strong retail presence with five standalone stores located within the UK, four of which are situated in London, and one in the scenic Cotswolds. Beyond its own boutiques, the collection is also accessible through a curated selection of esteemed stockists, including prominent retailers like John Lewis in the UK and Nordstrom in the United States, ensuring a wide reach for its new apparel line.

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