Cacharel plans to launch clothing collection in UK

French fashion company Cacharel is launching a range of clothing for women and children in the UK.

The company, famous for its L’Oréal-owned perfume brands Anaïs Anaïs, Loulou, Eden and the new scent Noa (MW January 14), already sells underwear and swimwear in the UK, but it last sold clothing here 15 years ago.

Cacharel has appointed London clothing agent Rosi Walton to sell its new range in department stores and independent retailers in preparation for autumn/winter 1999.

The womenswear collection will consist of separate but co-ordinating garments for women aged 25 to 40, available nationwide from July. Clothes for babies to two-year-olds will also be launched this year. A range for two- to 12-year-olds and for girls aged 14 to 18, called Baby Jane, is planned in the UK next year.

Cacharel European area manager Valérie Lavocat says the company has shifted its focus from Japan and South-East Asia to Europe.

“There is strong potential in the UK for the brand, our competitors – Kenzo, Max Mara – are there. Our name is famous for fragrance, so there is synergy for the brand,” she says.

Cacharel is also launching its clothing range in Scandinavia and Portugal. It already sells clothes in France, Italy and Spain. There are no plans to advertise the range in the UK at the moment.