Spring News 2025
Taking inspiration from the past and making it better this spring.
Finding the right outfits in an ever-changing work environment.
Launching our spring collections with live fashion shows in store. See page 4.
2025! It has a certain ring to it, a year that has rhythm when you say it and a positive feel and strong presence when you see it written down.
Maybe it’s a sign of what the year has in store for us, an energy that will fight against any negativity that is drip fed to us through the media channels.
Your enthusiasm for our early spring collections and fashion shows has been wonderful. As we head on into the true spring months we try to bring you plenty of fashion shows so you can see the delights of all the new collections, new trends and to simply enjoy having some retail therapy.
With your continued support of our independent store we can keep bringing you some fabulous, quality collections from around the world.
It’s 44 years since the doors of Anne Furbank opened and our team of staff bring with it over 176 years experience – that is something we are proud of and truly grateful for.
Becky
Rebecca Furbank Managing Director
Front cover: Marc Cain Editor: Rebecca Furbank Design & Print: clickcreative.co.uk
Anne Furbank, 41 High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5WZ
Shop: 01480 811333 Office: 01480 811321 annefurbank.co.uk
With so much to show you and shout about this spring, we have decided to spread our spring launch throughout the month of March, with fashion shows each week, some focusing on specific brands, others being more generic, but each one showcasing collections from around the world.
Saturday 1st March, 11am
We highlight key trends for the spring, from colour to style, and look at what has inspired them. Whether you want to delve right into the trends wholeheartedly, or introduce a few pieces to update your wardrobe, we will show you how.
Gerry Weber
Friday 14th and Saturday 15th March, 11am
It’s a popular collection so we feel it deserves its own show. Always delivering on quality and design, it’s a brand that will refresh your wardrobe in the most uncomplicated way. With themes called Geo Graphics, Colour Explosion and City Safari we will leave your imagination running wild.
Gerry Weber Gift With Purchase
Thursday 20th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March, 11am
Our official spring launch covers all brands and all our different lifestyles. Whether your life is much more casual or you are still in the corporate world of work; if you are heading to Ascot or Newmarket Races or attending a wedding; flying long haul to guaranteed sunshine or packing for all eventualities of weather on the beaches of Cornwall – we have it covered.
Back to the future seems to be the overall trend for spring 2025. Fashion brands have taken all the best bits from previous decades of fashion and made them even better. Our key looks to add to your wardrobe this spring.
Back to school, with preppy and scholarly looks. No, we don’t mean you have to wear white ankle socks and plimsoles, but you might be looking at re-investing in a blazer or, certainly, some form of jacket, for the spring.
Team it with a striped shirt – or any shirt for that matter, and you are on your way to being bang on trend. Add a pair of jeans, make it light denim, and a grown up pair of plimsoles and that’s your look. If you want to complete the look entirely, add a satchel style bag.
Denim is one of those fabrics that never really disappears from the fashion world. It’s a hard-working fabric and therefore adored by both men and women.
This spring we see its reappearance, inspired by the ‘70s double denim craze. The flares will be much softer and you will be able to move with ease in the dresses and jackets. Choose a lighter shade to take you through into summer.
Fashion brands have been trying to clean up their acts when it comes to the environment - responsibly sourcing fabrics; using less chemicals and less water; going back to natural fabrics; and being honest, and up front, about their environmental footprint.
We could write a whole magazine on this but it is directly linked to a key trend for this season - bring out our earth mother. Lots of natural fabrics from cottons and silks to linens. Look at the labelling on the garment or ask one of our team, to find out more.
Floral chic is probably the best way to describe one of the key trends of the season.
Pretty pastels with images of wild cottage gardens; bold tropical flowers and designs that have been inspired by the interior décor and upholstery of stately homes. Mix and match those floral designs for maximum impact or pick one or two highlight pieces for your wardrobe and you will have this trend ticked off.
Unless you are in a profession that requires a uniform, the business wardrobe can be a bit of mine field. In some industries, ‘Dress Down Friday’ seems to have become dress down every day. The distinction between a working wardrobe and clothes you enjoy to wear in your down time has become a little blurred. And working from home has only added to the crossover.
So how do you get a workable, working wardrobe, whether you choose to keep it exclusive, or to mix it up for work and play?
Navy is a failsafe colour that will work with virtually everything. You can venture into any jacket, but this is a piece worth investing in. You really will get what you pay for - the fabric, the fit and durability will pay back every penny you have spent on it. Wearing a blazer will instantly make you feel more professional and in control.
A tailored trouser is a step up from jeans and will help you define when you are at work and when you are at play.
Tailored trousers can be anything from wide leg to tapered, chino style. It is the fabric and cut that make it tailored. Polyester ‘travel fabrics’ will look great even if you have sat at your desk for three hours. For a more natural approach, look at cotton tailoring – perfect heading into the new season.
You don’t have to be in stiletto heels to wear a dress.
Boots, sneakers, sandals and block heels all work. It makes life simple with only one piece to think about when you are getting dressed in the morning. Super comfy for a full day’s work.
Whichever is your preference, choose the fabric carefully.
This is the piece that is in direct contact with your skin, so you want it to feel nice. Silk feels amazing next to the skin and most are now washable so have a practicality element. If you prefer t-shirt styles then choose a good quality cotton.
A classic tote bag with clean lines and in a neutral colour is perfect for a professional work environment.
Strong enough to carry your stationary, laptop/ planner but also stylish.
Emily in Paris may be able to walk in 4-inch-high heels, on the uneven pavements in Paris, but most of us would prefer to keep our ankles in one piece and arrive at the office in comfort.
Loafers offer all the comfort of a sneaker but the style of a good work shoe.
By Sophie Hampson
I am passionate about colour, from colour analysis to colour psychology. So much so that I signed myself up to do a Colour Analysis Advanced Diploma with the London College of Style. I loved the course and passed with distinction.
Colour is not just about ‘what colour can I wear?’ or ‘what goes with what?’, it can have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves, other people and even brands.
If we start with what colour suits me? Firstly, let’s dispel the myth that you can’t wear certain colours. Those of you who have had your colours analysed will know it is all about the tone of colour and finding the right tone for your skin.
You need to identify whether you have a warm or cool skin tone. The easiest way to do this is to look at the veins on your wrist. If your veins look blue you have a cool skin tone, if they look green you have a warm skin tone. Within each colour there are warmer and cooler tones.
Colour psychology is a topic with which I could fill the whole magazine and certainly one that is not exclusive to the fashion industry. Take a couple of brands and trade marks for example – Breast Cancer Now Charity logo is pink. Pink is seen as a feminine colour, compassionate and caring. The colour green represents renewal, growth, nature and wellbeing – it’s no wonder the ‘Recycling’ logo is green.
To help you choose what colour goes with what, look at the colour wheel (top right). Colours either side of your chosen one will be harmonious and if you want a complementary colour choose one from the opposite side of the wheel. It’s as simple as that.
Royals, celebrities and even politicians use colour that says something about them before any words have been spoken. On their tour of Canada in 2011 the Prince and Princess of Wales wore red and white, the colours of the Canadian flag showing a mark of respect to the country.
It has been scientifically proven that the colour we wear has a direct impact on how we feel and how we perform. It is amazing how colour can elevate your mood. I will leave you with one last thought, which you can take with you every time you open your wardrobe. Which is going to make you feel happier – a bright colour top or a dull one?
Carla Ruiz
Carla Ruiz is all about dressing women for incredible occasions, whether it is a wedding, party, premier or racing. It is a family business which launched in 2007 and has reached clients across the globe. Manufactured in Malaga, Spain, it has a true Spanish flair and flamboyance.
The designer is Mei Mei, a stylist of Chinese origin who has followed her mother into the tailoring industry after graduating in Fashion Design from the Instituto Secoli in Milan. Along with her husband they set about creating a contemporary product, with the production cycle entirely rooted in Italy.
The brand is feminine, contemporary and urban. Its architectural designs are quirky, and the shapes often define the pieces with minimum embellishment to the fabric itself.
Since it’s launch in 2008, Beaumont Organic has been committed to being a sustainable fashion brand. This starts at the very beginning of the chain using certified organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics such as linen, lyocell, Tencel and non mulesed wool. The spinning, sewing, knitting and weaving of the fabrics to make an end product are all done in Portugal, within a 50 mile radius, minimising carbon emissions. Even the delivery to the UK is all in recycled and recyclable packaging.
The designs are all timeless and, by using high quality fabrics, are built for longevity. You can enjoy this brand with a clear conscience.
We are excited to launch this new Italian shoe brand, which brings authentic luxury, inspired designs, stunning materials and exceptional craftsmanship. The shoes are not just an afterthought to an outfit but they could be the starting point from which you want to build.
The way we holiday has changed over the years. We are generally going on holiday more, with flexibility in the travel industry allowing us to travel from a wide range of airports and book accommodation for as many or as few days as we like. A quick hop to the south of France or a short getaway to a Greek Island is just a few clicks away.
It’s no secret it pays to travel light, ideally with just hand luggage, so packing smart is crucial. The key is to make your holiday wardrobe versatile.
Start with the shoes. Try and keep it to two pairs, one for the city streets and sightseeing and one for the beach and dinner. A pair of sneakers and a pair of sandals with either a bit of colour or embellishment to cover day and evening. Your best investment before you go on holiday is to buy a collapsable rail. That way you can get the pieces out that you want to take on holiday and see what works with what. Think about how many days and nights you are away – if you are away for three nights only pack for three nights!
Dresses are super versatile and don’t take up a lot of space. They can take you for breakfast one day and dinner on another.
Colour co-ordinate - this makes mixing and matching much easier.
Don’t forget about the accessories. You will be amazed what a difference a bold pair of earrings or statement necklace can make to a basic t-shirt.
Rolling items when you pack saves space and reduces creasing.
Finally, the toiletries. Most of the skincare brands now do travel size packs – if the one you use doesn’t, decant into smaller bottles to save space. Even perfume comes in handy travel size bottles now.
Happy holidays.
Summer brings with it a whole host of special events, whether on the sporting front, such as Wimbledon, Ascot and Henley; garden parties (Royal or otherwise); and summer weddings, as a guest or mother of the bride or groom.
In a world which has become a lot more casual, when that invitation hits the doorstep you can be forgiven for going into meltdown!
Some of the bigger race meetings have dress codes, so check before you go.
Bold colour or sharp monochrome are both very striking and perfect to reflect the colour palette of jockey silks. Most importantly don’t forget to top it all off with a statement hat.
Have no fear - we have looked at the new season drops at Anne Furbank and unearthed designs perfect for all those summer events.
Floral design seems the perfect answer – it is a garden party after all.
Opt for a feathery fascinator or oversized straw hat to keep the sun off on a hot day.
Who doesn’t love a wedding? We believe it is a true honour to be invited to a wedding. You are one of the chosen few to join in the celebrations, so make the most of it and enjoy.
If you are the mother of the bride or groom you may feel like there is a lot more pressure on you. Believe us, we know how you are feeling. We have been dressing ‘mothers of’ for over 40 years and many of us have lived through the experience personally. The outfit may not be something that you wear everyday but you should still feel like you, and feel special.
The images here just show a few of the styles from the collection at Anne Furbank. Our top tips should help you prepare before you buy. Our best advice is to come and try on.
• Give yourself plenty of time on the day you come to try on. It is amazing how quickly time flies when you are having fun!
• Don’t bring too many people with you. You could end up totally confused with all the different opinions.
• Find out some detail about the wedding e.g. venue, colour scheme, time of day etc.
• If the bride wants a say in what you wear then try and bring her with you.
• Don’t come with a view to losing weight. What looks good on you now will look completely different if you lose a lot of weight.
• Be open minded to try some different styles.
Gerry Weber has been a staple at Anne Furbank for 40 years which is testament to the strength of the brand and the consistency with which it keeps producing a great product.
Cristina Kehoe is the Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland, and we caught up with her to discover her journey with Gerry Weber.
How did your career in fashion start?
I graduated in economics in my home country of Romania and applied for a job with Steilmann, a large German textile company that was involved in the manufacture and design of womenswear. It was a brand that was very present in Romania and a large global company that gave it appeal.
The position was in their head office in Germany and as I had studied German and spent six months in Berlin as part of my degree, I was keen to go back.
What did the job involve?
It was a trainee position and as I spoke German, English and Romanian I was placed in their export department. I helped look after markets across Europe, supporting the team with key accounts, helping at exhibitions and being head office support at a local level.
Did you get to see all areas of the business?
I was lucky enough to be given some of the best training in the industry. Steilmann was a huge business, and they taught me about garment construction, fabrics and garment finishing. The things I learned back then I still use now, and I will be forever grateful. I worked in Germany for three years, met my husband, who also worked for the company, and we were both offered positions in the UK. I stayed with the company for a further 10 years until the company went into administration.
What happened next?
After Steilmann went into administration I felt bereft. It was like a second family. I had good working relationships with everyone and really enjoyed my time there. It was during this time that I was approached by a former customer who told me Gerry Weber was looking for an Account Manager and, in June 2017, I joined the company.
How does Gerry Weber compare to your experience with Steilmann?
I was attracted to the job as Gerry Weber was well established and a market leader in womenswear. I have grown to become as fond of it as Steilmann. I love my customers and the collections! It really feels like home.
What makes Gerry Weber a success?
One of the main reasons is its values, and those values have not changed despite external challenges. It is about quality, fit and innovation. It was one of the first brands that enabled the customer to buy into a co-ordinated
look. They put collections together that showcased outfits rather than item pieces.
Gerry Weber has always been a brand that is for everyone, no matter your size, colour or height. We aim to be a brand for everyone, and I think we do a pretty good job.
What can we expect from Gerry Weber this spring?
I am very excited to see the spring collections in the stores. It was really strong in the showroom and the production has been going well.
There are clean fresh blues to start the season and then we have lovely pink and coral combinations. Subtle pistachio and spearmint tones finish it off. So, you can see from the colour palate, there will be something for everyone.
Away from Gerry Weber, how do you switch off?
I love fresh air! Walking helps clear my head. I run and do my Yoga first thing in the morning, when everyone else is asleep – it is great for the mind.
Anne Furbank
Research has shown that clutter can have a profoundly negative effect on your mental health. Living in a chaotic environment can lead to increased stress levels, making it difficult to focus or relax. On the flip side, having an organised space can create a sense of calm and control, improving mental wellbeing.
Having an organised wardrobe or system to your clothes storage will add to the enjoyment of your clothes but also take the stress out of the ‘what to wear’ dilemma.
An organised wardrobe streamlines decision-making, allowing you to spend less time thinking about what to wear and more time wearing it.
The first steps to putting some organisation back into your wardrobe is to empty it out. If you have more than one, then tackle each one separately. Now you can see the space - think about how you want to arrange it. Do you want to arrange it by product? For example, all trousers together, or do you want to arrange it by colour, making it colour co-ordinated.
Before you put anything back in the wardrobe look at each piece and ask: Does it still fit me? Is it fit for purpose? Do I have occasion to wear it? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then wouldn’t it be better if someone else got the wear out of it rather than hanging in your own wardrobe?
By going through your wardrobe, you might re-discover a long lost piece that you can enjoy wearing. It will also show you any gaps you may have in your wardrobe that need filling.
• If you change your wardrobes over from winter to spring, make sure the hangers are all facing the same way. If you wear an item of clothing, turn the hanger the other way round. This way you can easily see the items that have not been worn and either focus on wearing them or clear them out at the end of the season.
• Make sure your hangers match – it will make your wardrobe look much cleaner and more organised.
• Clean and dust the inside of your wardrobe when you empty it.
• Use vacuum storage for bulky winter knits when you change over to spring.
• Use drawer dividers for smaller items like lingerie.
• Fold things like sweaters, jeans and tops into three when you put them in your wardrobe, to save space.
March
Sat 1st Spring Trends Fashion Show, 11am
Fri 14th and Sat 15th Gerry Weber Fashion Shows, 11am
Thu 20th, Fri 21st and Sat 22nd Spring Launch Shows, 11am
Sat 29th Mother & Daughter Day
April
Sat 12th Event/Fashion Show, 11am
Sat 19th Event/Fashion Show, 11am
May
Sat 3rd Event/Fashion Show
Sat 17th Event/Fashion Show
Sat 31st Summer Event/Fashion Show
In order to hear about all our events sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.annefurbank.co.uk
Book one of their beautiful rooms including breakfast and enjoy a three-course dinner for just £190 for two people*
Take advantage of the wonderful offer from The George Hotel during our Spring Fashion Weeks.
A perfect chance to spoil yourself and be fully refreshed for a great day’s shopping.
To book your Eat, Sleep and Shop offer, call 01480 812300 and quote ‘the shop’.
* Offer valid for the month of March 2025
Anne Furbank, 41 High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5WZ
T: 01480 811333
E: shop@annefurbank.co.uk W: annefurbank.co.uk