Autumn News 2023
Purple rain
The colour of the season –just pick your shade.
Alpine fashion
Inspiration from the slopes direct to your wardrobe.
Autumn Fashion Week
12th – 16th September In-house fashion shows every day.


Autumn News 2023
The colour of the season –just pick your shade.
Inspiration from the slopes direct to your wardrobe.
12th – 16th September In-house fashion shows every day.
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the Autumn edition of our magazine, full of information about what you can expect to see in store this coming season. With new autumnal colours that we haven’t seen for a while, it is a great time to update your wardrobe and add some freshness.
Glamour is back and it is not just for events, so we show you how you can don your sequins, day or night, to put you in the party mood!
We also take a look at body confidence and, if you haven’t already, I urge you to watch Debbie’s two pieces on body image on our YouTube channel and how styling different outfits can impact how you feel about yourself. What we wear can have a real psychological effect on how we feel and the mood it will put us in. I found the research fascinating and while we can only touch on it in the magazine, I hope it will give you food for thought.
We’ve got plenty of events lined up in store, and online, this season and we love you all being part of them, so do connect online via Instagram and Facebook or join us at one of our events in store.
So sit back and enjoy the read.
Rebecca Furbank Managing DirectorFront 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
4 What has Autumn got in store for you?
5 Autumn Fashion Week –be body confident
6 Purple rain
8 Alpine fashion
10 Daytime sparkle
11 Trouser trends
12 New brands to Anne Furbank
16 Body image
18 Time to shine
20 Brand profile
22 What colour suits me?
23 Tree Planting
23 Dates for your diary
You might be a little reticent approaching the autumn season, having had such a colourful spring and summer, but have no fear, we will not throw you into the darkness, as the colour continues right throughout the year.
It is not only colour that is exciting, heading to the back end of the year, but fashion is in an exciting phase. There is a real newness about the collections, a dedication to make the clothes stand out so they become ‘must have’ pieces.
It is no secret that in tough economic times fashion reacts, so that every piece becomes an investment and not a whimsical purchase. We have never been about fast fashion at Anne Furbank but the brands really are focusing on quality pieces that can be versatile, stylish and wearable. There must be a trend element in the design to add newness, but the trends are sustainable and will be here for a number of years to come.
We’ve picked out the five key trends for the autumn/winter to look out for and invest in.
1. Purple hues – if you are looking for a new colour to add to your wardrobe it has to be purple this season. From bright violet to deep plum, pick a shade that suits you.
2. The Power Suit – suiting has been creeping back into collections in the last couple of years but now is the time to invest in that power suit. From classic blazer styles to co-ordinated two pieces, it will pay you back by the amount of use and time you wear it.
3. Knits – for autumn and winter this may seem like an obvious one, but knits are not only for sweaters - knitted dresses and knitted jackets will give you style and warmth.
4. Something glamorous – this season glamour is not just for going out. Add glamour with sparkles to your everyday wear.
5. Alpine greens – colours and patterns will take you to the ski slopes, whether you are going or not!
Tuesday 12th September –
Saturday 16th September
It’s time to launch the new autumn collections with our fabulous week of fashion. We will celebrate the female body and empower you to become more body confident whatever your age, shape or size.
There will be a fashion show every day at 11am, showcasing the best of the collections in store and we will offer tips on how to maximise your body potential and mask those areas that you find less appealing.
To reserve your seat, please call the shop on 01480 811333 or email shop@annefurbank.co.uk
Alongside the launch of lifestyle brand, Chalk, this season we are delighted to offer everyone who makes a purchase during our Autumn Fashion Week, one of their hand creams. Made with cocoa and shea butter with vitamin E, it is perfect to keep in your handbag to leave your hands feeling soft and moisturised.
Chalk is a family run, UK business, and you will see more of their gift collection in store. From hand creams, cosy hot water bottles, make up bags, cashmere blend socks and eyemasks. They all make great presents, whether for yourself or friends.
It’s not the only colour but it is a new one that has been absent from the catwalk and our wardrobes for a number of years, and it is great to get it back.
From strong violets to deep plums there is a wide range of hues of purple, which is quite comforting as you can be sure to find one that suits your complexion. Both Gerry Weber and Luisa Cerano have teamed their purple stories with camel, but they are very different in colour tone. Camel is a great colour that really highlights the purple, making it the statement piece.
You can team just about any colour with purple. For a classic look try black or white, for a fun, more funky look, team it with yellow or orange or be truly daring and match green or pink with the purple.
Purple is also a great all year-round colour, the brighter it is the easier it is to mix with light colours for those sunnier autumn days. A buy now, wear now colour.
‘What is the colour of the season?’ is one of the most common questions as we head into another season. That is usually a tricky question to answer as generally speaking there is no one dominant colour. The brands tend to offer up a mix of colours. However, this autumn we can confidently confirm that purple is the colour of the season!
Designers have been inspired by the mountains for decades. Where would we be in our daily lives without a puffa jacket? Think back to ski pants in the ‘80’s and moon boots in the ‘90’s and the influence snowboarding and slopestyle have had on street style fashion. You saw Prada, Armani, Lululemon and Uniqlo all dressing teams in the 2022 Winter Olympics – the slopes became a snowy catwalk.
This sporty, alpine fashion has made it into our everyday lives once again. This season the alpine inspired collections will not only keep you warm and cosy but provide pieces that are joyful and fun.
Cable knits, polo neck underpinnings, patterned sweaters, chunky cardis, boiled wool jackets, skinny cords, warm brushed cottons and velvets and of course, fur trimmed coats and bobble hats!
Add in alpine colours of winter white, tree green, and the odd neon flashes and you can probably get the picture.
As with any form of fashion you can jump whole-heartedly into the full look or take elements from the trend and create your own distinctive look.
For the full warm look don’t forget the trusty Emu sheepskin boots. Bought to keep your feet super cosy and dry whatever the weather and wherever you are. The Pioneer range is a classic Chelsea style boot with added warmth but for the full alpine look try the new Snowy boot and be ready for the chill!
We are not talking about doing your supermarket shop in a full-length evening dress but combine a sequin top with jeans or trousers, add a sequin camisole under a jacket or team a sequin skirt with a sweater and winter boots.
Sequins are an ageless and sizeless fashion that anyone can wear, so no excuses - don your sparkles and shine like the star you are.
1. They date back to Ancient Egypt. In 1922 archaeologists discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb. The body was draped in lavish garments with what was described as gold ‘sequin like disks’ sewn onto them.
2. Leonardo Da Vinci invented a sequin machine. Da Vinci was a prolific inventor and had ideas for many machines that he never got around to building. One of his sketches from the early 1480’s is of a device that would use pulleys and weights to make gold sequins.
3. In the 1930s sequins were made of gelatine from animals because the material could be rolled into sheets and punched into shapes. This was short lived as the gelatine melted in heat and dissolved in water. So wearing a sequin dress in the rain was a disaster!
Yes, it is the ‘Strictly’ season but why wait until you get the invitation to an evening event before adding a bit of sparkle to your wardrobe. Sequins catch the light whether artificial or natural, so make the most of it, and pick up on the trend for daytime sparkle.
So, what can we expect to see this season? Wide leg has been creeping into the collections slowly and there is certainly more of it this autumn. The advantage is they are comfortable and versatile, working for both day and evening. Expect to see high waists and pleated front detailing, particularly on softer, more drapey fabrics.
Boot cut or mini flares, both on jeans and formal trousers, are an alternative to the true wide leg. Expect these to be slimmer at the top of the leg and falling into a wider foot opening. Denim and jersey fabrics work well in these styles.
Despite going into the cooler months, cotton chinos will be around, providing an alternative to a skinny jean but offering a casual daily trouser.
For those hardened followers of skinny trousers, you won’t be disappointed. Trouser trends in 2023 is all about choice, so skinny jeans have been given a reprieve, and will still be available across the collections.
To find your perfect bottom, our ever-popular Trouser Day returns this autumn on Saturday 14th October With a fashion show in store at 11am. To book your seat please call the shop on 01480 811333 or email shop@annefurbank.co.uk
Trousers are a staple in every wardrobe and there is a movement to a wider variety of shapes for this season. It took us a long time to get into the skinny leg shape, but this trend has been around for a long time now and designers recognise the need to offer some alternatives.
Our aim each season is to bring you the very best of wearable, quality, and stylish fashion from across the world. Some brands we have worked with for many years, and we have enjoyed the journey we share but we are always on the lookout for new brands and collections that will fit within our store and give a new, different perspective to fashion.
This autumn we are introducing four new brands to Buckden.
Trine Kryger Simonsen, In Wear, Kinross and Diego M.
Trine Kryger Simonsen is designed in Denmark and produced exclusively in Europe. Launching in 2000, their aim was to produce a long-lasting and sustainable fashion model. It is a sharp, sophisticated collection with an avant-garde touch. Black is it’s signature colour but it is the shapes and textures that make this collection so exciting. Waffle coats, textured long waistcoats, balloon shaped trousers and quirky pieces of knit – it’s not complicated just clever design.
In Wear also from Denmark, the beating heart of Copenhagen, produced a collection this season full of warm coffee and cream tones and good staple pieces for our everyday lives. Pull on trousers, pleated blouses, animal print maxi dresses, cotton sweaters and jersey tops and bottoms. Typical Scandinavian style, simple but effective.
Kinross from the UK shouts quality. The most exquisite cashmere/wool knitted jackets and sweaters in classic styles that will last you for years to come. In colours described as coastal, seal and dune you can conjure up in your mind the gentleness of them. This luxury cashmere collection is small, there are limited pieces, so don’t dilly dally.
Diego M doesn’t hold back on making a statement! This coat collection from Italy is glamorous, functional and warm. Quilted coats which are super warm but do not compromise on style – they are simply fabulous.
Body image is how we perceive ourselves; it is an interpretation of what we create in our minds as to how we look. It may, or may not, bear any relation to how one appears to others. It is subject to all kinds of distortions from early experiences, moods, and emotions. Life events can also play a part, from reaching a big milestone birthday, empty nest syndrome or illnesses, to being thrown into a situation that is new - a new job, having to give a big presentation, becoming the mother of a bride or groom.
Poor body image can affect our confidence, so it is important to take a step back every now and then and think about what the body actually does for us and put body image into perspective. Do your arms let you hold the people you love? Do your legs take you on walks to beautiful places? Do your eyes let you see those beautiful places? Be thankful for what your body does for you.
If you managed to catch up on any of Debbie Daniel’s YouTube videos about body confidence you will see that body image affects all of us in some way or other but the clothes you wear can have a positive effect on your self-esteem.
Debbie talked through her own personal body image concerns and demonstrated how by styling different outfits it changed the way she felt about herself and how that impacted on her confidence.
The clothes you wear can really influence your self-esteem. To the extreme it has been proven that women perform better in a maths test in a sweater than in a swimsuit and a white coat gives people more mental agility.
We have over 40 years’ experience in dressing women of all ages, sizes and with all sorts of body dysmorphia. Fashion is a surprisingly powerful way to boost your confidence. Dopamine dressing is real. When you wear clothes that make you feel confident, happy and empowered, they can act as armour, shielding you from negative feelings and experiences.
It brings us great joy to see a smile on someone’s face when they come out of the fitting room in something they feel good in. The shoulders go back, there is a spring in the step and a sense of joy that fashion brings.
There is no right or wrong in what you wear or how you wear it. What is important is that you feel good in what you wear.
Life throws a lot at us and that can impact our confidence and subsequent body image. The team at Anne Furbank has faced many of life’s challenges so we understand that sometimes we can lose our identity and we know, however trivial or silly it seems, that clothes can help lift our spirits and joy.
Our team alone has lived through 12 marriages (with one about to happen); 26 children, some of whom have flown the nest and one who was lost at too early an age; we’ve grieved for relatives and dear friends; we’ve been mothers of the bride and groom; we’ve reached big birthday milestones, some more welcome than others! Some of us have been treated for cancer, for breakages, for arthritis, and heart health issues. We’ve had christenings and graduations, we’ve hosted parties and enjoyed being guest at many more. We hope our shared experiences help us to help you. 17
We live in a world that has become much more casual when it comes to everyday dressing, and as a result it has become easier to worry about overdressing. However, as Oscar Wilde said ‘You can never be overdressed or overeducated’!
Your mood, before you go out to friends’, or to a party, can influence how the evening goes. If you’re in a bad mood you are less likely to enjoy yourself but if you take time to pick out a great outfit, spend a bit more time on your hair and make-up you immediately feel better in yourself and will enjoy your evening a whole lot more.
With sequins and sparkle spilling over into daywear this season, it is time to up your game when it comes to going out. Whether that is for dinner, on holiday, going
to friends for supper or the joy of a black tie partywhy wouldn’t you want to dress up.
Joseph Ribkoff is a great brand that makes it easy for us to dress up. Continually producing clothes that fit, whatever your shape and size, they are comfortable, glamorous and stylish. They have some wonderful pieces in their collection this season that will certainly boost your confidence and help you enjoy your night out.
For over 65 years the Joseph Ribkoff brand has been an ally to women, driven by the man himself and a dedicated and talented team that continues to produce quality garments that have flair and, most importantly, a great fit. His
One member of that team is Mark Rowe, who has looked after the Joseph Ribkoff brand in the UK for 29 years. We caught up with Mark to discover more about his journey with the brand.
How did you get into fashion?
I started my career in sales, selling printed brochures, postcards etc., until a family friend approached me and asked if I wanted to help at a fashion fair. My Grandmother had fashion stores in Exeter, and I guess
they thought it might be in the blood. I was in my 20s, it was an evening wear brand and all very glamorous. I fell in love with that elegance and glamour and wanted to be a part of this industry. I heard, through a friend, that Joseph Ribkoff was looking for someone to cover the southwest of the country, I applied and then got the job. My area gradually expanded and I now, with a great team on board, cover the whole of the country.
Joseph Ribkoff, as a brand, has come a long way since you started. What was the collection like in the earlier days?
I remember when I started, the ottoman fabrics and ocelot trims made everything so fabulous, there was a great romance to the collection.
What drives your passion for the brand nearly 30 years on?
Joseph Ribkoff (the man) was a great inspiration for me in those early days and, even though he is retired, he still is today. He had total belief in what he was doing. I remember him saying that the most important thing was to look after the customer with great merchandise and good service. The brand has never changed that philosophy. The product has changed over the years, but it still stays true to offering clothes that have an incredible fit, will cover so many different events and is liked by such a broad range of women of all ages. What is there not to love?
You are clearly a driven man yourself; how do you relax?
I find cycling, running, and spinning good switch-off times. I love spending time with the family and more recently I have discovered the joy of reading. I enjoy learning, and reading gives me that, along with escapism, depending on what I am reading at the time.
passion for the brand has been unwavering and, although retired, this passion has been instilled in his devoted team that now operates from the four corners of the world, serving 60 international markets.Mark Rowe (left) Joseph Ribkoff (right)
1. Tea/Coffee – definitely tea.
2. Wine, cocktail or beer? Oooh all of them! No, I do like a Negroni.
3. Hot or cold holiday? That’s tough because I like both but if I had to choose it would be hot.
4. Film or book? Film.
5. Classic or modern car? Classic.
6. Ideal weekend? Family walks and nice meal.
‘Through design, you’re giving a gift to someone. With that potential comes freedom of expression, and maybe that means trying something different.’
‘I love fashion, but I love people more.’
Joseph Ribkoff
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wearing colour and we firmly believe that you should always wear what makes you feel great. However, investigating what colour suits you will help focus your fashion decisions and help you build a colour palette that will make you feel more confident in your outfits.
Wearing bright colours comes with genuine psychological and physiological benefits, boosting your mood and even making you more energetic. Gentle colours have a more calming and relaxing effect.
Most people can wear any colour, it is all about the hue and indeed where you wear it. Closer to your face, choose one of ‘your’ colours as it will light you up and make your eyes ‘pop’. Further down the body, anything goes.
So what skin tone are you and therefore what colours suit you? By working out your skin tone (the combination of skin, hair and eyes), whether you are warm or cool, is the first step of colour analysis. One simple test is to hold a piece of gold fabric or try on a gold necklace under your chin and then do the same with silver. See which shade lights up your complexion. If it is silver, you’re cool, if it is gold you are warm.
Cool skin tones tend to suit clothing with blue undertones. These can be purples, pinks and even greens as long as they have that bluey undertone.
Warm skin tones suit more yellow based colours, browns, oranges, peach, coral and again greens as long as they are on the yellow side of the spectrum.
As we have already said there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to colour but by taking some time to look at yourself it may provide you with the tools to lift your mood, boost your body confidence and inject a renewed joy into your clothing decisions.
You may remember back in Spring 2022 we promised that we would plant a tree for every member of staff and every year that Anne Furbank has been trading. Our mini plantation is now all planted and this year we saw a hint of blossom.
September
Saturday 9th Marc Cain Fashion Show, 11am in store
Tuesday 12th – Saturday 16th Autumn Fashion Week
Saturday 30th Gerry Weber Show
October
Saturday 14th Trouser Day
Saturday 21st In Store fashion show, 11am
November
Saturday 4th In Store fashion show, 11am
Saturday 18th In Store fashion show, 11am
December
Saturday 2nd In store fashion show, 11am
In order to hear about all our events sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.annefurbank.co.uk