JEAN MUIR ANNOUNCEMENT: 19 JANUARY 2007

The directors of Jean Muir Limited regret to announce that the company is to close and is currently in the process of an orderly wind down.

The company was established by the late Jean Muir in 1966 and her signature brand of ‘wholesale couture’ quickly achieved iconic status and an international reputation for stylish innovation and British excellence that was recognised and celebrated in both America and France. Known for upholding meticulous standards Jean Muir crafted clothes with an intrinsic femininity and timelessness. Her work in matte jersey, and particularly her jersey dresses, made her name legendary – the French even awarded her the title ‘La Reine de la Robe’.

Since her death in 1995 the company has continued under the directorship of Muir’s husband, Harry Leuckert, opening its first stand alone shop in London’s Conduit Street in 2004.

In a statement issued today, Harry Leuckert comments: “It is with great regret and sadness that I am making this announcement. For the past decade I have enjoyed watching a great team continue the work of Jean Muir and I am pleased with the exceptional success of our own shop. But there comes a time when a company needs to grow and for us I felt we should take the retail route based on the success of the Conduit Street shop. This, of course, requires substantial outside investment and as we have not been able to come to any agreement with interested parties, we have decided on the current course of action.”

London based advisors Harris Lipman have been appointed to handle the proceedings and the implementation of a company voluntary arrangement.

The Jean Muir shop at 48 Conduit Street, London W1, will continue to trade stocking the final collection, Spring/Summer 2007.

Harry Leuckert concludes: “Jean Muir is, and will remain, one of Britain’s most eminent and brilliant designers. I wish to thank all those who have so loyally supported this company throughout its forty year history – our staff, suppliers and customers alike.

I am particularly proud of the fact that the complete Jean Muir archive donated to the National Museums of Scotland in April 2005 will represent one of the largest collections of one designer’s work anywhere in the world. It will be open to the public in the near future. Another tribute is the recently published book ‘Jean Muir: Beyond Fashion’, which celebrates the wonderful company heritage. All of this will ensure that the Jean Muir name will continue to inspire and inform.”

continue to jeanmuir.co.uk