Marks & Spencer can do no wrong. After the success of its previous collaborations with Bella Freud, Sienna Miller and Olivia Von Halle comes a new, particularly fashion-forward one with 16Arlington — arriving just in time for party season.
Founded by partners Marco Capaldo and Federica ‘Kikka’ Cavenati in 2017, 16Arlington quickly became the go-to event dressing label for celebs and industry-insiders alike. Showing at London Fashion Week, feathers, sequins and sexy silhouettes became synonymous with the brand, alongside statement accessories — all of which feature throughout this new 43-piece collection.
Cavenati sadly passed away in 2021, and Capaldo has since continued the brand in her honour. Of the partnership with M&S, he commented: "At 16Arlington, we design clothes that women want to wear, pieces that feel bold and take up space. This collaboration let us explore our signatures in a different context: bringing the impact and detail we're known for into everyday moments."
He continued: "The collection is about confidence and personality, empowering, expressive, and made to be worn. Partnering with M&S felt right: they're beautifully British, trusted, and understand good design should be for everyone."
With a campaign fronted by model Georgia May Jagger, the pieces are (unsurprisingly) giving major it-girl energy. However, there is a strong focus on real-life wearability — as both Capaldo and Maddy Evans, director of M&S Woman, understand a high street collection demands. “At the heart of our designer collaborations is a commitment to deliver exceptionally unique products for our customers that infuse fresh creativity into our collections. We aim to seamlessly blend modern design with broad appeal ensuring M&S remains relevant and inspiring. Together with 16Arlington, we’re offering truly special pieces that are made to last and ready for the party.”
So, what pieces are we adding to cart? With prices starting from £35 for a gold ring, and climbing to £300 for a brushed cashmere embellished dress, nothing is going to be around for long.
Personally, I'm eying up the fringed beaded earrings, available in both gold and silver, at £50. Fitted satin shirts with the signature 16Arlington dagger collar, available in both black and lilac, come in at £95. The leather jacket, £280, is to die for, and the pony-skin boots look so much more expensive than their £175 price-tag. See you in the queue...
M&S x 16Arlington launches Thursday 30 October online and in selected stores.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
