Feature New Arrivals at the Victoria Quarter

Introducing… exciting new additions to the Victoria Quarter this autumn will add spice to its 20th birthday celebrations

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The sumptuous Victoria Quarter has plenty of reasons to make merry this season – not only are they celebrating 20 years of existence on the 1^st September, there’s also the tantalising news that there will be a handful of new autumn arrivals – helping sustain VQ’s position as Leeds’ most glamorous and exciting place to shop for all things designer.

For those who fancy a little spa or beauty treatment during the lunch break or while browsing the shops at the weekend, then look out for beauty brand Liz Earle opening its doors on Queen Victoria Street in November. Their philosophy centres on “simple, fuss-free, gentle and effective products that are honestly priced” – sounds great to us! There’s also the beautifully bohemian “countryside chic” clothing brand, Joules, who in October will bring their unique, upbeat and colourful designs for women, men, girls and boys to a store on King Edward Street.

For accessories, you can indulge your desires in the quirky Australian accessories shop, Mimco, which will be in County Arcade, also in October – we’re loving their bright and bold kaleidoscope-inspired collection right now. The Whitewall Gallery will also be joining them further down County Arcade – a nice opportunity to browse some fine contemporary artwork while shopping for shoes. And Ted Baker has recently renewed the lease on their existing store, which means we can expect at least another 15 years of their exciting designs.

In addition to all this, Reiss have a new store manager, Maria Stylianou, who has come full circle in the years Victoria Quarter has been open: she first worked there 20 years ago, part-time at the Red or Dead store while studying for a fashion degree at Leeds University’s former art campus, Bretton Hall. Since then she has also worked at the VQ’s Harvey Nichols, Whistles and Vivienne Westwood. “I love working at the Victoria Quarter,” she admits.

Maria’s new managerial appointment at Reiss has only just started, but she’s already very enthusiastic about the brand: ““I love Reiss! They are very successful, yet they don’t rest on their laurels,” she says.

“I’m really excited about the a/w collections coming in to store. They’re awesome. The designs are dynamic, sexy, forward-thinking, yet classic with vintage inspiration – and the quality of the clothes for the price is amazing, to me that says a lot about the brand,” she adds.

And don’t just take her word for it. From Reiss this season, we can expect beautiful shearlings, long maxi dresses and lots of wonderful textures, including lace and leather, and seasonal colours such as gold, grey and magenta.

And Maria is happy to be back in the city: “I love the energy in Leeds and the fact that the city is constantly changing. It’s also a very friendly place, there’s a closeness, with a lot of personal interaction that doesn’t always happen in a lot of big cities,” Maria explains.

“As for VQ, it’s fabulous. A one-stop shopping place with the best stores under one roof, as well as cafes and bars, with a lovely vibe”.

Reiss, 26 – 28 County Arcade, Victoria Quarter, 0113 244 9040, www.reiss.co.uk

Posted on Wednesday 1st September 2010
SH

Victoria Quarter

4 Cross Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6AZ

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