Laura Ashley chief executive to step down on Feb 1 Jan 8, 2005
The company also admitted that its top designer Alistair Blair, schooled at Dior and Givenchy and touted by Laura Ashley as the saviour of its fashion business, had left late last year by mutual consent. . (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
'Massluxe,' the buzz on high street Sep 23, 2004
This autumn upon hearing that Alistair Blair, a designer who spent years working for Karl Lagerfeld and Givenchy and Dior Couture in Paris, had taken over as design director at Laura Ashley, she was compelled to look again. "What amazed me," she says, "is that the clothes I saw had true designer quality. They have the same ethos as, dare I say it, Burberry, but at a fraction of the price. Blair is a tailoring man. He knows how to cut a sleeve. I would never buy a high street coat normally, but... (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Homewares furnish Laura Ashley cheer Apr 25, 2004
It added that it was pinning its hopes for clothing on its recently recruited fashion designer Alistair Blair, formerly of Christian Dior and Valentino and whose first collection was beginning to arrive in the chain s stores. Seymour Pierce, the broker, praised Mr Blair s efforts, crediting his drive to improve quality while utilising the Laura Ashley trademark print. (Google News UK -- Business)
ic NorthWales Apr 25, 2004
It added it was confident that its new range of clothes by its new principal designer Alistair Blair would be a success. Commenting on the results, Ainum Mohd-Saaid, joint chief executive officer, said: "We are encouraged by our performance this year. Now that we have rationalised our European operations, our cost base is substantially lower. Cost control continues to be a priority. We have stabilised the business and expect a better performance in the current year.". (Google News UK -- Business)
Tell Laura I'll Save Her Apr 25, 2004
Alistair Blair, 47, who has dressed Princess Diana and Whitney Houston, is heading the design team at the traditional English firm. And his masterplan is to bring back the floral prints and flowing feminine dresses that were once the Laura Ashley trademark. (Google News UK -- Business)
