Albaray's red prairie dress is a must-have for the spring season
It's all too easy to rely on the same high street stores time and time again, which is why we consider it our duty to flag a new favourite whenever we've tested up-and-coming brands.
Up this month for Red Shops is Albaray. We know, we know, nothing new to fashion-savvy Red readers – our editor Sarah Tomczak has regularly championed the brand – but it has turned a corner as of late. Basically, thanks to stockists like M&S, Next and John Lewis, plus an increased celebrity fanbase, Albaray has gone from under-the-radar to household name in 2023.
Founded in 2020, Abaray is the brainchild of friends and industry insiders Paula Stewart, Karen Peacock and Kirstie Di Stazio; who pressed pause on their fashion jobs in the midst of lockdown to pursue starting a sustainable brand.
Albaray is sustainable in its methods, yes, but it's the dedication to creation timeless clothing that also upholds these eco-conscious morals. Basically, if your purchase sits outside of the cyclical trend bubble and survives more than few seasons – Eco Ages's Livia Firth defined #30wears as an appropriate marker – you're halfway there.
With this in mind, we just had to flag the brand's midi dress for March's edition of Red Shops. Albaray had us at the scarlet-red colourway, but it's also the midi's prarie-inspired shape and folksy wood-block prints that feel totally one of a kind. Then you factor in the sustainable cotton and super affordable price tag and this one feels like a no brainer.
Clearly we're not alone in this thinking: Isabel Spearman has selected the number for her cult Daily Dress Edit on Instagram. We were totally inspired by her styling of this number: she underpinned it with a black roll-neck and knee high boots for the current weather, layered it with a knitted tank for spring, and stripped it down with sandals and a straw bag for warmer climes.
If you're on the fence about treating yourself to this ruffled midi, let us remind you of how quickly Albaray goodies go. Just last month, Holly Willoughby wore the brand's denim dress to present This Morning and it promptly sold out.
And, why not add the matching blouse to your basket while you're at it?
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