A British fashion label beloved by the Princess of Wales is closing down.
Eponine London has announced its “AW25” collection will be its last before the studio doors are shut for good.
The London-based brand, founded in 2011 by Jet Shenkman, rose to prominence in 2016 when the Princess of Wales stepped out in a gingham skirt suit by the designer. Since then, the brand has become a favourite of the Princess.
She has worn several pieces from a number of collections for royal appearances and public engagements.
The Princess of Wales wears an Eponine creation to attend an event in Soho in 2023 – Max Mumby
Jet Shenkman established Eponine in the basement of her Kensington home in West London, and the brand became known for its spin on vintage 1950s and 1960s silhouettes with bold patterns and colours.
Announcing the closure, the brand’s statement read: “It has been the most wonderful journey, full of highs that I could never have dreamed of, but the time has come for us to close our doors in pursuit of pastures new.”
Ms Shenkman told The Telegraph that the decline of occasion-wear since the pandemic and fewer people having nights out had contributed to her decision.
She said: “To dress someone like the Princess of Wales is one of the most wonderful gifts I have received. It is going to be the best story to tell my granddaughters when they grow up.
“I hope that she will continue to make a difference. It gave us a stage that we could never have dreamed of.”
The then Duchess of Cambridge dresses in Eponine for a West End play in 2020 – REUTERS/Simon Dawson
After the Princess began wearing the bespoke outfits, Ms Shenkman said the company became “inundated” with new interest.
Ms Shenkman previously spoke of how the Princess’s patronage elevated the label. She told People: “It literally changed our business overnight. We never, ever take it for granted – it really is just the biggest compliment for us and we feel so grateful.”
The stylist said she had no idea how the Princess of Wales discovered the brand but that she had always been a dream client of hers.
The Princess was first pictured in Eponine in 2016 when she wore a £1,200 red and white gingham skirt suit for a visit to the XLP project at London Wall.
She was also pictured in the brand for visits to the theatre, to the National Portrait Gallery and Christmas carol services.
The Princess of Wales wears her favourite label to attend the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey in 2022 – Samir Hussein
The Princess of Wales wore a burgundy coat-dress from the label for an appearance at St David’s Cathedral on the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Princess Eugenie was also a fan of the London label and wore a red dress for the late Queen’s 90th birthday celebration in 2016.
Ms Shenkman released a statement on Instagram to announce the closure. It read: “This feels surreal to write after 15 years of business, but I wanted to tell you that AW25 will be our last Eponine collection.
“I wanted to write to thank you so very much for your support over the years. Your kind words, enthusiasm for our collections and interest in the world of Eponine has been hugely touching and I’ll always be grateful to each one of you.⁠
Jet Shenkman said having the Princess of Wales wear her clothes ‘gave us a stage that we could never have dreamed of’ – Rii Schroer
“We will close the studio doors for the last time at the end of the year.⁠ Do keep an eye on our feed – some new ideas are forming which I will share in due course. For now, we’re going to celebrate 15 years of Eponine in images. It all started in a tiny room in the basement of my home in Kensington…”
Just weeks ago ⁠Samantha Cameron announced her fashion label, Cefinn, would be winding down after eight years.
The wife of the former prime minister, Lord Cameron, blamed the upcoming closure on difficult trading conditions, rising costs, and international trade restrictions.
