Bring back what we want from the M & S Archive!

[TollgateDebs]

Alexa Chung is not my cup of tea and I am not sure how successful her picks from their fashion archives will be for us mere mortals with lumps and bumps, other than to get them coverage in the fashion press. However, I was thinking why don't they ask us, the general public, what we would like to have available on the shop floor. Airfix, a bit different I know, but popped up on a retro hobby discussion elsewhere, has asked model makers to vote on which kit they would like revived and, when they have sufficient pre-orders, then produce the item, which is already pre-sold, so a win-win.

So, would it not be in M&S's interest to ask us what we would like to see again. Me, flat fronted trousers from an Italian ladies range, about 18-20 years ago, wonderfully flattering, stylish straights, with a wool mix slight stretch fabric. They came in black and navy, front slip pockets, so no gapping at sides, washed brilliantly and would fit in my wardrobe now.

What would you like them to re-issue?

[PrimalLass]

The fab leather ballet flats with the suede toes they did about 10 years ago. £20.

[DialMforMildred]

badgers I agree - it's such a strange, fashion focus group type choice. AC is probably a lovely person in real life but her persona (admittedly I'm 41 and not on Instagram so maybe not her audience!) is quite cool, untouchable, chilly, hipsterish. I didn't think Myleene Klass was a particularly good fit either.

Maybe the point of M&S is that the demographic is too broad for any one celebrity to resonate...

[cressetmama]

I had several jumpers, bought in Kensington High St usually, that were fabulous. A plain black polo shirt style with a very deep placket (to |waist level) and a tobacco tan and black striped Breton style in merino wool spring to mind, both worn out through use. The head of women's knitwear in those days was KIM WINSER, and her current take is called Windser something. She gets women's workwear Unfortunately it's a smaller company and a smaller range, so the prices are higher. I reckon I would be a customer if I had the need these days.

[iMatter]

The View From sports kit was amazing.

I still wear the running tights and waterproof running top even now, probably 15ish years on.

[Piffpaffpoff]

Yes, the old website for a start.

They used to do really good thick Jersey tube skirts in the 90s, they were my office staple. I had a black one, a grey one, a tartan one....every one going really.

And, I had a brilliant pair of £20 cobalt blue suede ballet flats from two years ago, them in a decent colour again please (not coral, as per current offering!)

[SinglePringle]

The original Autograph collection. I bought a black silk sleeveless evening 'blouse'.
Empire line, wide shoulders, deep V over the bust, gentle pin tucking at the end of the V (where it slightly crossed over) & slim fitting over the torso. Sat on my hips.

It cost around £80 and I'd easily pay around £150 for it now.

Classic, flattering, sexy. Men adored it.

[Buttwing]

Noel I had one of those cards when I was at school but mine was navy, I begged and begged for it the cuffs fell off it in the end I wore it for so long.

[SinglePringle]

Oh (and I've not RTFT so assume others are saying it too) but bras that fucking fit a 32f that a young(ish) woman would wear.

Pretty, y'know?!

And even cotton!!

I had some gorgeous white cotton boiderie anglaise balconette bras from them back in the day. And I was a bigger cup size back then...

For the love of god M&S, realise that a 32f IS NOT THAT BIG AND WE DO NOT NEED PADDING.

[cathyandclaire]

I had a wonderful white linen maxi (on me but I'm short) skirt from Per Una in the early days. Ir was beautifully cut, lined and had NO ruffles, bows or whatever else they whack on everything nowadays. I spent all of last summer looking for something similar.
I also had a butter soft black leather straight cut coat from limited collection, or whatever it was called around 2000. It was fabulous, lots of friends bought it too. I haven't bought anything from there apart from cast amounts of food for years.

[Doilooklikeatourist]

I had a lovely grey skirt when Per Una first started

[SuperFlyHigh]

Decent tights (about 8 years ago they ruined the nude ones).

Knickers. Pyjamas.

About 15 years ago (late 1990s/2000) they always did nice tops, tops you could wear to work and go out in... More than one. Really nice and friends often bought same, decent price too. I quite liked their flamingo etc dresses but then they got 'wanted' and the world and his wife wanted one. So make more. Autograph used to be good too. I don't bother with a lot there. And their chocolate tray bakes with raisins and cherries bring back the original ones and they sometimes did a cappuccino cake/Swiss roll, that too. And in food hall sell smaller sizes of your baby Charlotte potato salad like you used to make. I think that's all...

[januarybrown1998]

A bra, just one, that won't set off a metal detector or that has about eight inches of padding.

I was horrified recently, even the so-called T-shirt bras add about fifty sizes onto my bust.

Just do normal ones again, please. Not great styrofoam comedy plates on straps thank you.

[SuperFlyHigh]

cathyandclaire exactly! Time was you could buy a decent leather skirt etc. for a decent price not marked up to the hilt, 2000 was a good year for them.

Don't try to fleece us or sell us tat. And remember 28 backed woman with larger norks (FF, G etc) buy bras - see bravissimo.

[hollinhurst84]

These. Indigo collection, mega comfy and look great in as they have dipped front

[LovelyFriend]

Multipacks of well made seamless knickers in soft cotton, that don't start to fall apart after a few washes like the last couple of packs I have had.

[LovelyFriend]

Lovely thick black tights with different patterns/shapes. They were in between thick opaques and fishnets.

I don't want to wear tartan/checkered tights thanks.

[DialMforMildred]

AND the Agent Provocateur lingerie range - again about 20 years ago. Gorgeous jewel coloured silks with black lace overlay, in deep and flattering cuts, none of the crazy fakeboobery and tacky prints and bows and random jewels they do now.

I also have fond memories of a shantung silk slide they did one summer last century, in lots of different coloured silks. The fashion press loved them, but they were practical and comfortable and desirable in real life too.

[Bunbaker]

The high leg seam free 100% cotton knickers.

[LovelyFriend]

We could have a mn collection at this rate. "Vipers recommend"

[Bunbaker]

"I was horrified recently, even the so-called T-shirt bras add about fifty sizes onto my bust."

But I need them so I don't look like a boy.

[Fairyliz]

Alexa Chung WHY WHY WHY? Do the people in charge of M & S ever actually walk around the store and look at the customers?
Why don't they stop chasing the fashionista and start designing for heir core customers before they all disappear.

[MyrtleMoans]

Decent cotton pants that last longer than a couple of months. Ditto tights (though they have an even shorter life these days). Well cut clothes in natural fibres. Lovely long purple cord skirt I had about 15 years ago.

[christinarossetti]

I regret charity shopping some M & s items that I bought in the '90s as they would still be in today and were such good qualtiy.

Knickers, tights and bras that kept their shape in the wash would do it for me.

[RaisingSteam]

My entire teenage and student years were spent in M&S mens's cardies and baggy jumpers . They still do those though! Or you can get them from Woolovers.

[OverScentedFanjo]

Lovely bra range called "CERISO"
Fitted me perfectly, very pretty and such good support. 2003-4

Forest Fern bath foam and talc.

Limited Colllection. Summer skirt, blue-grey. Gold embroidery. Above knee length. Bought about 9 years ago. Had to throw it out recently, it was very sad.