Does anyone remember Artigiano?

[gardenmusic]

I am losing hope that I will ever have new clothes.
I am wearing my old Artigiano, old Jaeger, and a little Phase Eight. Then jeans and more jeans.
The quality of the clothing that I bought 10/15 years ago is far superior to anything I am trying now. It all seems clingy and see through.
I need a dress for 'going out' must be midi, and plainish, with sleeves. Proper midi, not knee length.
I am quite big boobed, so no high necks, but I can't fill a very low neck, cut for the larger breasted lady!
I am 5ft 10, size 14.
I think that although I am slightly over weight, I must have a small frame. There seems to be too much fabric! Just tried Alie Street London Heidi dress, which I thought was my style, but it swamped me.
I need clear strong colours. I have fair skin and black/grey hair - I look like Snow White. Her clothes would suit me. I don't want pre worn.
I don't have a budget, I like The Fold, but that is too expensive.
Can anyone help dress this freak of nature, please?
I am trying to laugh, but really I could cry. Many thanks in advance.

M&S sell Jaeger now. I'd try Monsoon if you are small framed and curvy.
You don't sound freaky.

You are sweet Kirsten, I don't think I appear Freaky, it's when I try things on!
I had forgotton Monsoon, I used to wear them years ago.
I am sorry, but I cannot get on with M and S Jaeger. Doesn't fit me like the old Jaeger, and the material is a bit thin for me.

Do you have a local ish dress maker? If you want something so specific if might be your only option.

I've not bought anything new for a long time. I buy second hand. The quality is far better.
I'd look at pre-loved Laura Ashley and Monsoon. Pre-loved M&S, Jaeger, East, Viyella, Boden etc are also worth a look.

For new, I'd try the usual high street shops, but it depends where you are. I'm near London so New Look and the like are good.
Hobb's and Jigsaw would probably be OK.

Current styles are shapeless.

Try searching here:

www.shopstyle.co.uk/

You’re nowhere near a freak & I agree with everything you said. I too am wearing old stuff, some far older than yours, as the quality is SO much better. I’ve virtually given up looking in shops as I was losing the will to live with the fabrics & the styles, they swamp me! Held a couple of dresses up that seemed ok, fitted shape not sack like, & the hems trailed the floor against me. I’m size 14 too, 36GG which seems to be a problem, if they fit the chest the shoulder seams nearly reach my elbows with sleeves , well??? Suppose being only a five foot exactly shorty shanks so if you’re a freak of nature I should be in a circus!! 😂

I remember Artigiano, their clothes were really good quality and not too expensive. For the last few years I have shopped mainly at Peter Hahn, but they don’t operate in the UK now so I’m a bit stuck too!
Kettlewell Colours clothing is very good, and as the name suggests they have a good range of colours, but I find most of their tops do not flatter my rather large tummy area. They have some lovely stuff though!

Thank you all for your replies,
My local dressmaker retired, trying to find another for any alterations.
Laura Ashley, Viyella. East... oh, that's me, that's me!
( actually East is still available, though much curtailed)
I like Hobbs, but most tops are too short for me, I have Hobbs navy midi, but need to wear a bolero as it's sleeveless. I like their trousers.
Taking a look at Shop Style

I don't wear sleeveless tops and dresses.

You could also try John Lewis and the 'back of the colour supplement' advertisers. I appreciate that they might not be 'S&B' favourites but the quality is usually decent (brands like Peter Hahn, Bruar, Woolovers, Joules etc and I would have said Artigiano was one)

I have asked for the Peter Hahn catalogue, -I am better with paper!
I actually like Bruar, but they charge for postage, and returns - it has cost me £9 to try on a jumper!
I have Joules Jacket, and one from Pure, and I am pleased with them.
Woolovers tend to be a bit short in the body for me.
Thanks everyone, keep 'em coming!

Nobody does colours like Kettlewell, but I find them a bit flimsy.

I have a few Artigiano things that are 20 years old. Three coats including a lovely light trench, a long ‘duvet’ coat, and a few tops. I am sad I got rid of some other stuff to be honest.

I’m tall without curves and Me + Em fits me well.

LoreleiG,
I am still wearing their scoop neck T shirts, which must be 15 years old, and a beautiful burgundy faux wrap midi dress with long sleeves that can't be far behind!
They are going to disintegrate!

Why have all the shops I love collapsed??

That dress sounds lovely. I’d love to find a replacement Artigiano. I also have some scoop neck classic tops! They fit so well.

Does Madeleine fit your brief, OP?

https://www.madeleine.com/uk?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwjeuyBhBuEiwAJ3vuoTIn4ccincwJxMZGLoGHnYWCTOJdwDa7sxnp7U68h0sVT96eGdWeshoC_ukQAvD_BwE

BatshitCrazyWoman - Never tried, but I have a feeling I might be lucky - Scandinavian/ German, I think they make clothes for taller women.
I will have a look on line tonight, but hope they send the catalogue, too.

Ooh, I remember Artigano!
I have two pairs of their jeans, 15 years old now, and they are as good as new, they really are.
I'm grateful to read all these other suggestions but nothing, nothing has ever come up to comparison with Artigano, the fit, the quality, how they wash. Perfection.

I wish I had bought more Artigiano when they were around.
That dress still gets compliments.

They are German, I think. And they do send a paper catalogue 🙂

I like Danish brands like Part Two and Soyaconcept as well, which are often available in independent boutiques.

BatshitCrazyWoman, does Madeleine ship to UK?
The clothes look very nice indeed.

@Oneearringlost yes they do.

I loved 2Danes as well! (or was it 3?)
They retired. How dare they!

Thank you, BatshitCrazyWoman. X