"Dragons"-backed Hope & Ivy launches in Topshop and adds bridal range
Hope & Ivy, the contemporary women's brand backed by Dragon's Den duo Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden, will make its debut in Topshop Oxford Circus this weekend and is set to unveil an affordable bridal range.
The Hope & Ivy brand forms part of the Iveson and Sage umbrella business, which was founded in 2015 by entrepreneurs Beth Chilton and Sarah Sleightholm. The pair appeared on the BBC 2 investment pitch programme last April and secured £75,000 from the two longest-standing "Dragons" Jones and Meaden.
Turnover in the first year has hit £1m for the range which is available on its own website and at ecommerce giant ASOS.com. This weekend its distribution extends further with a capsule collection of bohemian inspired printed and lace dresses and separates to be sold at Topshop Oxford Circus and at Topshop.com. It is also launching an affordable bridal range, which is a burgeoning market, with price points ranging from £70 - £200.
On investing in the business Meaden said. "We knew that Beth and Sarah were onto a winner when we started to explore the product. But it was the girls themselves that really impressed us – you sometimes meet people you know are going to be successful no matter what." While Jones described their performance as "remarkable" in a "fiercely competitive" market.
Hope & Ivy's main collection offers a contemporary take on occasion-wear with a range of dresses, jumpsuits and separates often with floral prints and embellishment. Prices for the mainline range from £65 for an appliqué top to £160 for an embroidered dress.
