London-based brand 16Arlington has outfitted many a star since its launch in 2018. To name but a few: Zendaya, Alexa Chung, Simone Ashley, Alva Claire, Adwoa Aboah, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Ayo Edebiri, Hunter Schafer, Jodie Turner-Smith, Charli xcx and Jisoo (the list goes on). And now creative director Marco Capaldo – who co-founded the brand with his partner in life and work, the late Federica Cavenati, known as Kikka – will welcome a new audience, as he reveals a collaboration with Marks and Spencer.
“It felt really right,” Capaldo tells British Vogue. “M&S has always been present in my world. It’s a brand that my grandparents trusted and loved – when they came over from Italy, it was a space that felt safe for them, and for me.” He continues: “The quality and reliability, and the notion of providing good design for everybody, is what attracted me to work on the project.”
Shop Vogue’s picks
The everyday cardigan
Marks & Spencer X 16Arlington Cashmere Cardigan
Jump to reviewThe knee-high boots
Marks & Spencer X 16Arlington Pointed Toe Boots
Jump to reviewThe sequin midi
Marks & Spencer X 16Arlington Sequin Midi-Skirt
Jump to review
Centred around “foundational wardrobe staples”, Capaldo and his team “played to the strengths” of the retailer – hardy outerwear, tried-and-true knits – and built out a capsule that not only catered to stalwart M&S customers, but introduced them to the spirit of 16Arlington. Signatures including exaggerated collars, feathered flourishes, beaded embroidery, sequins and crystals all feature – a tank dress, for one, is swathed in rhinestones.
“It wasn’t necessarily about creating head-to-toe looks,” he explains. “I wanted to design special staples that kind of elevate the everyday.” The tasselled pencil skirt, leather trousers and pointed-collar shirts deliver this brief.
“For me, the goal wasn’t to create cheaper versions of luxury items, it was to bring a luxury aesthetic and attention to detail to be part of anyone’s wardrobe,” he asserts, noting that the time of year – winter, party season – influenced the direction of his designs. “I’m very excited to see it exist in the real world.”
Ahead of the release online and in stores on 30 October, the British Vogue team tried on the collection at the Marks & Spencer showroom. Scroll on to see their favourite pieces.
The skirt – with a twist
“I can’t say I currently own anything sparkly, so this skirt isn’t something I would typically be drawn to. But I really liked the silhouette and how the sequins gave a matte, metallic finish. Paired with a knit or tee, it makes for a very wearable party piece.” – Lois Adeoshun, fashion assistant
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Faux Fur Jacket
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Satin Shirt
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Pointed Toe Boots
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Embellished Miniskirt
The dark-wash jeans
“Dark-wash jeans should be part of everybody’s capsule wardrobe, and this pair is a must-see. As someone who struggles to find a pair long enough for my legs, the length of these jeans were perfect – even with a heel, they fell at the ideal length. They are also super versatile, easy to dress up or down, from day to night. I paired them with a black knit, which has a subtle flash of sparkle. The fabric was super warm and soft, and I loved how the tassels looked when they hit the light. Great for party season!” – Rosa Weait, fashion assistant
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Drop Earrings
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Cashmere Top
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington High-Waisted Jeans
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Pointed Toe Heel
The everyday cardigan
“This cardigan was so soft and fluffy – the fabric has a lot of stretch to it, which makes it really comfortable. It works good as a top on its own, but also a really great piece to have for winter layering. The collection also features a matching jumper, which makes for a super cute festive twinset.” – Charlotte Rutter, associate fashion editor
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Cashmere Cardigan
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Sequin Midi-Skirt
The sequin dress
“I remember the first time I wore a piece of 16 Arlington, back in 2018, for a Vogue event at the National Portrait gallery. It was a tight silver sequin midi dress with cutout shoulders and long neck tie and it glistened like a disco ball in the street lights. The brand was almost unknown back then, apart from fashion insiders, and I was stopped all night, with people asking me where it was from. I knew the brand would go far. This silver sequin dress is a more minimalist version of that dress and I love it.” – Naomi Smart, shopping director
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Sequin Maxi Dress
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Foldover Clutch
The tailored jacket + longline skirt
“There’s so much to love about this collaboration: Marco’s signature 16Arlington codes meet M&S’s unmistakable quality and craftsmanship, all at a great price. The tailoring is cut with a sharp edge, daywear features silk shirting in the softest of pastels, and eveningwear is flamboyant and sprinkled with sparkle. This precisely tailored jacket and skirt, with a touch of sparkle at the hem, offers a pulled-together look, that takes you from office to evening.” – Laura Ingham, deputy director, global fashion network
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Wool Blazer
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Cashmere Jumper
The leather trousers
“I’ve been looking for a really good pair of black leather style trousers for a long time – basically a pair that has the same cut as jeans with great pocket placement. This pair really delivers. I’ve gone a size up so they slouch on my hips. I’ll wear to the office with trainers and with simple ’90s style heels for dinner.” – Naomi Smart
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Beaded Clutch
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Cashmere T-Shirt
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Leather Trousers
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Open-Toe Heels
The mesh maxi
“There’s nothing I love more than a sparkly maxi dress, and this mesh style looks just as good paired with a blazer and boots as it does layered over tracksuit bottoms.” – Laura Ingham
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Crystal Dress
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Beaded Earrings
Shop more M&S X 16Arlington
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Leather Jacket
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Cashmere Roll-Neck
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Drop Earrings
Marks & Spencer
X 16Arlington Tailored Minidress
