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Dorothy Perkins began life as Ladies Hosiery and Underwear Limited.
Dorothy Perkins expanded to 12 shops. The impressively priced five-shilling (25 pence) blouses and range of knitwear were introduced, laying the foundations of the Dorothy Perkins value for money proposition.
The 'roaring twenties' or 'jazz age' began.
Hollywood arrives! Dresses became more streamlined, elegant and reach the floor as they try to emulate Hollywood icons such as Mae West and their hourglass figures.
The trading name 'Dorothy Perkins' was adopted, suggested by the wife of the director and inspired by the name of the classic rambling rose. At the outbreak of the Second World War Dorothy Perkins was trading from 75 shops.
The fifties bring with it a previously unknown invention - the 'teenager' is born. Jeans became hugely popular as do prints, polka dots and ponytails! Twirly skirts became the only thing to dance in to the new music, known as Rock 'n' Roll.
Dorothy Perkins opened its 250th shop, and there was a Dorothy Perkins on most British high streets. Cash registers were also introduced in all stores.
Beginning a six year working relationship with Biba, Dorothy Perkins bought a controlling stake in the famous clothes company. Dorothy Perkins sells Biba make-up from its own stores and funded the opening of 'Big Biba', an iconic store on Kensington High Street.
Dorothy Perkins acquired its first store on the most famous shopping street of them all - Oxford Street, London. This store was the largest Dorothy Perkins.
Dorothy Perkins was bought by the Burton Group.
Big hair and New Romantics take off as does Diana mania as the princess became an international fashion icon. Glitz was everywhere!
The 'Secrets' lingerie and nightwear range was introduced in Dorothy Perkins and was an instant hit.
The Dorothy Perkins Account Card was launched.
The Dorothy Perkins 'Maternity' range was rolled out in selected city stores. The range offered expectant mothers fashionable, affordable and comfortable maternity clothing in sizes 8-20.
Dorothy Perkins were one of the first companies to harness the power of celebrity by choosing Helena Christensen as the 'face' of Dorothy Perkins. The strapline at the time was 'where you can afford to look good'.
Yasmin Le Bon joined Helena Christensen as another 'face' of Dorothy Perkins.
The Burton Group Plc. became Arcadia Group Plc. Dorothy Perkins was now part of the same family as Burton, Evans, Hawkshead, Principles, Racing Green, Topshop and Topman. The 'Petite' range was introduced into selected stores, offering women 5ft 3in and under a collection to fit and flatter them.
An online shopping facility was launched at www.dorothyperkins.com where customers could shop Dorothy Perkins 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The noughties had been all about revivals. Vintage clothes were enjoying resurgence, and trends as diverse as Boho, Military, Preppy and Tailoring had all been huge. Plus the brand celebrated the return of the all-conquering jean!
A 'Tall' range was launched in selected stores for women 5ft 8in and over, made up of specially designed pieces for the taller woman, as well as adapted trends from the core Dorothy Perkins range.
Philip Green, owner of Bhs, purchased the Arcadia Group Plc.
The Dorothy Perkins 15,000 foot flagship store opened in London.
Today, Dorothy Perkins has over 600 UK stores, 52 international outlets in countries including Spain, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Turkey and Singapore, as well as the largest store dorothyperkins.com