The Big Brands, Boo Hoo, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Patra, Who, What, When?

  I was looking for something summery and light to wear when giving a speech to Harrovians Speakers Club in London.



My basic piece was my colourful skirt. I love the colours, the feeling of luxury.

The Patra Silk Skirt

Light weight. Pure silk.

Label Patra. UK. Half length black underskirt. 

UK Patra started in 1964/5 as a specialist in silk clothing in North London, started by a Mrs Patra who imported silk from India, later from China. 

The USA has a different company confusingly called Patra specialising in evening clothes.

Patra Skirt Style

Cut diagonally in forward slash and backlash in several pieces. 

The Silk Mix Orange Top From Patra

Also from Patra. Lace up centre front. 8 loops. Size large. 55 % silk, 45% cotton. 

Label Dorothy Perkins 

Pale Pink Polyester Blouse

Sleeveless. Size 16. Made in Romania. 100 % Polyester. Black collar. Very light for a summer heatwave.

The Label Dorothy Perkins

Back in the Sixties in Edgware Dorothy Perkins shops sold simple, affordable clothes. The name Dorothy seemed to be from an earlier time, my mother's youth in the 1940s. However, when I checked on Wikipedia, the company was founded even earlier.  

A little investigation reveals that the name came from a rose, the rose and rustic design being used in the shopfronts and advertising. But where did the rose get its name?

Now the range is wider and the shops are worldwide. Despite numerous takeovers the name has survived. I was amazed to see a Dorothy Perkins outlet in Singapore on 2024.

Kim & Co Bright Pink Vest

Sleeveless vest. One of a pair in pink.  I have another pair in yellow. They are so soft and stretchy, so comfortable. And colourful. I would buy more in red, orange, blue, green, if they were available. Maybe I should write and tell them so.


Useful Websites About Favourite Modern & Vintage Clothing Brands UK & Worldwide

Dorothy Perkins

Dorothyperkins.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Perkins

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debenhams_Group

https://buildingourpast.com/2020/11/28/the-story-of-dorothy-perkins/

Patra Clothes, UK

Orange Patra top on ebay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=patra

https://www.linkedin.com/company/patra-selections-ltd/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://blog.patra.com/2026/01/29/celebrating-60-years-of-patra-a-final-chapter-in-a-remarkable-journey/

Update Jan 2026

https://homeofdirectcommerce.com/news/patra-website-closed-for-future-orders/

Patra USA

https://usa.globaldatabase.com/company/new-york/patra-ltd

Kim & Co

https://en.everybodywiki.com/Kim_%26_Co.#google_vignette

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