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A prominent high street fashion retailer, whose admirers are said to include the Princess of Wales and former Prime Minister Theresa May, has shut down its website after falling into administration.

• LK Bennett was established in the 1990s, initially selling shoes before expanding its offering to include clothing and accessories such as handbags. The brand described itself as "the British affordable luxury brand" and was founded by Linda Bennett in London "with the vision of bringing a bit of Bond Street luxury to the High Street".
• In 2012, it launched a flagship store in Manhattan after the so-called "Kate effect" was credited with having "propelled the quintessentially British brand" to prominence across the Atlantic. Tony DiMasso, who served as president of LK Bennett at the time and was also a former chief operations officer at Jimmy Choo, stated: "Kate Middleton is an elegant lady, she wears our clothing and our shoes very well, and the American public are infatuated with her, which has definitely helped us, being new to the American market."
• But in December, the firm, which employs approximately 280 members of staff, filed for administration, marking the second occasion in six years that it teetered on the brink of collapse. Back in 2019, the business entered administration after its owners failed to secure a new financial backer, and was subsequently purchased out of insolvency by its Chinese franchise partner, who saw off competition from Sports Direct's Mike Ashley. In January this year, the premium brand filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the High Court.
• Last week, LK Bennett announced its website would shut within days and that it would launch its "biggest offer ever" for customers to snap up last-minute bargains. This followed the high street favourite beginning to close its shops earlier this year.
• Earlier this week, final sales were under way, with the price of its products slashed by at least 80%. The retailer also confirmed an online exclusive sale of up to 90% off its high-end dresses, shoes and accessories, giving shoppers the chance to secure last-minute deals.
• The website now displays only a large banner reading, in white lettering on a black background: "Website and phone orders have now ended." Information on the site states that "if you have placed an order this will still be processed as normal".

According to its website, the chain operates nine stores, predominantly in and around London, along with seven concessions further afield, including two in Dublin.