Register to Drapers to read ONE FREE article and a FREE digital edition

Register now
You can use WP menu builder to build menus

Register to Drapers to read ONE FREE article and a FREE digital edition

Register now

French Connection

French Connection was founded in 1972 by Stephen Marks in London, with the aim offering affordable fashion with a contemporary edge. The company listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1984 and expanded rapidly, reaching more than 150 stores globally at its peak. The provocative “FCUK” campaign in the late 1990s boosted brand visibility worldwide. Facing declining sales from the mid-2000s, French Connection restructured and reduced its store footprint. In 2021, Marks led a £29m buyout alongside Apinder Singh Ghura and other investors, taking the company private. Today, French Connection operates around 30 UK stores with a focus on wholesale and licensing.

News

Exclusive
French Connection

French Connection signs new US licensing partner

French Connection Group has signed a new licensing agreement with G-III Apparel Group to develop and distribute men’s and women's clothing and selected accessories across North America, effective 1 February, Drapers can reveal.

Exclusive
French-Connection-AW25-3X2-492x328.webp

French Connection names new ecommerce head

LK Bennett head of digital Amy Booth has joined French Connection as head of ecommerce, Drapers can reveal.

French Connection campaign image Sep 2025

French Connection readies Welsh outlet store

French Connection is set to open a new store at Bridgend Designer Outlet Centre in Wales on 13 September.

UK High Street

Fashion retail scores bumper bank holiday

UK retailers tell Drapers of strong trade over the bank holiday weekend, with several businesses enjoying an increase in sales.

YMC-French-Connection-492x328.webp

YMC bought back from French Connection by co-founder

Jimmy Collins, the CEO and co-founder of YMC, also known as You Must Create, has bought back the majority shares in the London-based brand held by French Connection founder Stephen Marks.

Exclusive
French-Connection-AW24-492x328.jpg

French Connection ramps up store expansion amid new Very deal

French Connection is set to launch on digital retailer Very for the AW24 season as it ramps up its store expansion across the UK, Drapers can exclusively reveal.

See More

Analysis and commentary

See More
Advertisement

Get full access to all the fashion industry news and intelligence you need

Subscribe today
COPYRIGHT © 2026 EMAP PUBLISHING LIMITED