In light of Morgan Clare’s 25th Birthday, the MC team have been reminiscing over our fashion history. And we thought that sharing it with our customers would be the perfect way to commemorate such a special day.

Morgan Clare’s very name is originally created from the middle names of its founding owners. Martin Morgan and Sue Clare were originally merchandisers and buyers for M&S, when they decided they wanted to grow a business for themselves. Firstly, they performed research on which were the best areas to consider for a luxury fashion boutique and decided on the North Yorkshire Spa town of Harrogate.

The shop was originally half the size that it is today, and stocked only British designers such as Paul Smith, Whistles, Mr and Mrs Smith and Queene and Belle. Queene and Belle is one of the only brands Morgan Clare still stocks today, and we have a particular fondness for those we have had such a longstanding relationship with.

In time, the store expanded, as did the plethora of brands stocked. The store moved away from only carrying British brands and introduced other designers from all over the world. Our own buyers Emma and Lucy began as Saturday girls on the shop floor and worked their way up to who they are today.

The store originally had a much more departmental feel that featured a larger stock of formalwear. Now our buyers work tirelessly to find a happy medium and balance our brands to showcase pieces from all areas of fashion, with pieces that appeal to all tastes and styles. The idea being that with us, you can dress for any occasion.

The business then changed hands to our lovely current owner Paula, who took over Morgan Clare from its previous owners. We pride ourselves on continuing to deliver the best customer service possible, and from those very first moments of expansion to the current day we understand how unique an independent designer store like ours is. We always strive to provide outstanding service and are proud of the relationships we have created with our customers. Our personal shopping is just one example of this, an experience we encourage all customers to try at least once. It is a great way of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and building up your wardrobe with collections of items completely tailored to you and your style. With the launch of our new website and the introduction of virtual styling, shopping has never been so easy.

In the summer of 2022, Morgan Clare has undergone a much needed rebrand. Much like the fashion industry itself, we are constantly looking for new ways to evolve and a rebrand of the business was the perfect way to take a modern-day step in the right direction. Continuing down our path of change and new improvements, towards the end of the year we have completely re-designed our website. This new site is more user-friendly, both in design and utilities. With added services like our virtual styling and bookable appointments, we hope this will encourage our customers to enjoy all MC has to offer from wherever you are.

To say thank you for all of the love our customers have shown over the years, Morgan Clare held a 25-year anniversary event after hours instore, to celebrate such an unforgettable quarter of a century.

On the 1st November from 5-7pm, our Harrogate store opened its doors for an evening of cocktails and street food from our favourite traditionally Italian restaurant Stuzzi. Customers both loyal and new joined us in reminiscing about the past, and our excitement about the future whilst browsing our latest pieces for the Autumn/Winter season and newest brand arrivals.

Thank you for your continuous support over the years, here’s to the next 25 years!