Independent fashion brand Closet London has entered voluntary liquidation, concluding nearly 30 years of operation. The move follows the appointment of insolvency experts Coots & Boots to manage the process.
On Monday 21st July, directors of the company named Duncan Coutts and Rupen Patel of Coots & Boots as joint liquidators to oversee the winding-up of the business.
The appointment was subsequently approved by the brand’s creditors, granting the insolvency firm the legal right to proceed with liquidation activities.
Since its founding in 1996, Closet London earned recognition for its bold aesthetic, sleek tailoring, and locally crafted designs—cultivating a loyal clientele across the UK and abroad.
Although the company experienced robust online performance during the pandemic, it was unable to recover in a post-COVID retail market marked by shifting consumer habits and economic headwinds.
According to the directors, the business faced insurmountable challenges stemming from Brexit-related supply chain disruptions, industry-wide cost pressures, and erratic seasonal demand. These issues made long-term operations unsustainable.
At the point of liquidation, the business held limited assets, including a small amount of clothing inventory and production machinery—both of which were deemed to hold low resale value.
Joint liquidator Rupen Patel of Coots & Boots noted:
“Closet London has been a bold and distinctive presence in British fashion for nearly 30 years. While the business could not withstand today’s retail pressures, its design legacy endures. Our role now is to ensure an orderly wind-down in the best interests of all stakeholders.”
In 2015, the brand underwent a rebranding initiative aimed at enhancing its London-centric image and global appeal. Its signature collections featured premium materials sourced from European mills such as Ratti and Deveaux.
The label produced nine limited-edition collections each year, with a design focus on statement pieces such as wrap dresses, midi lengths, and fitted occasionwear.
Its Closet Cares programme reflected a commitment to sustainability, incorporating environmentally responsible fabrics like organic cotton, ECOVERO viscose, and recycled fibres.
Though widely applauded for quality and style, the brand received mixed customer feedback regarding its returns process and international service—some shoppers reported delayed communication and refund times.
Despite operational hurdles, Closet London remained a go-to destination for bold, British-designed womenswear. Its closure draws a close to nearly thirty years of fashion innovation within the UK’s independent retail scene.
