George Davies (retailer)

George Davies (born 1941) is a British fashion retailer who headed Next from its creation in the 1980s, and founded the fashion label 'George at Asda' in the 1990s. Subsequently, he has also produced the successful Per Una fashion collection, launched in September 2001 at Marks & Spencer stores.

Per Una symbolizes Davies' aspirations for a clothing collection to suit all the needs of modern women. All items include the three hearts logo, which was inspired by a postcard he saw on holiday. With Italy as a major influence in feel, quality and studio location, "per una" simply means "for one" (woman) in Italian.

The collection combines fashion with lifestyle thus creating a range that appeals to a wide range of women. Davies invested financially in the project. He has commented: "Per Una is a bit of an obsession for me really, but I truly love it. The work is something that I just have to do."

Biography

* 1941 – Born in Crosby, Liverpool
* 1967 – Leaves his dentistry degree at the University of Birmingham, to start his career as a buyer for Littlewoods
* 1972 – Starts his own company, 'Schoolcare'
* 1982 – Launches the retail chain, 'Next'
* 1990 – Launches the clothing label, 'George at Asda'
* 2000 – Resigns from Asda after takeover by Walmart
* 2001 – Per Una label for Marks & Spencer launches on September 28
* 2002 – Per Una to franchise stores launched around the world, M&S retains exclusive UK rights
* 2002 – Launches Collezione Italia, a collection designed in Italy
* 2004 – Launches Per Una Due, a younger version of Per Una
* 2004 – Launches Per Una Beauty - Fragrance and Cosmetics
* 2005 – Marks & Spencer buys rights to the Per Una brand
* 2005 – Resigns as head of Per Una
* 2005 – Reverses decision to quit Per Una and returns as consultant until September 2006

Awards and honours

* 1987 – Wood Mackenzie Retailer of Year
* 1987 – FRSA (Fellow Royal Society of Arts)
* 1988 – Marketing Personality of Year
* 1988 – Senior Fellow Royal College of Art
* 1989 – Hon DBA Liverpool Polytechnic (now Liverpool John Moores University)
* 1992 – Had his first son, George
* 1993 – Had his second son, Barnaby
* 2002 – Hon DDes Middlesex University
* 2003 – Drapers Record Lifetime Achievement Award
* 2004
** April – Honorary Fellowship of the Society of Dyers and Colourists
** May – Forum Award from TextilWirtschaft Magazine
** September – Blueprint Designer behind the Brand National Portrait Gallery
** September – Prima Award 'Designer of the Decade'
* 2005 – Hon DCL Northumbria University
* 2007
** October – 6th in S'porter skittles tournament despite stepping over the line on every shot.

* Undated – Doctor of Letters, Heriot-Watt University

References

* [http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/capital-of-culture/capital-of-culture-liverpool-news/2008/05/14/fashion-icon-george-davies-i-m-scouse-and-proud-of-it-100252-20907592/ 14th May 2008 Liverpool Echo interview]