M&S’s latest designer collaboration is inspired by its archive

Digging into its archive with help from a London-based streetwear brand, M&S x Aries is among the most unexpected high street designer collaborations of the year. With a distinctly vintage feel and prices starting from £10, it’s selling out fast.Following collections with Bella Freud, 16Arlington, and Olive Von Halle, there’s no denying M&S’s new cool-girl status – only cemented by its latest drop. Taking inspiration from St Michael, a former in-house M&S label, Aries spans baby tees, tote bags, ties and boxer shirts. There’s even a teddy bear keyring (the fashion set’s new alternative to a Labubu). Born in 2009, Aries was founded by designer Sofia Prantera and graphic designer Fergus Purcell. Inspired by the city’s skate culture, the gender-neutral label quickly grew a cult following thanks to its bold graphic prints and anti-establishment slogans. Aries has reworked the iconic St Michael logo, which featured on M&S products throughout the 20th century as a nod to M&S’s founder, Michael Marks. In the collection, the contemporary logo is a standout feature on pointelle tops, a green and black tie, and striped boxers with matching oversized shirts. The M&S’s line is about to introduce both Aries and its St Michael archive to a whole new audience – here’s what I’m shopping. M&SM&SM&SM&SM&S