UK: Economic Pressures Force Roman Keflay Into Liquidation

Roman Keflay, the women's fashion label that was a favorite with Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair, has been placed into liquidation.The company, which was set up in 1996, sold evening and daywear wholesale and through its own retail outlet."It is a reflection on the pressures faced by the British fashion industry today," said Alan Clifton, Insolvency Practitioner at chartered accountants Wilkins Kennedy. "The lack of structure in the industry is creating a polarization effect. Designers are starting up but once businesses start to mature, they are unable to keep pace with cash-flow requirements to participate in industry events like British Fashion Week that keep them in the spotlight."Roman Keflay came into the public eye when Cherie Blair wore a chocolate brown silk evening dress by the label to The Lord Mayor's banquet in November 1998. Having noted the designer at British Fashion Week, Mrs Blair ordered the dress on the spot.