Selfridges upholds its title for the second time in a row as the best department in the world and Chloe Sevingy says fashion has become a money-making business for her.
The iconic British company beat US favorite, Macy’s, and South African chain, Woolworths for the title.
The award was presented by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores – an association of international shops representing 30 different countries – at the group’s biannual Global Department Store Summit.
Selfridges’ owner, Galen Weston, said, ”The Selfridges brand has gone from strength to strength worldwide, and this prestigious retail award recognizes its true value as a performer and innovator.
”The award criteria represents our highest priorities; a strong profile, successful development and execution of products, stores and service innovation strategies, delivery of outstanding in-store experiences, excellent customer service, and strong financial performance. Receiving this distinction for a second term is very gratifying.”
The company’s managing director, Anne Pitcher, said, ”We are absolutely delighted that Selfridges has again been recognised as the best department store in the world.
”We have had a terrific couple of years since last winning, and it is a tribute to the commitment of our teams that we have been honored with the award again for 2012. As the world’s eyes are on the UK for the summer Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Selfridges looks forward to delivering an extraordinary London experience for our customers from around the globe.”
Selfridges will keep the award until 2014.
The London branch is currently celebrating the Jubilee by hosting a rooftop café serving afternoon tea, a crazy golf space and daily live performances from British artists.
While most people would kill for a seat at a fashion show, the ‘Gummo’ actress has revealed that they are hard work, not pleasure, for her.
She told BBC Radio Four, ”I don’t enjoy going to fashion shows. It’s very high school, it’s very ‘the most popular kids in the front row’, and everybody’s checking everybody else out, and you have to do all this press and get your picture taken. It’s not fun for me – it’s work.”
Style icon Chloe claims she goes to shows in order to support her friends, or if she is ”getting paid”.
Ironically Chloe, 37, initially made her name through her unique sense of style.
She added, ”My style helps me make a lot of money, so it’s kind of important.
”It’s kind of a hobby. I like getting dressed, I like putting myself together. I admire people who put a little effort into their style.
”But as far as my face in the industry, it has been pretty lucrative for me. I think that those companies are interested in me because I don’t work with a stylist – it’s me, myself, it’s my personal style. They can sense that.”
