Pant suits, military-style coats and sporty clothing in an era of high heels and artfully teased hairdos they were nothing short of a sensation. It was Daniel Hechter who in 1962 first introduced them to the catwalks and then the shops of Paris.

His vision: Creative fashion should not be a privilege reserved for a small group of elite who can afford haute couture and live in a world of sparkling events. On the contrary, his credo was that creative fashion must be both affordable and wearable.

It must pick up on new trends and developments, incorporating them into pieces appropriate for the target group. It must offer millions of women exactly what they all dream of: beautiful clothing with a perfect fit and an affordable price tag.