Lucia to deliver capsule range

Lucia, which filed for insolvency in March, will deliver some of its stock for autumn 08 after it was bought by German knitwear specialist Rabe earlier this month.

However, the German mainstream womenswear brand, which has 230 UK stockists, will only deliver a quarter of its usual 450-piece collection.

Jenny Sutton, head of Lucia's UK office, said it had created a capsule collection for autumn featuring about 110 styles. She said: "We will produce the best-selling styles from four groups. We are asking retailers to trust our judgment for autumn 08. Things will be back to normal by spring 09 with a full collection."

Sutton added: "It is unfortunate that we cannot make all the orders, but customers are delighted that we are producing a collection, and are happy to have a continuation of the brand."

Lucia filed for insolvency in the German courts in March. It is understood to have had delivery difficulties, which caused cash flow problems. It is also thought that Lucia has suffered as independent retailers reach retirement and cash-in by selling their properties and closing stores.

Rabe bought the Lucia brand name and sister label LeComte for an undisclosed sum two weeks ago.