STAR DESIGNER WINS FASHION BACKING

A VENTURE capital trust better known for backing burger and burrito chains is getting behind fashionista Alexa Chung’s first solo clothes range.

Pembroke VCT is ploughing over £1m into the model and designer’s business to help her take it global.

The 33-year-old Londoner – who has also designed sold-out collections for AG Jeans and Madewell, and advised Superga, Marks and Spencer and Eyeko – set up the eponymous brand at the beginning of this month. Pembroke invests in young, consumer-focused businesses, and previous targets include the Five Guys burger chain, burrito company Chilango, and bike-light inventor Blaze.

Managing director Andrew Wolfson said: ‘Before investing in any young business, we look for several key traits such as passion, commitment and drive – all of which Alexa embodies.’