So that’s why Primark’s dubbed Primani

As the bargain brand gets Vogue’s seal of approval, can YOU tell their clothes from Armani and other top labels costing hundreds more?

IT IS enough to make the most dedicated fashionista splutter over their almond milk latte. For lurking in the glossy depths of style bible Vogue are five pages devoted to… Primark.

The high street clothes chain normally targets budget-conscious shoppers with catwalk styles at bargain prices. But now Primark is showcasing its festive party gear to a decidedly upmarket consumer.

While the fashion brand did pay for the coverage in Vogue’s coveted December edition, the magazine allowed it to be an official Vogue promotion, thereby giving it a seal of approval.

The glossy pages feature a stretch velour dress, a shimmering lame slip and a delicate semi-sheer blouse – all for under £13. A spaghetti-strapped jumpsuit and a sapphire jacket echo Stella McCartney and Balenciaga, while a trouser suit for £40 could easily pass for designer.

Quite a contrast with the Comme des Garcons silk jacquard dress billed elsewhere in Vogue as this season’s must-have – for £9,075.

With prices as low as Primark’s, it’s worth questioning the provenance. For the record, the chain insists its clothes are ethically sourced.

So how do the cut-price outfits measure up?

Fashion expert Karen Kay says: ‘The Primark trouser suit looks fabulous, a versatile piece that is very on-trend for winter 2016. The fabric is surprisingly good quality for a high street suit and the finish is quite good, too.

‘The lace blouse could easily pass for a more expensive label, as the lace doesn’t have a cheap ‘shine’ that some do. It is finished well and hangs well on the body.’

Primark has been described as Primani for its ‘designer’ ambitions, but can you tell which are the bargains and which are designer brands in these pictures?

3.Trendy velvet jumpsuit JUMP TO IT: One slinky jumpsuit comes from Madewell at Net-a-Porter costing £150. The other looks just the same but will set you back only £15 ANSWERS: 1: Armani left, Primark right; 2: Primark left, Claudie Pierlot right; 3:...

5.Lacy top and velvet trousers TOP JOB: These glamorous tops seem identical, yet one is £500 Vilshenko and the other costs £18. The Phillip Lim joggers are £485, Primark’s version set you back £6...

BOMBS AWAY: The bomber from Dion Lee costs an explosive £1,260. Primark’s? A tame £23 4.Cosy bomber jacket