... as LK Bennett finally crumbles

UPMARKET fashion chain LK Bennett has gone into administration in a further sign of the crisis crippling the high street.

The collapse of the retailer – a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge – has put almost 500 jobs at risk.

It immediately closed five of its 39 stores, in Sheffield, Bristol, Liverpool and London’s Brent Cross and Westbourne Grove, leading to 55 job losses.

Entrepreneur Linda Bennett, 56, grew LK Bennett from a single shop in Wimbledon. The retailer, founded in 1990, has become famous for its kitten heels and luxury handbags which have been hugely popular with Kate Middleton and celebrities including Holly Willoughby, Andie MacDowell and Amal Clooney.

But it has now gone into administration after plunging to a £5.9million loss. Trading in LK Bennett’s remaining stores will continue as normal but its website has been closed temporarily.

Dan Hurd, joint administrator at financial firm EY, said it was hoping to find a buyer for LK Bennett.