HEPBURN’S SWEATER SHOP CLOSES AFTER 60 YEARS

FRENCH fashion house Sonia Rykiel has gone bust after failing to find a buyer.

The firm, which was made famous by iconic film star Audrey Hepburn, has filed for liquidation almost 60 years after it was founded.

Sonia Rykiel set up the label after hiring an Italian supplier to design a figure-hugging sweater. Hepburn liked the garment so much – which later became known as the Poor Boy Sweater – she bought 14 in every colour, helping to put the group firmly on the fashion industry’s radar.

Rykiel, who was known for her distinctive bright red hair and heavy fringe, died two years ago from Parkinson’s disease at the age of 86.

She was dubbed the ‘Queen of Knits’ after being credited with popularising the sweater for women.

It was bought by First Heritage Brands seven years ago, an investment firm backed by Hong Kong billionaire brothers Victor and William Fung. Despite investment and costcutting, it continued to make a loss. Head designer Julie de Libran quit in March and it shut stores in New York and London a month later.