A DESIGNER renowned for his eclectic occasion wear has decided to close his flagship Huddersfield store.

Kevan Jon, whose striking evening dresses often grace the red carpet at celebrity events, is shutting his Trinity Street shop after 14 years in business.

Kevan, of Lindley, announced the move despite business continuing to boom in the wholesale division of his company.

He said the recent downturn in retail sales on the high street and growing competition from Internet shopping has led to the decision to close the womenswear outlet.

Kevan, who taught fashion at Huddersfield University, said: “I am very sad that the retail division in Huddersfield has to close.

“For me it’s particularly upsetting as this week marks 18 years since I set up the business and it all started in Huddersfield.

“I am not saying we won’t have the shop again, but in the current economic climate I need to concentrate on what’s best for moving the company forward and at the moment that’s the wholesale side.

“My designs are still in demand and it’s not the case that tastes have changed. It’s just been an incredibly tough time for fashion retail and like many shops we’ve suffered.

“We buy a lot of labels in from other designers and we’ve found that people may try things on, but then they’ll go and shop around online.

“As a designer it has also been difficult to offer a personal service because I’m busy trying to run the two divisions.”

Instead of continuing to pour money into an empty shop with costly overheads, Kevan made the tough decision to close it.

But the move severs the company’s long-standing tie to the town.

The designer, also known as Kevan Aspinall, studied fashion and design at Dewsbury College before completing his education at Epsom College of Art.

He later went back to teach at his old college in Dewsbury and spent two years teaching textile students at Huddersfield University, still employing graduates from there today.

Kevan started his business in Huddersfield with a workshop in Byram Arcade, but when the wholesale side grew he moved his base to a studio in Halifax while a shop remained in the town.

He opened the store with business partner Mark Fraser and it quickly gained a reputation for its unique stock of designer clothing and accessories.

The shop specialised in glamorous evening wear, prom and bridal outfits and looked for talented new fashion designers to add to the collection.

Taking centre stage were Kevan’s own glamorous dresses, which he sells around the country and often feature in fashion shows and glossy women’s magazines.

A closing down sale starts at the shop this Friday, but Kevan Jon Wholesale will continue to trade from the company’s studio at Berwick Mill in Halifax.

Kevan said: “The wholesale side is doing really well and we’re selling all around the country.

“It’s a shame the shop has to close, I think people will remember it for offering something different, current but classic with a twist.

“Huddersfield is fantastic, it’s got some great creativity and opportunities for fashion.

“I will still be as involved with the community as possible with events like charity fashion shows.”