Blue Harbour shines for M&S

LAUNCHED a year ago, Marks & Spencer's Blue Harbour men's clothing brand has been a roaring success. It has pushed the retailer's share of the menswear market up from 6.7% to 7.7%. The new spring range, which includes accessories and aftershave, has just hit the shops.

'It is about feeling fresh, alive and relaxed - living the dream of New England and big blue skies,' said menswear director Maurice Helfgott. 'It is about that feeling when you get in the car, wind down the window, play your music a bit too loud and feel the wind in your hair.'

Helfgott took his team to the US to get inspiration for Blue Harbour. 'We hired a pick-up van and took turns hanging off the roof,' he said.