The co-founder of the multi-brand boutique Browns, Joan Burstein, has passed away at her residence in Ibiza, according to her family, as reported by Vogue. She had celebrated her 100th birthday this past February.
The family’s statement, as quoted by the publication, read: “Earlier this year, she happily marked her centenary, dancing to the sounds of a swing band surrounded by those who loved her, which perfectly embodied her vibrant life. She leaves behind an immense legacy and will be profoundly missed.”
Joan Burstein, alongside her husband Sidney, inaugurated the store on London’s South Molton Street in 1970. Her boutique earned acclaim for championing emerging designers; for instance, in 1984, Browns purchased John Galliano’s degree collection.
Joan Burstein was instrumental in introducing international brands to the British market. It was at Browns that collections from Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Azzedine Alaïa, as well as Comme des Garçons by Rei Kawakubo, made their UK debut. In recognition of her significant contributions to the fashion industry, Joan Burstein was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2006.
Browns was sold to the online retailer Farfetch in 2015. Following the sale, Burstein relocated to Ibiza, where she spent her final years.
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