(Lead image: Harrogate Civic Society and Alex Goldstein)
London, Milan, New York – and Harrogate?
It might not be mentioned amongst the so-called style capitals of the world, but Harrogate certainly has sartorial credentials of its own. Just a brief wander around the central shopping district offers independent boutiques and designer brands, as well as the usual high street favourites.
However, it’s when looking back into the past that Harrogate’s reputation as a fashion-forward town really comes to the fore. In fact, it was once the home of a famous female fashion emporium, that considered members of the royal family as part of its clientele.
The shop belonged to Louis Copé (pronounced co-pay), a Jewish refugee whose family fled to the UK from Poland to pursue a better life. He was a major player in the fast-paced fashion world of the time, and while his shop closed in the 1970s, his influence in town remains to this day.
Early life
Copé’s distinctive moniker wasn’t actually his family name or birth name – he was officially christened Ulik Bidenkopf. His birth date is believed to be October 7, 1877.
Parliament Street in the 1900s (Image: Walker-Neesam Archive)
Copé was a later adaption of his surname, transitioning from Bidenkopf to Bidencope and then to Copé – a surname most commonly found in Europe – to sound more ‘sophisticated’.
His family first arrived in the UK in the early 20th century, having fled their home in Poland. In that time period, Poland was split between Prussia, the Habsburg monarchy, and Russia, with its Jewish citizens heavily persecuted.
Copé suffered from asthma, and the oppressive industrial smog of London wasn’t helping his health. In 1914, he made the move to Harrogate in search of the purer air that many believed the spa town, and the Yorkshire countryside, could offer.
Clothing Harrogate’s high society
While he may have first worked as a barber when he arrived in the UK – although this is unconfirmed – he made his first career change when arriving in Yorkshire, to become a jeweller. He was always a purveyor of the finer things in life, and in 1918 he opened the store which occupied numbers 52-58 on the corner of Parliament Street, facing the Royal Baths.
Copé’s shop rivalled that iconic building as an architectural talking point; the single pane of glass that wrapped around the main façade must have been an expensive installation, and indicated that customers could expect class when they stepped over the threshold.
The store sold a vast array of luxury couture such as dresses, fur coats, hats, and bags, as well as offering repairs to jewellery and clothing. The clientele was just as prestigious as the attire; the wealthy residents of Harrogate and beyond soon became loyal customers.
A fashion show organised by Louis Copé (Image: Alex Goldstein)
Copé’s reputation quickly grew, and ladies’ maids from across the country were soon contacting his shop to ask his advice on what latest accessory or style their mistress should be wearing.
The mid-1920s was a busy and prosperous time; not only did Copé get married and become a ‘naturalised British citizen’ in 1926, but he even had a brush with royalty. He received a request to dress Queen Mary, whose daughter Princess Mary was Countess of Harewood, the sprawling country estate near Leeds.
Later, the introduction of Freda – his only daughter out of three children – to a William Goldstein, a member of famed fashion house of its day Ellis & Goldstein of London, resulted in a marriage and the union of the two powerful families in society.
Fortune and philanthropy
A good indication of the dizzying heights of success and fortune Copé reached would be the time he came into possession of the ‘Tenant Diamond’, a gemstone valued at around £10,000 – a vast amount for the era.
Despite his lavish lifestyle, he still remained an active member of the Harrogate community and was just as well-known for his philanthropic endeavours. This included supporting several local charities, and throwing fundraising evenings for Harrogate Infirmary.
His legacy
Copé passed away on June 30 1957 at the age of 79. He is buried in Leeds, in the New Farnley Jewish cemetery. His store was taken over by his son Harry and enjoyed many more successful years trading, before eventually being sold in the late 1970s.
Copé’s great-great grandson Alex Goldstein is a property consultant and still calls Harrogate home. In 2022, alongside the late historian Malcom Neesam, he successfully petitioned for a brown plaque to be installed outside of the former premise – now home to Rhodes Menswear.
Alex Goldstein with the brown plaque
Speaking to the Stray Ferret in 2022 about the unveiling of the plaque, Mr Goldstein said:
“I am so pleased to have been able to mark the history and story of my great grandfather, whose fashion house spanned decades and formed important memories for so many people in and around Harrogate.”
Sources for this article include a biographical timeline on the Harrogate Civic Society website, Regional Couture: The Inter-war British Couture Fashion House Isobel (London & Harrogate) Ltd in the academic journal Costume, by Hannah Wroe, Edinburgh University Press, an article on Harrogate Spa Stories website and a profile on Geni.com.
Read more:
- Local history spotlight: Blind Jack of Knaresborough
- Local history spotlight: Dr Laura Veale
- Local history spotlight: Naomi Jacob
- Exploring North Yorkshire’s plaques and the history behind them
Sweaty Betty Harrogate has released its annual Warehouse Sale
Sweaty Betty Harrogate has released its annual Warehouse Sale. The renowned event in Harrogate that this year has up to 80 per cent off its clothing, including its popular leggings and workout gear, is so popular that it has had to be ticketed.
Taking place next week at Pavilions of Harrogate from Tuesday April 30 to Thursday May 2, stock will be replenished throughout the three days.
Read more:
- Did you know there’s a hidden Spa Room in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths?
- Harrogate interior designers share their top spring trends
- The jobs to do in your garden right now
- Yorkshire Dales Monopoly edition revealed
Shoppers will have a one-hour time slot to select their garments on and try them on in the communal changing rooms before taking them to the checkout.
Tickets cost £5 to get in, with all the proceeds from them being donated to the Sweaty Betty Foundation.
Times are 10am-7pm Tuesday April 30, 10am-6pm Wednesday 1 May and 10am-3pm on Thursday May 2. To find out more and to book, click here.
Read more:
- The cherry blossom is in full bloom on the Stray, Harrogate
- Great getaways less than three hours’ drive from Harrogate
- Did you know that Everyman in Harrogate screens National Theatre Live productions?
- Amber’s restaurant at Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate is now open
Call for retailers to get involved with Harrogate fashion show
Retailers have been called on to get involved with this year’s Harrogate fashion show.
Harrogate Business Improvement District is once again organising the event with the Stray Ferret as media partner for the second year.
The celebration of fashion will again feature a pop-up catwalk on the piazza outside the Victoria Shopping Centre on May 18.
The catwalk will feature new categories alongside favourites from last year, including wedding dresses, activewear, the summer season and clothing.
Now, Harrogate BID is set to host a meeting on April 24 at 4pm at Starling Cafe to help inform retailers on how they can get involved with the event.
Then, on Wednesday May 1, the team have organised an ‘Open Office’ day to allow those who cannot make the initial meeting to learn more about how they can take part.
The BID is also looking for models and influencers to join to help show off the Harrogate fashion offer and spread the word about the event.
Bethany Allen, business and marketing executive at Harrogate BID, said:
“We’re really excited to be hosting the Harrogate Celebration of Fashion for a second year running after a really successful event last year.
“The event truly champions Harrogate’s retail offer but also celebrates the hospitality and professional services sector as we saw from last year’s event, with the likes of Nicholls Tyreman and Howdens Insurance taking to the stage.
“It’s a really great event to be part of with a great community feel.”
If you would like to attend the meeting on April 24, register here or contact the BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk.
Read more:
Great Yorkshire Show on the hunt for farmer models
The organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show are on the hunt for catwalk models for its 2024 fashion shows.
Following last year’s shows where rookie models walked alongside professionals, Yorkshire Agricultural Society is now seeking farmers or agricultural workers to take part in its 2024 ‘farm to fashion’ shows.
Those wanting to strut their stuff need to apply online here by 10am on Friday April 19.
Two fashion shows a day will take place on the sheep shearing stage at 12 and 4.30pm every day apart from Friday.
Two amateur models from last year, Luke Johnson and Clarke Doughney, will once again feature on the runway this July.
Mr Johnson, an agricultural and forestry contractor, said:
“I got in touch because being in the shows last year was brilliant; I absolutely loved it and would encourage anyone to give it a try. Bernadette, the fashion show coordinator, is a great teacher and, along with the professional models, she was so encouraging that it soon became fun.
“What I’d say to anyone thinking of entering the competition is: “just do it… you’ll enjoy it and who knows where it could lead! I’ve even had some modelling work from it.”
Mr Doughney, an apprentice engineer, said:
“It still surprises me how much I got from the whole experience, including meeting people I’d never have come across as well as working alongside TV stars such as Peter Wright, the Yorkshire Vet, who was great.”
The shows will feature collections from national and regional designers, including a selection of brand partners from British Wool, highlighting the important role of UK sheep farmers as the starting point for fashion.
Tickets for the 165th show, which takes place from July 9 to 12, are on sale now.
Read more:
- Coffee shop on A59 calls for Kex Gill business support
- £1.3m to be spent resurfacing pothole-ridden roads in Harrogate district
Jules B to close Harrogate store
The Stray Ferret understands independent fashion retailer Jules B is set to close its Harrogate store.
The womenswear boutique, which took on the former Jaeger unit on Cambridge Crescent, opened in September 2022.
It is one of five Jules B stores, with two each in Jesmond in Newcastle-upon- Tyne and Kendal in Cumbria.
However, the Stray Ferret today received multiple reports to say that the Harrogate branch will close next week.
Read more:
Owners Julian and Rhonda Blades opened the doors of their first womenswear store in 1984, in Jesmond.
The company, which also has an online store, now employs more than 80 people.
It sells a range of high-end brands, including Ganni, Le Specs, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood.
The Stray Ferret has approached Jules B for comment but has not had an immediate response.
Celebrate this weekend as Jules B Harrogate turns one
This story is sponsored by Jules B
After opening its doors for the first time in September 2022, the team at Jules B Harrogate are all set to celebrate its first birthday. To mark the milestone, the designer womenswear store is planning a special event this coming weekend.
On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September, the Harrogate team are welcoming visitors to join in the celebrations with cake and refreshments in store. Those who make a purchase on full-price items can also expect another exclusive treat.
Jules B Harrogate is the youngest of five Jules B stores selling a handpicked selection of designer brands like Barbour, Holland Cooper and OSKA.
Located at 5 Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate, fashion enthusiasts can find luxury clothes, shoes and accessories covering two whole floors. And it’s fair to say it’s been a successful first year with an incredible response from all involved.
Founder Julian Blades said:
“It’s been an enjoyable first year in Harrogate getting to know our new customers and building a fantastic enthusiastic sales team here, and it has not disappointed! We are really excited about our new autumn/winter collections, introducing some amazing new brands to our portfolio.
“It makes all the hard work worthwhile when you have such an appreciative audience, and we are looking forward to continuing the progress we have made so far.”