On October 21, 2025, Marks & Spencer (M&S) unveiled its latest collaboration with the renowned British designer Bella Freud, marking the second consecutive year of a partnership that has been warmly embraced by both fashion insiders and the wider public. The new 34-piece collection, as reported by The Independent, is a testament to M&S’s ongoing transformation from a retailer once known for sensible basics into a bona fide fashion force, celebrated for its stylish, accessible, and often viral offerings.
This year’s M&S x Bella Freud collection is nothing short of a sartorial event. It builds on the success of their first collaboration—a line that was defined by cashmere knitwear, slogan designs, retro-inspired shirting, and sharp suiting—by expanding into even more diverse territory. Freud herself described the 2025 collection as a “capsule wardrobe for entertaining at home,” a theme that is evident not just in the clothing but in the carefully curated homeware pieces that accompany it. Tumblers, napkins, and even candles are part of the lineup, making the collection as much about lifestyle as it is about fashion.
Bella Freud’s name is synonymous with clever, tongue-in-cheek slogan knitwear. Her “1979” jumper, famously worn by Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, and the “Ginsberg is God” sweater, have become iconic staples in the wardrobes of fashion’s elite and have inspired countless imitators. According to The Independent, Freud’s knack for wordplay and her signature blend of androgynous silhouettes with a feminine twist are at the heart of this new M&S collaboration. The designer’s background—she is the daughter of the celebrated figurative artist Lucian Freud and the great-granddaughter of psychoanalysis pioneer Sigmund Freud—adds a touch of intellectual pedigree and creative flair to her eponymous label, which she launched in 1990.
The 2025 collection is infused with all the hallmarks that have made Bella Freud a powerhouse in British fashion. There are cashmere jumpers emblazoned with witty slogans, such as the “wham bam” design, which retails for £130 and is crafted from luxurious cashmere in a relaxed silhouette. For those who prefer a more understated statement, the “kind!” jumper, also in pure cashmere and priced at £140, offers a softer, yet equally impactful, take on slogan dressing. Both pieces are designed with versatility in mind, perfect for layering over crisp shirts or under oversized blazers as the weather turns colder.
But the collection doesn’t stop at knitwear. There’s sharp tailoring in the form of a velvet tailored blazer (£160), which features structured shoulders and a longline cut for that unmistakable Seventies vibe. Paired with matching tailored trousers (£120), it’s a nod to the era’s penchant for androgynous glamour. Complementing the suit is a pleated silk shirt (£120) with a statement collar and a black necktie, offering a vintage-inspired, drapey silhouette that’s ideal for tucking into high-waisted bottoms.
Outerwear also gets the Freud treatment, with a pure wool double-breasted coat (£300) that promises to be the season’s must-have. This longline, tailored design is fully lined for comfort and features a belted waist with a metal buckle, wide peak lapels, and practical side pockets. The classic black shade ensures it will slip seamlessly into any winter wardrobe, while the quality of the wool guarantees warmth and longevity.
In a move that reflects the growing trend for family and pet-friendly fashion, this year’s collection introduces childrenswear and even a dog jumper. The kids’ “star” jumper (£55) is crafted from thick merino wool and finished in vibrant red with contrasting white panelling, ensuring little ones stay both warm and stylish. Meanwhile, the lambswool blend dog jumper (£25) is a playful take on pet apparel, complete with a “best friend” slogan and thoughtful details like a ribbed collar and leg holes. It’s a charming nod to the way fashion is increasingly becoming a family affair.
The emphasis on home and comfort is further underscored by the inclusion of a pure cotton pyjama set (£50), which features the “dreamers” slogan on the chest pocket and luxurious red piping. It’s an elevated take on loungewear that’s just as suitable for a night in as it is for a quick dash to the corner shop. The collection’s homeware range includes a set of two tumblers (£15) with the raised slogan “enjoy”—both dishwasher safe for easy clean-up—alongside bowls, napkins, and candles, all designed to make entertaining at home a stylish affair.
Practicality and whimsy also come together in the toiletries bag (£18), which features the slogan “beautiful” against a textured red finish and is roomy enough for all your beauty essentials. For those seeking a touch of luxury in their everyday routine, the pure silk eye mask (£22) offers a smooth, soft finish with red panelling and the slogan “snooze,” packaged in a handy box for travel or gifting.
What sets this collaboration apart is not just the breadth of the collection, but its accessibility. Bella Freud’s signature knitwear typically commands prices north of £350, but through the M&S partnership, shoppers can snag these coveted designs for a fraction of the usual cost. As The Independent notes, this approach is part of M&S’s broader strategy to shed its old-fashioned image. Recent collaborations with names like Sienna Miller and Olivia Von Halle, as well as the viral success of pieces like the cow print coat and chocolate faux leather trench, have helped the retailer attract a new generation of style-conscious shoppers. Fashion editors have taken note, giving M&S’s clothing lines a stamp of approval that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
And it’s not just about the clothes. The collection’s focus on entertaining at home speaks to a broader shift in how people are thinking about fashion and lifestyle. After years of loungewear dominating the market, there’s a renewed interest in pieces that can transition seamlessly from sofa to social gathering. The androgynous silhouettes and feminine flourishes that define the M&S x Bella Freud collection are perfectly pitched for this moment, offering comfort without sacrificing style.
With its mix of statement knitwear, sharp tailoring, playful accessories, and thoughtful homeware, the 2025 M&S x Bella Freud collection is set to be another sell-out success. Shoppers eager to snag a piece of this limited-edition range would be wise to act fast—if previous seasons are anything to go by, these pieces won’t be around for long. As M&S continues to reinvent itself through high-profile collaborations and trend-driven design, one thing is clear: the British high street stalwart is firmly back in the fashion spotlight, and it’s not looking back.
