A new clothing line named after the controversial and now defunct Presidents Club charity has sparked anger, particularly from female entrepreneurs.
The new Presidents Club clothing line received widespread criticism as it revived memories of the scandal surrounding the charity, which was shut down amid anger over its men-only dinners at which waitresses were allegedly groped.
The new clothing range include figure-hugging black dresses and other items emblazoned with the brand's logo. Among the investors in the new clothing line is Mike Ashley's House of Fraser chain.
The clothing line has been described by female entrepreneurs as "disgraceful" and "insulting".
The Presidents Club charity faced public scrutiny in January 2018 after it was exposed that waitresses at its annual fund-raising event were told to wear revealing clothing and put up with sexual harassment from guests.
While the charity has already been shut down, the brand was registered as a trademark by Manchester-based businessman Martyn Warden. The clothing brand states on its website that it believes "fashion is more than a choice, it's an experience".
Sonal Keay, founder of fashion firm This Is Silk, said: "As a business owner and mother of two daughters, I am surprised and disappointed that in this day and age, someone like Mike Ashley should seek to exploit misogynistic practices for commercial gain."
"In an era where businesses are supposed to contribute positively towards all stakeholders, which includes wider society, it is an insulting move and I hope that his actions are condemned and ignored," Keay added.
Kathryn Colas, founder and chief executive of women's advice and support service Simply Hormones, said: "The clothing is disgraceful, insulting the image of professional working women today."
Meanwhile, Giovanna Forte, chief executive of medical equipment firm Forte Medical, said: "The concept is clearly an opportunistic attempt at exploiting a scandal. The greater fuss that's made, the greater publicity will be generated and the more successful the exploitation."
"Much like the trousers on Presidents Club members, publicity around the clothing range just needs to be zipped up," Forte pointed out.
