M&S has launched two major celebrity-linked clothing ranges with the much-hyped debut of Archive by Alexa in a deal with Alexa Chung, and the Lil' LonDunn by Jourdan Dunn, a kidswear offer.

The more high profile Archive collection mixes archive-inspired pieces and direct reproductions of vintage M&S items. Star pieces include a 1981-inspired piecrust frill blouse, a classic khaki trench coat and a late-60s-influenced spotted minidress.

The company had announced the Chung and Dunn lines earlier this year, since when it has been building buzz around them, aided by Chung and Dunn's not-inconsiderable celebrity status.

For instance, Chung unveiled the campaign images for her archive-influenced offer on her Instagram feed and gave a number of press interviews.

Dunn has also been doing the interview rounds, accompanied by her six-year-old son Riley who was a major inspiration for the 22-piece unisex line.

Before the Archive launch, 34,000 customers had put their name on an M&S waiting list for the collection. Reports suggested there were queues at a number of M&S store while online, several of the key pieces for the Chung collection, sold out in many sizes.

Chung, whose appearance in an M&S suede skirt last year led to major press coverage and a complete sellout, has signed up to oversee further collections for the retailer.