It feels frivolous and sad to admit it, but the female of the species has, on occasion, been known to grieve for lost clothes.

Like that favourite cardie left on the back of a restaurant chair, a wardrobe staple torn beyond repair, or items borrowed by friends and gone forever.

It’s the same reason that we keep those ridiculously too-small jeans at the back at the wardrobe, just in case, or refuse to part with a dress that’s seen better days, simply because of the memories.

So imagine the sorrow expressed when an entire clothing line disappeared.

As the high street became younger and more flesh-baring, Principles was a last bastion of affordable, feminine and elegant design that could take shoppers from work to weekend to weddings and beyond.

The high street favourite went into administration last year during the height of the credit crunch. It meant a crushing limit on the options for the thirty or forty-something shopper not flush enough to transfer to Hobbs or not ready to give into Per Una’s depressingly elasticated waistbands.

But now Debenhams is set to plug that gap when it unveils the first Principles by Ben de Lisi range this weekend.

The famed designer turned Principles’ creative director, who famously created Kate Winslet’s 2002 scarlet one-shoulder Oscar frock, below, is renowned for his vibrant colours and ultra-alluring silhouettes.

His first womenswear collection boasts 106 garments, 46 petite offerings and a range of handbags and accessories.

The Argyle Street branch of Debenhams is holding a special launch event on Level 3 this Saturday from 11am. Staff and personal shoppers will showcase the new collection alongside beauty demonstrations.

Womenswear manager Colin Houston said: “There’s a real sense of intrigue and anticipation – we’re expecting it to be a huge sell out.”

• FOR INFO: www.debenhams.com or call 08445 616 161. Debenhams is at 97 Argyle Street in Glasgow, Silverburn shopping centre, and East Kilbride shopping centre.