Designer clothing store Morgan, which has two outlets in Kent, is the latest retail victim of the economic slump.

The chain specialising in French clothes for women went into administration today.

Morgan’s collapse has put a thousand jobs at risk across its chain of 575 branches in 57 countries, including 33 in the UK and Irelenad.

Its Kent outlets are in the Mall Chequers, Maidstone, and a concession in Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells.

Morgan - formally known as Morgan de Toi - follows other prominent high street names into administration like Woolworths, MFI, Zavvi, The Officers Club, Adams Kids, Whittard of Chelsea and USC.

Morgan is owned by private equity group Apax Partners - 40 per cent - with a further 40 per cent owned by the firm’s founding families Bismuth and Barouch.

Morgan was founded 40 years ago as a small Parisian family venture and expanded into a global brand as demand grew for its chic fashions.

Morgan products are designed by the firm’s own creative team and follow the latest fashion trends. It also offers a line of basic products, as well as watches, bags, scents, jewellery, shoes, glasses.