No fewer than five international brands can be found in the newly opened iQ multi-brand store on Level 0 at the Bay Street Shopping Complex, St Julian's.

Targeting both the men's and ladies' fashion market segments, the brands, Ben Sherman, Scotch & Soda, Maison Scotch, Nudie Jeans and Alternative, have a unique perspective on one's personal lifestyle.

"With such a large variety of brands under one roof, it is clear that we are targeting clients looking for quality and distinction, whether at work or leisure," a Bay Street spokesman said. "With iQ we are happy to be increasing Bay Street's fashion offering, ensuring all segments of the market are catered for."

For five decades, the Ben Sherman shirt and brand have been adopted by almost every youth culture or style movement, from the mods and two-tone to Brit pop. Today it is still worn by bands and style leaders of the current decade.

Ben Sherman not only created clothing history with his eponymous shirt, but also a way of thinking that has helped create an iconic, global brand. His passion for original thinking, rejecting the normal and mundane, has left a legacy.

The basic Ben Sherman design was influenced by the classic American Ivy League shirt, but Sherman's design vision added the back hook, the button on the back of the collar, and most importantly his feel and passion for fabric, pattern and colour.

Scotch & Soda love to make great, affordable garments rich in detail and high in quality that suit every individual. They want people to love their clothes and enjoy wearing them. The designers at Scotch & Soda spare no effort or expense at detailing and fine-tuning samples, all the way to the neatly finished interior of each garment.

There is a classic, vintage style in the Scotch & Soda range, enriched with a wealth of inspiration from around the world. Still it remains young and forward looking when it comes to bringing great clothes to the marketplace.

Nudie jeans love denim; the company follows an ethos whereby they state that for them it is a passion they share with everyone who mourns a pair of worn-out jeans. Jeans share the same soul and attitude as music. The inspiration springs from the same dreams.

Apart from denim, only leather has the ability to age so beautifully, formed by its user into a second skin. Jeans live the wearer's lifestyle. The longer they are worn, the more character and attitude they get. Nudie Jeans are all made from 100% organic cotton.

Alternative moves through the world on a different plane. Creating clothes people want to wear every day, Alternative is more than just apparel. Focused on fabric innovation and partnering with those who are out to reshape the way we live, Alternative is part of a growing movement of doers and disruptors connected through purpose, compelled by the future and grounded in social responsibility.

Since its beginnings as a brand, Alternative always considered their place in the world. They believe in social change through responsible business practices that respect people and the planet. Focused on fabric innovation, Alternative makes modern basics for a sustainable future.