Last week I left the boys with their daddy for the day. I toddled off down to London for a little adventure; to the Laura Ashley press show 2015.
I am big fan of Laura Ashley products — there are always such beautiful things to see each season.
Often the brand is associated with more traditional home furnishings.
But these days they’ve got a real mix, that would suit a contemporary style; just as well as a more classic one.
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Laura Ashley: A Modern Woman
I’m quite fascinated by Laura Ashley — she was such a modern gal for her day.
Born in Wales in 1925, she was a pioneering businesswoman.
Something that was a bit of an anomaly in those days. She began her career producing upholstery and furnishing fabrics but in the 1960s started designing and manufacturing clothes.
I once read an interview with one of her children.
The thing I most remember — and something that has stayed with me — is that Laura once said her priorities were her husband, her children and then her business.
In that order.
Her children didn’t seem to mind at all that they came second only to their father. I think they must have loved what a loving relationship their parents had.
I absolutely love the fact that she was so in love with her husband too. She even turned down the offer an OBE because she was upset that he hadn’t been offered one too.
Her little cottage industry was a real family affair. All of the Ashley children were involved in the business in some way or another.
She sadly died in 1985 — due to a tragic accident. But her legacy still lives on and the Laura Ashley brand is absolutely thriving.
What I Saw at The Press Show
Anyway (got a bit sidetracked by history, sorry) back to the present day and the press show!
I’ve used Laura Ashley wallpaper in our guest room.
And their lights, paint and cushions in our dining room.
But the new ranges are FAB.
There were so many lovely things — from amazing lighting to beautiful fabrics. Cushions, sofas, kitchen equipment — to be honest I felt like I’d gone to ‘home-heaven’.
I’ve put together a little round-up of some of the things I saw.
Have a look and see what you think.
Christmas in June
They also had a display of their Christmas product.
Some absolutely beautiful things and although we’ve barely got into the swing of summer, it made me get just a *little* bit excited about this year’s festivities.
Through a berry red front door into a glittery wonderland of opulent gold, silver and red themed decorations.
Handmade Heaven
One of the highlights of the show, for me, was a brand new offering. One that will be hitting the stores in September.
Inspired by ‘all things homespun’, they have produced an amazing collection of craft kits. —
Knitting, candle-making, sewing — PLUS packs of their delicious trademark fabrics sold in ‘fat-quarters’ for quilters and crafters alike.
As the nation is hooked on programmes like ‘Sewing Bee‘ and ‘Kirstie’s Homemade Home’; I predict that this new range will do really well.
Needless to say, I came home with my head buzzing with colour and pattern.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing this lovely stuff hit the shops in a few months time.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
wow you lucky thing getting invited to that! I admit, Laura Ashley is a brand that I was never too keen on as my mum used to drag us in there all the time as children, and I always got the impression it was quite dated,but I think I may have to revisit! Some lovely pieces there! x
Yes — I used to be the same. My mum used to be obsessed with Laura Ashley curtains when I was a child — SO boring when you’re 8!! They’ve got some gorgeous buts and pieces nowadays! x
So many just gorgeous things – and that Christmas theme door – amazing!!! Hope you had a fab day. My mother in law is a big Laura Ashley fan so I’ll show her this
I love the history bit & she really was so modern to be such a fabulous business woman in a very male dominated place!
Thanks for hosting. See you Friday!! xxx
She was amazing wasn’t she? I think people forget that there was a real woman behind the name. She was so ahead of her time. Can’t wait to see you again on Friday Beth!! x