Though I think Cath Kidston is an obvious one for this series, I don't think she is a designer that can be missed. Very much of the shabby chic and 'new vintage' trends can be attributed to her bringing back fabrics in oilcloth and cotton duck with prints that bring to mind yesteryear. Stand out stars include the cowboy print, Kidston's mascot Stanley not to mention the pretty polka dots, stars and floral print. And these fabrics merely start as a serving suggestion - there's so much you can do with them from patchwork to upholstery to produce items that are truly valued and that you won't see in everyone else's homes.
Many of the products have that whimsical edge too. It's that domestic ideal, but given a tug into this century to make it work for people who yearn for that idyll but in reality are quite happy with the ease of the here and now. Dowdy shades are out, fun and pretty is in. Minimalism it is most certainly not.
I constantly feel that the collections are about a rejection of the direction modern life has taken. So much of life is about squashing in too much, getting things done fast so we can move on to the next thing, disposing instead of cherishing, not getting to know our neighbours and feeling like manners is too much of a chore. In direct contrast there's this teaset (below), the anathema of modern life. It wants you to invite people in, bake some scones, sit down, have tea, while away some time whilst achieving no physical thing but just enjoying the moment. We all need some of that, don't we?
I'm Camilla, a journalist, blogger, interiors addict, knitter, new-crocheter, cake eater, chocoholic and mum of three. Sometimes all at once.
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