The Women

Cath Kidston

Interior Designer and Store OwnerLondon, UKPhotography by Jess EpsteinStory by Andrea Posadas

Everything in life has a meaningful purpose. For Cath, growing up had all her ingredients and inspiration for what was to come. Inspired by her English country childhood, Cath set up her first small store in Holland Park in 1993 and she had no idea of the journey she would embark on.

Catherine Isabel Audrey is an English fashion designer, business woman and an author. Her first store sold hand-embroided tea-towels and brightly renovated furniture. Her childhood bedroom was always her biggest inspiration, a room of pale blue walls and striped rosebud curtains with the overblown chintz of coloured formica worktops and gloss paint in her playroom.

One of Cath’s first job opportunities and creative outlets was working for an antique fabric dealer. This is where the love for fabrics began. Shortly after, Cath was offered an opportunity to work with one of the most distinguished design firms Nicky Haslam. She learned from the best- how to stay on top of trends and the customer’s needs. Knowing the English heritage designs were what people wanted, she converted her style and created Modern Vintage designs.

Her signature design was her first print, the traditional rose print wallpaper. She now incorporates that rose print into all her designs and mixes it with vintage fabrics to create cushion covers, cotton bags, cooking aprons, night gowns, kitchen accessories and much more. 

Inspiration comes from everyday life now. The season’s Autumn Bloom pattern (dress and a tote bag) is an image straight from her garden! She grows gorgeous Chrysanthemums each year and their bloom inspired yet another print.The Townhouse print was inspired by the street called Elgin Crescent in Notting Hill where she is from originally.

Cath Kidston is now made up of 59 stores and concessions in the UK and Ireland and 54 across Spain, Japan, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. Her prints and products assure you to bring a smile to your face and evokes a sense of nostalgia and fun.

One of Cath’s latest accomplishments is her book ‘Coming up Roses’ which is an account of her journey from playing shops as a child to becoming an internationally renowned British brand particularly known for her nostalgic floral patterns.

 

Cath’s Top 5 Faves
 
1.
Tea Set

2. Latest Stop Thief Collection 

3. Patchwork Sew kit

  4. Bus Dress 

5. Weekend Luggage

 

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