Reworking the classics, we revisit some of our old pieces to see how they have inspired our collections today... read more
They say fashion recycles itself, and that’s certainly true when it comes to our latest collections. From pretty blouses to 70s inspired maxi dresses, we love reworking past trends and updating them to fit a current, modern style. Revisiting one of our favourite places in the Laura Ashley HQ, the archive, we caught up with archivist Holly to see how some of our old prints and styles have inspired our clothing today and what inspired them back then…
The Dress…
From our bohemian inspired collection New Vintage, our maxi dress takes centre stage. Drawing on inspiration from the 90s and 70s, this stand out piece is a must have for this season.
Holly says…
“This dress was inspired by one of the archive’s oldest known prints. B1987 was created even before the official beginning of the Laura Ashley brand name. Its earliest carnations exist under the ‘Ashley Mountney’ registration and would therefore have been drawn out during the late 1950s when Laura and her husband Bernard worked from their kitchen table. The print has a clear Arts and Crafts influence, depicting intertwined flowers and greenery. At the time of its creation Laura was heavily inspired by history – as she would remain for the rest of her career – and often spent her time in museums where she took copious notes for print ideas. B1987 was extremely popular in the 1970s when it adorned a number of Laura Ashley dresses.”
Country Life 1974
Green Herringbone Wool Weave Jacket
Our Green Herringbone Wool Weave Jacket has been inspired by an old 70s collection. Reworked for the current season, we’ve used the classic shape but updated the fabric to a soft herringbone wool and added a fun dog print to the lining. From desk to dinner, this jacket will see you there in style and become a firm wardrobe investment piece.
The Blouse…
Cute blouses are making a comeback this season, and we’re completely smitten with our 70s inspired number. Team with blue jeans and ankle boots for an effortless take on smart casual, or dress it up for the evening with black heels and trousers.
- Holly says…
- “For Laura Ashley’s Spring Summer 1981 collection, blouses took centre stage. They were inspired by the Edwardian and Victorian era in soft colours and fabrics. The eighties would bring many changes in fashion and an emphasis on powerful silhouettes, which suited the throngs of women entering the workplace. In these designs, Laura Ashley offered a kind of femininity that celebrated traditional style without compromising on modernity. Her blouses fitted seamlessly into the new working woman’s wardrobe.”
The Separates…
Black Flippy Hem Skirt | Herringbone Wool Wix Mix Button Front Skirt | Brown Linen Skirt
An obvious classic, A-line skirts are here to stay. We love teaming ours with chunky knits in the Winter to keep us warm and styling up with a simple black tshirt for the office.
Holly says…
- “In the eighties, Laura Ashley advocated functional, pretty clothes for women. Shirtdresses and matching separates were a key part of many of the decade’s collections. The drawing above is from around this time, showing a button down blouse and a mid-length skirt with pockets. The overall look is modest and classic, with subtle details inspired by the past. The second illustration comes from the Autumn Winter 1978 collection, which was released during an exceptionally successful year for the company. In 1978 alone, fifteen new branches were opened across Europe. To meet this new demand, the garments shown above would have been made available in up to twelve – and occasionally more – colour ways. As ever, Laura Ashley was determined to marry desirability with practicality.”
There we have it, our fashion past adapted for now! What’s your favourite piece? Have a browse at our new AW collections here.