Cath Kidston

She began by selling vintage fabrics, wallpapers and brightly-painted junk furniture inspired by fond memories from her childhood.

“I saw a gap in the market for fun, vintage product, not the grand, serious antiques and brown furniture of my parents’ generation or the much stylised modern minimalist look that was popular then, but something lighter, more fun and more affordable”.

 

Cath Kidston at her showroom, London. Photograph: Tony Buckingham/Rex Features

First it was just the tea towel and cute polka-dot plates, then the sewing box and tent. Now the unchecked growth of floral print is taking over the high street, according to new figures.

While not everybody's cup of tea, the eponymous designer's heavy floral prints have become as ubiquitous over the last 10 years as Ashley's romantic prints were in the 70s.

Paisley Print