STARLUXE

The business began when designer Cath Kidson opened a tiny shop in London’s Holland Park in 1993. She began by selling the vintage fabrics, wallpapers and brightly-painted junk furniture she remembered fondly from her childhood. Her clever, witty-re-working of traditional English country house style meant that her shop soon became a cult success.  Gradually Cath began to design her own prints and products. One of the first was a printed ironing boaed cover-practical, quirky and with a distinctive floral print ; it has come to epitomize the Cath Kidston look. The product base has now expanded steadily to include an extensive range of women’s fashion, bag and accessories as well as homewares.

Cath Kidston Ltd is one of the most influential and original design companies to emerge from the UK in recent years and has expanded steadily to become the unique international lifestyle brand it is today. Cath is still fully involved in business as Creative Director, and was awarded an MBE for services to industry in February 2012 as part of the Queen’s New Year Honor List. “Opening the first shop was quite a risk as there was nothing quite like it at the time. It was either old antique shops or high street modern. I guess we kick started the trend for modern vintage.” -Cath