In the 1980s Laura Ashley and Liberty of London were synonymous with Preppy Fashion on both sides of The Pond. While Preppy is an American term our British Preppies are known as Sloane Rangers. This term is derived from the elite, classic, classy (Preppy) shops located in London's tony Sloane Square. The bright florals of Laura Ashley and Liberty were very popular amongst the Sloane/Preppy crowd on both sides of the Atlantic. Sadly, the Laura Ashley as we knew it is no longer. I have many old dresses hanging in my Newport closet with big poofy sleeves and big puffy collars! (A look best to remain back with big 80s poofy hair!) I had cotton dresses and velvet dresses and satin dresses. I had skirts and cardigans. I had pastel Laura Ashley sheets in college and pink and white wall paper in my bedroom in Newport. The Emma pattern was my favorite!
The Liberty of London brand remains popular to this day. The bright floral fabrics have adapted well to the times. Contemporary Liberty prints are stylish, bold and daring, and the traditional, classic prints and seem to have more in common with Lilly Pulitzer than the Laura Ashley of the 1980s.
Is Liberty Channeling Lilly? Do they too have a floral Jeep?
(How cool is this building?!)
(How cool is this building?!)
And now Liberty of London will be more readily available in the states -- I have some big news for all of you. Liberty of London is coming to Target on March 14th. (Did you get that my dear Tickled Pink & Green friend?!) Yes, more pink and green and preppy to brace the shelves of my beloved Target!
The Liberty for Target collection will include fashion for the entire family, home decor, and gardening items. The Liberty for Target line will be available for a limited time only... so run run run to your closest Target!
Photos courtesy Real Simple.com