Im actually fairly critical of my work but I think the way theyve put it together, I couldnt have done it better myself, the undisputed queen of prints, Celia Birtwell, told us this morning of her new collection for Uniqlo. We couldnt agree more - its amazing. Trust us.
Eight years after her sell-out collection for Topshop introduced her to a brand new generation of fashion fans, the iconic textile designer is set to return to the high street once again. Celia has picked favourite prints from her extensive archive of designs and compiled them with new offerings and prints that have previously only been used for her interiors collections.
Once handed over to Uniqlo, the high street team set about splashing the florals, palm trees, cats and beasties over a whole host of pieces were not just talking t-shirts here. Easy shirt dresses, pretty button-up blouses with matching palazzo pants, vibrantly printed jeans and, yes, jersey separates too, have all been given the Birtwell treatment. I think theyre fun, she says of the results, and I think the collection is fun. Theyre cheap and cheerful in a way that is accessible for everyone and Ive been really impressed by the quality.
The designer was on hand this morning to run us through her favourite pieces (shes particularly proud of the monochrome outfit). And amidst the backdrop of colour and pattern she was dressed head to toe in black. Her usual ensemble, we asked? Well I do wear stripes quite a lot but Ive only got one smart suit and that what Ive got on! I do wear my own pieces occasionally but I have an attitude towards wearing too many prints, I dont know what it is, its like when youre a carpenter but you dont have any bookshelves at home, thats how I am.
The designers illustrative prints have been a fashion favourite ever since she first started adding them to dresses designed by Ossie Clark back in the sixties, but, more than 40 years later, shes still designing new prints. I havent stopped you see, she tells us, Im not just an archivist. I still enjoy it, its what I do best and if you get praise and people like what you do, its nice isnt it? I get a bit fed up with people saying Oh its an archive collection because I think that means you stopped working in the seventies so I do readdress that each time and say no, Ive never stopped really, Im always thinking of something new to do.
We're keeping our fingers crossed that that means a follow-up collection is in the pipeline.
The collection will hit stores on 21 March, with prices starting from £9.99.