Liberty London

'"I was determined not to follow existing fashion but to create new ones."' - Arthur Lasenby Liberty

In 1875, Arthur Liberty borrowed £2000 from his future Father in Law and took over half of 218a Regent Street with three dedicated staff. Liberty was determined to change the look of homeware and fashion. His collection of fabric, ornaments and objets d'arts proved irresistible to a society intoxicated by Japan and the east.

'"Liberty is the chosen resort of the artistic shopper"' - Oscar Wilde

By 1884, Liberty was challenging fashion in Paris whilst working with Costume Society founder Edward William Godwin creating in-house apparel. Liberty forged strong relationships with many British designers, most famously the protagonists of the Art Nouveau movement.

'"I just love Liberty; I love the history and the whole experience, it's a one stop shop."' - Christopher Kane

Designed by Edwin T. Hall and his son, Edwin S. Hall, the iconic store was constructed from the timbers of two ships. Designed at the height of the 1920's fashion of the Tudor revival, the shop was engineered around three light wells. Smaller rooms, many including a fireplace, surrounded these wells, to create a more homely feel. Sadly Arthur Liberty died in 1917, seven years before the completion of his shop.

'"From its finest in-house collections of scarves, to the finest designer fashion and homeware, Liberty is just as relevant and cutting-edge as ever."'

Liberty has a history of collaborative projects, from William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the nineteenth century to Yves Saint Laurent and Dame Vivienne Westwood in the twentieth. More recent collaborations include brands such as, Nike, Hello Kitty, Dr. Martens, Barbour, Vans and Superga.

I am a massive fan of Liberty London. I think the eclectic vision of Arthur Liberty has continued into the present. Although I believe the more recent collaborations have been to high street and miss out on the original look of the store, when they collaborated with top designers and artists. Every time I visit London I make it a top priority to go to Liberty. The wide range of designers and styles I find very inspiring and fun; you know you'll never see the same layout or designs twice. One of my favourite things about Liberty is their displays, whether it be instore, in the windows, or the light wells. There is one display I always remember, from about 6 years ago, when the main light well was full of Liberty scarves hung from the ceiling, however the wire they were strung up with were thin and almost not visible, so the scarves just looked like they were floating, it was almost magical. Liberty London is store with plenty of heritage and a definite tourist destination, being the only store in the world. I would recommend a trip there to anyone.

Ta Ta for now, My Lovelies.

Miss Blue.