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Luvverly Liberty

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During my time in London I got a chance to go to the fabulous and famous Liberty of London.

My Aunt bought me a gift card at Christmas and I managed to wait until I could go in person and see all the wonderful items available up close!

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The actual building is amazing. I love its grand Tudor facade in black and white. It was 1924 when this incredible icon was constructed from the timbers of two ships: HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan.

We approached from Argyll Street so we could see Liberty’s own flower shop at the entrance. It was a lovely spring day and plenty of lavender and roses were arranged at the doorway.

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The haberdashery and fabric section contains plenty to keep you distracted for hours. I had a one hour time limit to select some fabric.

Liberty has a long history of artistic and inspiring collaborative projects on their Liberty Art Fabrics – from William Morris and Gabriel Dante Rossetti in the 19th century to Yves Saint Laurent and Dame Vivienne Westwood in the 20th.

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Every season staff scour the archives for historic prints that could be reissued for a modern audience. Watch this video on some of the design processes that go into selecting a new season’s fabrics.
Or this one about the printing process at the Lancaster factory! I swear I was so distraught when I realised I’d been so close to the factory during my uni days. Maybe I could have applied for a part time job or something! Sigh…

Recent collaborations include renowned brands such as Nike, Dr. Martens, Hello Kitty, Barbour and Manolo Blahnik to name but a few. My favourite was the Converse collaboration.

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I’m pleased to report I got two metres of lovely Melly paint splodge/splatter style tana lawn which I’ll be using for a happy smile-inducing dress!

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Have you been to the Liberty store? Would you love to?

(12) Comments

  1. Thank you SO much!! I know where I will be dragging my family after the FQR weekend in July 🙂

    1. Prepare to spend plenty of time exploring! It’s gorgeous

  2. I would *love* to go to Liberty. My mum and Grandma were big fans – we had Liberty curtains on our lounge when I was growing up!
    Have you seen some of Florence’s makes over at Flossie Teacakes? She’s made some really lovely things. Can’t wait to see what you make!
    Louise x

    1. Oooh really? Liberty curtains!? That’s awesome. I have a dress in mind but the number escapes me at the moment 🙂 x

  3. thanks for the interesting history – I visited Liberty when I was in the UK in January, the building is amazing, fascinating that it was built from old ships!

    1. I know right! So much history in there.

  4. I’ve been to Liberty twice, but didn’t buy any fabric; also I didn’t know the facade was made from two ships! The fabric you bought is lovely, good luck with your dress.

    1. Thanks Lynne! How did you resist buying anything? Your willpower is stronger than mine 🙂

  5. Ohhh! That fabric is delish! What an awesome choice!
    And how amazing is the store- so luxe!

  6. This is a dream for me to visit the store, Must get there one day!!! Thank your for all the photos. Might have to go and buy some Liberty today – just because.

  7. Wow!! Gorgeous building. Love the windows and chandaliers! Your fabric choice is very Jackson Pollack, nice!

  8. Oh my gosh I just bought the exact same fabric after spending the better part of my birthday in Liberty (and the tea room 😉 This week-end the fabric turned into a blouse, it was a dream to sew with and is totally smile inducing! Cannot wait to see your dress!

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