A favourite British company, founded by Bernard Ashley and his wife, Laura, after World War II, Laura Ashley was created after Laura was inspired to make her own printed fabric for Victorian style head scarves after she had seen a display at London's Victoria & Albert Museum. When actress Audrey Hepburn wore one of the head scarves in her 1953 film, Roman Holiday, the company's future was set.
It was not until the 1970s, however, that Laura Ashley became known for its signature dresses and dress shops. Laura Ashley is credited with popularizing the decade's classic Edwardian style dresses, which featured frilled or scoop neck collars and puff or leg of mutton sleeves. The dresses were typically made from fabric that had been printed by company. In keeping with the trend for nostalgic designs, the textiles were printed with modern reinterpretations of antique British prints, many of which included floral and other nature based motifs.
Printed fabric remained a focal point for Laura Ashley designs, many of which included small floral motifs that were derived form 18th and 19th century patterns. Many designs, however, featured more abstract, geometric designs, such as stripes, spots or other shapes instead of flowers or nature based prints. Dresses and other garments were frequently accented with trendy details, such as macrame lace add-ons and flounced skirts. Laura Ashley dresses were made for both women and girls during the 1970s, and customers who were interested could coordinate mother and daughter outfits.
In 1970, the company opened a store on Fulham road in London and sold 4,000 dresses, which led to a new factory in Newtown, Montgomeryshire. In 1974, Laura Ashley opened its first shop in Paris, followed by one in San Francisco during that same year. In 1977, Laura Ashley opened its New York City shop. As the company's reputation grew over time, it also entered into agreements to have the brand's designs sold in department stores in its native U.K. and abroad in Japan, the U.S., and other countries. In England, Laura Ashley clothing was sold in John Lewis, Heal's and Liberty's.
Later in the 1970s, Laura returned to her roots in fabric design, leading to the company's launch of a home furnishings collection, many of which were inspired by her second home, in France. Despite the growth throughout the decade, Laura Ashley's designs remained consistently romantic, tasteful and were invariably described as "quintessentially English."
 Vintage Laura Ashley dress, 1970's, made in Wales  £39.99
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 Laura Ashley Vintage Black Velvet Evening/Party/Prom Dress - Size 12 - Lovely £35.00
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 Laura Ashley Nautical Dress 14 £30.00
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 VINTAGE 80S LAURA ASHLEY BLUE PEACH CHUNKY FESTIVE KNITTED WOOL CARDIGAN £8.50
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 vintage laura ashley swing dress £14.99
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 VINTAGE LAURA ASHLEY SWEET DAISY ROSE POSY 40S STYLE SPRING DRESS 12 £18.00
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 VINTAGE LAURA ASHLEY ENGLISH WILD ROSE 50S STYLE SWING SPRING DRESS 10 £26.00
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 VINTAGE LAURA ASHLEY BLUE SPOTTY 50S STYLE SWING SPRING DRESS 14/16 £29.01
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 Vintage Laura Ashley Dress £24.99
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 Vintage Laura Ashley Scarf £4.29
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 LAURA ASHLEY, DARK NAVY, FLORAL MAXI DRESS -SIZE UK- 10 £14.99
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 c1960's LAURA ASHLEY MAXI DRESS WALES SZ 14 PRISTINE £75.00
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 LAURA ASHLEY 40S VINTAGE INSPIRED BLACK WOOL TROUSER SUIT JACKET 10 TRS 8 £74.99
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 Vintage Laura Ashley Jacket £.99
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 VINTAGE LAURA ASHLEY COUNTRY PINK BEAUTY ROSE WINTER DRESS 14/16 £17.00
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 LAURA ASHLEY VINTAGE 80`S ROMANTIC CORD FLORAL TEA DRESS VICTORIAN RETRO 14 £13.05
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 Laura Ashley Polka Dot Jacket £.99
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 Vintage Laura Ashley Glasses Case £5.00
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[...] Laura Ashley – A favourite British company, founded by Bernard Ashley and his wife, Laura, after World War II, Laura Ashley was created after Laura was inspired to make her own printed fabric for Victorian style head scarves after she had seen a display at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. When… [...]
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