Laura Ashle Designer Date of Birth: 07.09.1925 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Laura Ashley

Laura Ashley, born Laura Mountney, was born in 1925 in Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom. She completed her education at a local school in 1932. During World War II, she served in the Women's Royal Naval Service. In 1949, she met Bernard Ashley and married him. They had four children together: Jane, David, Nika, and Emma.

In 1945, Laura worked as a secretary for the National Federation of Women's Institutes in London until 1952. In 1953, she and her husband Bernard started their own clothing business, specializing in printed headscarves and kitchen towels. Gradually, Laura began to create collections of women's and men's clothing, with a focus on folk art and simplicity.

In 1959, Laura created a blouse inspired by gardener's clothing, using 100% cotton fabric. This became a hit in the 1960s. Her voluminous dresses with colorful folk patterns gained immense popularity among English fashionistas. In the early 1970s, Laura gained particular popularity with collections featuring dresses with elaborate collars and voluminous sleeves.

In 1974, Laura Ashley opened her first store in San Francisco, United States. In 1977, she opened a boutique in New York City. The distinguishing feature of Laura Ashley's designs is the fabrics used. She primarily uses natural fabrics with simple floral motifs, based on 18th and 19th-century fashion. She also incorporates simple geometric prints with vibrant spring colors. Until the 1980s, Laura's clothing was exclusively made of cotton in sewing factories. Later, blended fabrics and jersey were introduced.

In 1984, the company's revenue reached $50 million. Laura Ashley's clothing was highly successful in many countries around the world. She successfully revived forgotten traditions in her designs. In 1985, Laura Ashley tragically passed away. However, her company continues to produce clothing to this day. In 1996, a twenty-year contract was signed with the major company "L'Oreal." It was decided to launch a line of perfumes and cosmetics under the name "Laura Ashley." However, the contract was terminated in 2002 as "L'Oreal" did not achieve the desired results.

Currently, the company employs young and talented designers and fashion designers who continue Laura Ashley's signature style.