Profile of Laura Ashley

Laura Ashley Profile Laura Ashley Audrey Hepburn inadvertently sparked the growth of one of the world's best-loved and most successful fashion and furnishing companies Laura Ashley in the 1953 film "Roman Holiday", a style that became an instant hit around the globe. It was at exactly that time that a young couple were starting to produce headscarves as well as tablemats and napkins on their kitchen table in a flat in Pimlico, It was in the couple's small basement flat in in this London's Pimlico, that the seeds of Ashley's world-famous floral prints were sown. The Laura and Bernard Ashley had invested a modest £10 in wood for the screen frame, dyes and a few yards of linen. The scarves were an instant success with stores such as John Lewis and Heal's and put them on the road to becoming an international company with a brand that is recognised around the globe.



Laura designed the prints and Bernard built the printing equipment, so forging a complementary partnership that was to give the company its unique strength throughout the years. Laura remained in charge of design until shortly before her death, while Bernard handled the operational side.

Today Laura Ashley with many online offers have over 189 Stores nationwide and offer such products as; It was a successful marketing strategy. Desperate to escape the tedium of office life, Bernard Ashley resigned and set up a family business The couple's first factory was an old coaching house in Kent where they produced fabrics under the Ashley Mountney Company. But the idyllic setting of the 'Garden of England' was never going to be enough to sustain Ashley's interest. Before long, factories were set up in the heart of rural mid Wales and by the mid 1970s dresses from Wales were being sold across Europe - shops were opened in Paris, Geneva and Brussels. The success was phenomenal and totally unexpected. "The garments will always remain a mystery," said Bernard Ashley. "It was amazing when Laura had the whole world dressed as milk maids. I mean, how she did that I don't know." The success of the 1970s proved an almost unshakeable foundation. By 1981 the Ashley's - which had by now expanded into home furnishing - had 5,000 retail outlets throughout the world. In the same year, Laura Ashley realised a long-held ambition and opened a shop in the Welsh capital. Laura Ashley enjoyed a strong year posting its best results in ten years.

Group pre-tax profits doubled and sales up 6.6 percent. The group, which is best known for its floral print furnishings and fashions. Laura Ashley's hard work has paid dividends, as the group saw demand for room fragrances, decorative accessories and particularly women's wear grow. Women's wear fashion sales increased substatially. Furniture sales also increased. Together they represent over half of total sales, while furniture sales account for nearly a third of total UK revenue. Laura Ashley is an internationally recognised lifestyle retailer specialising in womenswear, childrenswear and home furnishings. Share in the success of our unique product ranges including stunning chandeliers, luxurious cushions and giftware to crisp cotton bed linen and beautifully hand crafted cabinet furniture. Our womenswear has a definitive, lasting quality that calls on soft, feminine lines and a relaxed approach to dressing. Laura Ashley has regular online promotions including mid season sales, and new product launches Inspirational Roomsets available at Laura Ashley As many would know Decorating is never easy nevermind finding inspiration for your room.

Laura Ashley collections reflect changing tastes and influences, in particular a contemporary country style blending old and new which can be simple or sophisticated, rural or urban as you wish. Inspirational Roomsets available at Laura Ashley; are By The Sea, Living By The Sea, Dining By The Sea, Bedroom Grand Country Living, Grand Country Living, Grand Country Dining, Grand Country Bedroom, Well Being, Living Well Being, Living Well Being Bedroom, Summer Whites Living, Summer Living Bedroom, Rescued From Ruin, Living Rescued, From Ruin Dining, Rescued From Ruin Bedroom, Elegance Living, and Elegance Living.

Laura Ashley interior design service is here to help you. A team of imaginative and knowledgeable designers are on hand to assist in bringing all of your plans and ideas to life. Laura Ashley Interior Design Services offer a unique and professional service nationwide for your interior design project. Trained to develop your ideas, guide your choices, to offer practical and expert advice. Enabling you to hand over to the professionals but still keep control.