Printed cotton smock dress
Laura Ashley · 1972
Museum photograph
Laura Ashley
- Country romance
- Floral prints
- Historical references
Laura Ashley began printing textiles with her husband Bernard before expanding into clothing. The business moved to Wales and developed fashions that mixed contemporary silhouettes with romantic references to English country dress.
Official house website
Five looks to know
Collection selection
Printed cotton smock dress
1972
A floral cotton smock dress combines puffed sleeves, a high yoke and broad gathered ruffles. Designed and made by Laura Ashley in Wales, it was purchased ready-made and worn as a bridesmaid’s dress in England in 1972.
Photo: Powerhouse. Gift of Professor Jane Marceau, 2004. Object 2004/155/1.
Collection selection
Cotton wedding dress with lace
1970-1975 · Victoria and Albert Museum collection; original collection not stated
A long, softly gathered cotton dress offers an informal version of bridal dress.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Collection selection
Floral child’s dress
Laura Ashley — Spring/Summer 1983
A small floral print, shoulder frills and side ties translate the label’s pastoral vocabulary into children’s clothing.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Collection selection
Navy-and-white printed cotton dress
1972-1975 · Victoria and Albert Museum collection; original collection not stated
A high waist and long gathered skirt connect printed cotton to a nostalgic daywear silhouette.
©Victoria and Albert Museum, London/Laura Ashley
Collection selection
Navy sailor dress
Laura Ashley — Spring/Summer 1983
A dropped waist, pleated skirt and ribbon-trimmed sailor collar reinterpret a familiar nautical silhouette for children.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, LondonArchive pieces, grouped by date
1 piece1972
1 piece · Season not recorded
About Laura Ashley
By the 1970s, its imagery and patterned fabrics had created a recognizable world that would also extend into home furnishings.