The New British Invasion

As Ruth Bonser says it, Cath Kidston is such a household name in the United Kingdom that even her dog Stanley is famous. Bonser is the head of public relations for Cath Kidston Ltd. Kidston opened her first retail shop in 1992, in the Notting Hill section of London. She has since carried her brand of vintage, shabby chic across the Atlantic and set up stores in New York and Los Angeles.

Originally an interior designer, Kidston sold second-hand furniture and vintage fabrics in her first shop. She soon began to design more of her own fabric and wallpaper, creating signature floral prints. Kidston now has nine shops in London, two in the United States and one in Japan, along with a strong online clientele.

Cath Kidston stores stock clocks, cutlery, tea cozies, slippers, laundry bags and even tents. All the fabric items feature Cath Kidston’s whimsical, trademarked designs.

Cath Kidston shoppers will also find a small but winning stationery line. “We’ve got an amazing new card set; pencil cases are also very popular,” says Bonser. The stationery line includes gift wrap and gift cards, mix-and-match stationery sets, photo albums, notebooks and box files in floral designs.

As for Stanley the dog, his image can be found on T-shirts at the stores. He has even inspired a small pet section, with pet beds in Cath Kidston’s signature prints.

Cath Kidston Ltd.
201 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10012
212.343.0223