Exclusive interview with Celia Birtwell: Fashion or furnishings?

Designing fashion and soft furnishings… same beef or a different story? ‘The difference between designing for the home and for fashion is enormous,’ veteran textile designer (in fashion and interiors) Celia Birtwell told me last week. ’Fashion moves so fast and is so demanding that there is little time to rest and take stock. ’Home’ has longevity.’

While Birtwell is best known for her fashion in the Sixties, her soft furnishings – as seen in the homes of David Hockney and Jonathan Ross – have a longer shelf life. She has just launched an online shop and a home collection including readymade Candy Flower curtains and a (rather fabulous) retro oilcloth for John Lewis.

‘I have always said that I have two distinct styles when designing; bold, feminine and fun for fashion projects, and classical, historic and whimsical for the home projects.’ In Birtwell terms, a ‘curtain should be quiet’ in order to last forever.

‘When Celia is planning her textile designs for fashion, she always thinks of the movement going around and around the body, whereas when she designs for the home, it’s curtains, cushions or upholstery,’ Birtwell’s daughter-in-law Bella Clark told me. ‘These are much more static.’

The prints are different; Birtwell’s clothes are floral (inspired by Kew gardens) yet interior fabrics more bestial – think bugs, birds, butterflies and mythical creatures inspired by church interiors and medieval designs. One of her earliest prints Little Animals, designed in 1983 is a bestseller today. ‘It makes me most nostalgic and looks equally as fabulous on linens as it does on sumptuous silks. You often find that certain designs are like a fine wine; they get better as they get older.’

‘I love seeing my work being worn by people. Sometimes I spy a bag on the Underground or a frock at a party. That is really thrilling and makes me feel very proud.  Sadly, I hardly ever see the results of my home products as they are safely tucked away behind closed doors.’

Like her style? Read our full interview: At home with Celia Birtwell and shop Celia Birtwell’s soft furnishings collection on mydeco.

All images are accredited to Celia Birtwell.