Celia Birtwell Returns to Decorex in 2011

English designer Celia Birtwell who became well known in the 1960s for her distinctive bold, romantic and feminine fabrics is returning to Decorex in 2011. For the event Birtwell will reveal new designs and relaunch older ones, including Punchinella Grand, which was originally created for Celia by David Hockney –...

English designer Celia Birtwell who became well known in the 1960s for her distinctive bold, romantic and feminine fabrics is returning to Decorex in 2011. For the event Birtwell will reveal new designs and relaunch older ones, including Punchinella Grand, which was originally created for Celia by David Hockney – for whom she was a muse – in 1985, and which has been re-worked (scale and colour). It will re-launch at Decorex as part of ‘Let’s Twist’, a playful capsule collection, which will also include Pop Check – a subtle and versatile co-ordinate which was rescaled from her fashion archive, Hallelujah – a playful take on the traditional cross hatch stripe, Sugar Plum, a bright and cheerful pom pom with a touch of elegance and Bric a Brac –  inspired by an 18th century fabric which Celia has coveted for the past few years.

The second capsule collection is ‘The New Romantics’ – and reflects Celia’s passion for all things delicate and pretty.  Gloriana is one of the new designs and is inspired by Mexican hand blocking whilst retaining English charm and elegance.  Bird Song is also new to Decorex and the international market. It combines Birtwell’s ‘home’ and ‘fashion’ handwritings in this delightful toile inspired by all the birds that visit her tiny country retreat.  Jacobean, although designed in 2007 has never been seen at Decorex and this design has proven to be a huge success.  Milson Ticking, is the perfect combination to all these designs  – a traditional ticking with a Birtwell twist.

Celia will also be launching her first book about her lifetime of designing in September 2011.  The V&A will host a talk with Birtwell on Friday 23rd September, just two days before the opening of Decorex.