A collaboration made in heaven.
On a sunny summer's day in a field in Sussex, I met the famed Rachel Ashwell. A little bit
starstruck I chatted nonchalantly in an attempt to find out more about her and her brand Shabby Chic.
Before I knew it we had spent most of the summer together hatching plans for a collaborative
scheme bringing Shabby Chic and Cabbages & Roses together in a collection of
beautiful organic cotton jersey.
To launch our new collection I thought I would find out more about my new friend
in a series of questions that you might find interesting. Interspersed with images
of our lovely new collection,
which, as you read you will find on line now.
Q: Had you heard of Cabbages & Roses when you stumbled upon Christina in a Sussex Field?
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| Rachel Ashwell in a field in Sussex at The Country Brocante |
A: Even though
I have been based in Los Angeles for 40 years I always favoured UK Home Decor
magazines, so over the years I had seen many articles on Cabbages & Roses. I
always loved the
simplicity of their prints and the authenticity of their
British Brand as though the Queen decorated
her house with their pieces. Also we share the same publisher who over the
years had hoped one day
Christina and I would meet. For some reason I had
expected a very polished, manicured and fancy
lady, so part of me was a little
intimidated at the thought. So I was pleasantly surprised when we met
for the
first time at a Brocante in Sussex last summer, that she is a creative, beautiful,
intelligent real
person. Instantly, she felt like family.
Q: If you had to describe Cabbages & Roses in a sentence what would it be?
A: Cabbages & Roses to me is like an authentic English
garden translated onto fabric to wear or
for the home, designed beautifully and subtly with organized chaos.
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| Rosabell Organic Jersey Organic Jersey Collection |
Q: Our collaboration came about in the Cabbages &
Roses tree house design studio – from where do
you design in your home town of
Los Angeles?
A: When I’m At home In Los Angeles I have a home
office. It’s not very big - just a couple of pale
blue harvest tables and loads
of mood boards lining the walls and a wonky chandelier. I have several
large
baskets and boxes filled with what looks like scraps of nothingness. But I
actually know every
single thread in there. Sometimes they get pulled out for props
for photo shoots as for an element of
inspiration. I then have a large design
studio within my corporate offices. I don’t actually have my
own desk there as
this is a communal space for my designers and merchants. And when needed I
work
alongside my team. It’s the heart of my offices. Again lots of mood boards and
bits and pieces.
Q:You are pretty
famous – I googled you and there were 2m results – you have been on TV, you
have
licenses all over the world, you have built an empire, you are always on an aeroplane, yet you are
one of the kindest mothers/friends/bosses I have ever met – how are you so sane? How are you so
licenses all over the world, you have built an empire, you are always on an aeroplane, yet you are
one of the kindest mothers/friends/bosses I have ever met – how are you so sane? How are you so
nice?
A: Wow that’s a deep question. I am many of the things you
describe. I think the core of who I am is
an empathic person. It’s what has inspired me all these years to find the beauty in treasures, in what
others
might feel are past their due date. And I think I carry that value into my relationships. We all
change
and evolve but there is always an element to treasure in a person and I am
always touched by
that thought. So maybe that means I’m kind. But as I have gotten older I find myself more
challenged to stay connected to how my industry is changing. Not so much as far as trends and
styles but the communications, the “influencer" piece for me doesn’t always feel authentic. So I try
and stay “sane “ in my bubble.
that thought. So maybe that means I’m kind. But as I have gotten older I find myself more
challenged to stay connected to how my industry is changing. Not so much as far as trends and
styles but the communications, the “influencer" piece for me doesn’t always feel authentic. So I try
and stay “sane “ in my bubble.
Q:Where did you grow up?
A: I largely
grew up in north London / Barnet/ Hendon and the sleepy side of Hampstead.
Q: What is your favourite thing about what you do?
A: Shopping for vintage is my favourite thing. I love the
discovery of the treasure, I love the
satisfaction of knowing the special spot
my “find” will land up or I love realizing when I have found
something that
will inspire me in my design work. And I also love the interaction with the
vendors,
listening to their adventurous stories.
Q: Favourite film?
A: At the moment the remake of A Star is Born. But my long
time love is Out of Africa.
The romance and the art direction are music to my
eyes.
Q: Favourite book?
A: I’m such a poor reader. Something I want to get
better at. But from school days Wuthering
Heights “I am Heathcliff" (is that embarrassing?? )
Q: Who would play you in a film about your life?
A: Renee
Zellwegger. I think she captures passion, creativity and vulnerability so well.
Q: What would your last meal be:
A: A
roast dinner with chicken. Paxo stuffing
and Bisto gravy and mash potato and peas. And
then apple pie with custard.
Q: Your ideal dinner guests, dead or alive. You can choose 8.
A: Bruce Springsteen, Oprah, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga, Joe Biden, Jeff Daniels,
my mum, Frank Sinatra.
Q: Vegetables or chocolate?
A: Chocolate ( milk)
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Somerset
Q: Films or Books?
A: Films
Q: Where would you like to be right now?
A: At Christina's house, sitting by her fire, eating Marmite on toast.
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