So long, farewell


Credit www.harrywinteringham.uk




A note from Christina 

 

Sometimes, you can stop and hear the news. Sometimes the news will be devastating, sometimes the news can be seen as the greatest gift of a lifetime.

 

I have been given such a gift.

 

A swiftly spreading silly cancer has invited itself into my life and within a matter of weeks has made itself at home.

 

Luckily, possibly because its name is ‘small cell’ it is being ignored by me and causes me not a dot of pain, occasional discomfort soon mended with the genius of modern medicine and my beautiful, delicious life continues, albeit at a slightly slower pace, but nevertheless the past 20 days have been perfect in every way.

 

I know where I am going, and I know how it will happen and my soul is at peace, my head is already in heaven and I am completely surrounded by my most beautiful family and a million friends.

 

So there you have it, I am not long for this beautiful earth, but here I want to say these things.

 

Thank you to every supporter of Cabbages & Roses, champions, customers, makers, producers, designers, Cabbage Roses past, present and future.

 

We are well prepared to continue to give you the magic that fills your wardrobes and furnishes your homes. My dearest family and ‘bosses’, my heavenly daughter Kate and her husband Chris who have been a core part of Cabbages for the last 10 years and continually amaze me with their enthusiasm and understanding of what being a Cabbage means.

 

Even before this devastating news was broken we welcomed back Violet Dent to fill my designer-ey shoes so I could take a less hands on role. Your wardrobes will continue to be re-invented, re-freshed, re-sold, re-cycled, re-bought and revived season after season. 

 

Cabbages & Roses has beauty and kindness in its DNA – that will never be lost.

 

Violet was my first design assistant, daughter of Brigette Buchanan – birth mother with me of Cabbages & Roses – and forever a champion, supporter and dearly beloved friend.

 

Look after my Cabbage and Strutt family, continue to support them on their road to even greater success today, tomorrow, and way way into the future.

 

With love, with gratitude, with thanks.  

 

Byeeee

 

BOCONNOC HOUSE

Our Founders, Brigitte Buchanan & Christina Strutt


THANK YOU DAVE TARAESKEVICS & PATRIC WOODROFFE






36 comments

Unknown said...

Such a lovely, gracious and dignified letter to everyone. I’m so sorry to hear about your illness, which has raced through my family as well. I have dealt with your wonderful staff for several years and will continue to do so. You are going to the best possible place. Thank you for everything , Wendy Nixon

Anonymous said...

Remarkable,brave,glorious words.

Anonymous said...

XXX

WENDY JONES said...

THAT IS JUST TOTALY SHIT NEWS ..TERRIBLE.INFURIATING BRAVE
AND A BEAUTIFUL & PERFECTLY STYLISH GOODBYE ...
..JUST WHAT WOULD BE EXPECTED OF A CABBAGE ...
LOVE W

Lynda Mathey said...

Oh my gosh what sad news. You will be missed. You have been such a part of my life for so long, on my radar from the beginning.

Debo Phillips said...

Bless you. Peaceful journey x

Antonella Gambotto-Burke said...

You are beautiful and I wish you every joy on your journey x

Annabel Lees said...

Bon Voyage Christina xx

Samantha Allen said...

Sending Christina and all her family HUGE LOVE & HUGS 💖💖💖

Unknown said...

So terribly sorry to read of your illness, Christina. Your approach to it is as inspirational as everything you do, and have done, and rest assured that your love of beauty, quality and simplicity will live on. I wish you a peaceful journey onwards. Caroline Young

Unknown said...

Dearest mama cabbage
Thank you. Thank you for inspiring, indulging and showing us how to live beautifully.
Sending lots of love
X

G said...

I don't know you, but this hit me hard.
Thank you for sharing and blessings upon you.

Unknown said...

Thank you for being a blessing to liz in California, USA

Vanessa said...

Beautiful words from a beautiful lady, go peacefully..........

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear the news. Your message is so positive and inspirational,make the most of your time with your family. I also want to say that your business has goodness as its ethos, quality British timeless garments that are cherished for years.Peace be with you.

Sara G said...

So terribly sad, but what a legacy you leave. I met you once when I worked in Jigsaw in Guildford. Gentle, inspiring and gosh so gifted. Thank you for all the treasures that you designed, they all stand the test of time and I still love them and would not be parted from any! So much love to you and your beloved family x

Joanie said...

You are so loved, wise and resolved in a gracious, beautiful and stylish way…I would have expected nothing less from you…
We are all following you of course, some of us simply will not know our time, thank you for showing us how to move forward so majestically XO

Icco x said...

When I was diagnosed with cancer in my early 40, I bought your dress to make myself happy. I have been on dreadful treatments for 2 years, Im still here. Im not sure how long tho..... Thank you very much for bringing me happiness! lots of love, xxx

Sally said...

I have only recently found Cabbages and Roses, but I will never leave it. It makes me happy and I thank you very much. Your staff are amazing and kind. As are you and all you stand for. An incredible lady with a loving family around you. Sending love, hugs and a promise to keep being a loyal Cabbage customer. Thank you with lovexxx

Anonymous said...

I hope your journey is a painless one. Thank you for bring C&R to us. We will continue to enjoy what the brand brings. Please watch over us x

Sheri Weathers said...

your letter has touched my heart profoundly ... forever thankful for Rachel for sharing your home and cabbage family with our shabby strong family. Just love Just Belle and too many others to jot here. Just know I am praying big and small prayers for you and your soul.

"We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place in ourselves for those who love us." -St. Bernard of Clairvaux

I plan on finding a simple blessing gift for myself form C&R to carry on your love ...

To thy Angels on High,
Sincerely,
Sheri Weathers (sherishabbychic)

HappyHyg said...

Leaving a wonderful legacy in our hearts and our homes…..always 🤍🖤

Silvia said...

Hi Christina,
I have many of your creations in my wardrobe. They are part of the fabric of my life. Alongside your family, friends, and staff, you have built something wonderful. What you are leaving behind is solid.
My thoughts are with you and with those who know and love you.
Kind regards, Silvia

Marijcke said...

You're setting one heck of an example. Truly inspirational...it is how I would like to go. Stay happy Christina. X

Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear your news. Thank you so much for everything you have done to enrich our lives with Cabbages and Roses over the years. You will be dearly missed and are much loved. Eleni xx

Jaye said...

I am so sorry to read your news. Thank you for bringing beauty into the world. Beauty is obviously in your soul, to have written such an wonderfully dignified announcement to such devasating news. You are truly inspirational. Jaye. Fremantle, Western Australia.

Anonymous said...

What an extraordinary gift you have Christina. What a loss to us all. How fearlessly you travel forward. How inspirational to all who have read your goodbyeee! Thank you for creating beautiful things for us to continue to treasure. If only you could tell us how joyous your onward journey is. Add my love to your mountain of love.

Unknown said...

I'm saddened to hear your news . You're a gracious lady . May you have a tranquil journey. God Bless .
Love Bunty xx

Anonymous said...

A very peaceful patch in Heaven . God bless you always

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your beautiful designs - your clearly indomitable spirit and courage. Long may Cabbages and Roses continue. I know it will.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to have belatedly found your post with your news. Thank you and go in peace. Sue

Anonymous said...

sending xoxo

Sarah said...

Your courage is inspirational - thank you for everything and especially for your remarkable goodbyeee post. Sarah xxx

Anonymous said...

I have only just realised that I could actually leave a message. I have read your beautiful email many times and I have cried as I am doing now. I don't think I have met you but maybe at the London store many years ago. I treasure my Cabbages and Roses pieces but more than that I thank you for your beauty and kindness to everyone at this sad time.

Angela Metcalfe said...

Hello Mrs Firework,
The Cabbage ‘sparkle’ shining bright, I’m new to C and R - your a keeper, and wearing and with you with jolly pride.
Axxx

blue sky said...

How very sad to read.I wish you peace and love. I've been a fan of C and Rs since the early days. Thank you for making such beautiful things.