Liberty of London started from very small beginnings over 140 years ago. In 1875 Arthur Lazenby Liberty borrowed £2,000 from his father-in-law to be and with three staff took over half of 218a Regent Street. Originally the company was named "East India House" after the Eastern Bazaar influence in collections of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and objet d'art. These were all very popular and expansion followed very rapidly. With the initial loan paid off, the second half of 218a Regent Street was promptly purchased along with other surrounding properties.

The famous Tudor style Liberty store that we know today was constructed out of the timbers from 2 ships in 1924, re-cycling at its best. The shop, designed by Edward Stanley Hall, consists of 3 light wells forming the focal point with smaller rooms off each to give a homely feel. In fact many had fireplaces and some still exist. 

Their expansion continued and their stylish range grew. Liberty collaborated with Edward William Godwin, founder of the costume society from 1884, who produced in-house fashion clothing that rivalled the best from Paris. They also worked with many British designers from the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movement, producing some of their most iconic designs and art prints. With the increased demand and popularity of their beautiful fabrics, Liberty started to import undyed cloth and then handprinted it in the Oriental style. They also produced many William Morris designs many of which are in production today. Together with the "Made in England" tag the brand began to grow and became known as "Liberty Prints." 

Today these traditions continue and that is why Liberty of London is renowned for it's eclectic range of beautiful scarves, fabric, designer fashion and homeward. Arthur Liberty did what he set out to do, he had a vision and was determined "Not to follow existing fashion but to create new ones." As Ed Burstell, the current Managing Director said "Liberty is one of the last great emporiums of its kind left on earth......it's the most unique store that I have ever come across."

At Attavanti we are excited to have exclusive Bonfanti tote and grab handbags plus weekend bags in a selection of beautiful, iconic Liberty Art prints. The perfect marriage of Italian leather, design and style with gorgeous Liberty prints Strawberry Thief, Lodden and Betsy pattern prints.

Strawberry Thief 1883 is one of the most popular repeating print designs and was created by William Morris, famous textile designer, poet and novelist who was associated with both the British Arts and Crafts Movement and Pre Raphaelite Brotherhood. It was inspired by thrushes stealing fruit in the kitchen garden of his home in Kelmscott Manor, Oxford. Lodden, another famous print by William Morris design, was created in 1884 and was altered in scale and colours by Liberty. Our final Liberty print is Betsy, a floral stylised print from 1933 who's designer is unknown apart from the fact that their initial are DS.

Our new season Bonfanti and Liberty print handbags and weekend bags will be available from next week www.attavanti.com