grows up . . . with a range for adults Spring/Summer 2012 POPPY, the British clothing range that depicts a little girl’s adventures on the hem of its dresses, has responded to popular demand and launched a range for women. Designer Bryony Richardson’s distinctive prints feature the nostalgic antics of young Poppy and her loyal dog, Fred. The children’s range for which the firm has gained a loyal following features a circus theme for the current season and a patriotic London one for Autumn/Winter 2012. After many requests from mothers and others for adults’ dresses to match the mini versions, Bryony and her team tested the water with some trial designs late last year. Such was the enthusiastic reception that the women’s range has been augmented for Spring/Summer 2012 with new styles, prints and colours. Sizes range from 10 to 18. The dresses are available from a growing network of independent boutiques as well as online at www.poppychildren.co.uk, where they are priced at £98 – wrapped beautifully and delivered free. Bryony said the grown-up versions had already been picked up by adult bridesmaids – Poppy’s pretty girls’ dresses have long proved popular for flower girls and for other special occasions. “The idea had always been there for a women’s dress – it’s amazing how many mums love the idea of dressing to match their daughters,” she said. “But I’m especially delighted that so many people are loving the sense of fun embodied by the designs – it turns out that it translates really well from children’s wear to elegant women’s wear, and people are really enthusiastic about the pastel shades and faintly vintage feel.” A range of women’s tulle petticoats is proving a great accessory to the dresses too, giving them volume and a touch of 50s’ style, or they are great just worn on their own. Available in four colours, they come in one size and are £59. New prints and styles For SS12, Poppy and Fred join a circus to learn some tricks and meet new friends under the big top. Meanwhile, they also try their hand at running a traditional sweet shop, complete with jar upon jar of Continues on page two
Continued from page one old-fashioned sweets. Two fresh spring colourways in the new Circus print feature Lemon Sherbet and Spearmint in the Beatrice design, while multi-coloured Sweet Shop provides a fascinating complement in both the Beatrice and Edith styles. The new fabrics complement the firm’s popular Seaside print in blue, red or green in the Beatrice style, as well as the Poppy print – available in a long-sleeved Beatrice design and a short-sleeved Grace version. The printed-in-Leicester quality cotton twill is comfortable and machine washable. As with the girls’ outfits, each charming dress comes with a storybook telling the tale of Poppy and Fred’s exploits. Bryony’s hand-drawn illustrations give Poppy clothing its trademark nostalgic innocence – complete with a contemporary twist: a Pippi Longstocking for the 21st century.
In addition to clothing for women and babies, boys and girls aged up to seven – Poppy has a range of accessories such as pyjamas, little purse bags, berets and bootees, colouring books, greetings cards and invitations, and mugs. The children’s collection is available online at www.poppychildren.co.uk, in John Lewis (online, Oxford Street and selected stores nationwide), Peter Jones in Sloane Square and a wide range of independent boutiques across the UK, Europe and in the Middle East, Far East and North America.
Coming next For AW12, Bryony has created a patriotic fabric that will be available in both girls’ and women’s designs. In the wake of the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Poppy and Fred take a trip to the big city to see what all the fuss is about. Metropolitan icons such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Routemaster buses all make an appearance on the charming new London fabric. Another fresh fabric for AW2012 is Woodland, which features beautiful Indian embroidery Continues on page three
Continued from page two depicting a walk in the woods by Poppy and Fred, who make lots of friends among the forestdwelling creatures. “It has been an exciting collection to work on,” said Bryony. “Autumn/Winter 2012 also brings lots of new knitwear pieces, whose colours provide highlight tones and add a real zest for life to the range.” March 2012 NOTES TO EDITORS * To get a taste of the new collection, take a look at our look books. SS12 is here (children’s and women’s); while AW12 is here (children’s only; please do not publish the latter link). * High resolution images (flats, cut-outs and lifestyle versions) are available – see our flickr pages, or get in touch. We have attached a couple of lifestyle versions here – please let us know if you have trouble seeing them. * For further information, interviews, price lists, stockist details and samples, please contact Gareth Dant via email: gareth@poppychildren.co.uk, or telephone: 01609 765149. * www.poppychildren.co.uk. 44 High Street, Yarm, North Yorkshire, TS15 9AE. 01642 790000. * You can also visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/poppychildren) or follow us on Twitter (@poppychildren). ENDZ