Batsheva and Laura Ashley Launch Limited-Edition Collection

The collaboration marks the first time Laura Ashley has partnered with a women’s label.

October 19, 2021

Laura Ashley has partnered with Batsheva, a New York City-based ready-to-wear brand for women and girls, on an exclusive limited-edition collection to debut available in the U.S. and U.K.

The Batsheva x Laura Ashley collaboration is a contemporary nostalgic fashion collection featuring Batsheva’s signature take on traditional styling infused with Laura Ashley archival floral prints and heirloom-inspired silhouettes.

Awash in winter florals with deep, saturated color, the ready-to-wear collaboration offers a nod to several Laura Ashley moments with a 15-piece women’s fashion collection in a variety of prints, matching mommy-and-me girls’ dresses and an apron with coordinating oven mitts.

“When I made my first dress a few years ago, my idea was to take a classic Laura Ashley shape and adjust all sorts of things— make the neck a little rufflier, add contrasting fabrics, bring up the waist,” says Batsheva Hay, designer, Batsheva. “All I wanted to do was revisit and reimagine Laura Ashley

and this is my chance to do it. I am working with archival prints, line drawings and garments and mashing them together.”

Hay’s works with Victorian-inspired silhouettes, including signature details such as touches of bold color, ruffles, mixed prints, high collars and exaggerated sleeves. Included is one of Hay’s favorite pieces, a classic voluminous smock with a subtle rosy print and oversized neon-yellow yoke.

"I grew up in the ‘80s in Queens and we used to drive into Manhattan to visit the Laura Ashley store on Madison Avenue,” says Hay. “Laura Ashley always symbolized my dream of femininity— natural and romantic and a little costumey.”

Many styles will be available in a selection of patterns, ensuring every fan can find dresses or separates to reflect their own spins on the heirloom-inspired looks.

“Batsheva, who is such an inspiring designer and a fan of the Laura Ashley brand, has brought real passion and life to each piece,” says Carolyn D’Angelo, managing director, brands, Gordon Brothers and global president, Laura Ashley. “Being a part of Batsheva’s creative process to bring high-fashion pieces to the marketplace has us inspired to create more Laura Ashley collaborations. We are excited to continue to work with brands and designers that continue to be inspired by the legacy of Laura Ashley.”

The 15 designs include floral-patterned blouses, dresses and layered skirts meant to be worn together for a head-to-toe look or mixed and matched for a modern look. The line will be available online with Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion, Nordstrom, Shopbop and Batsheva.com, with select pieces offered at LauraAshleyUSA.com, among other retailers.