art, Lifestyle

Laura Oakes at Debenhams

February 11, 2015
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Laura Oakes is a new designer that Debenhams has just introduced to their /Editions SS15 homewares collection. Laura can usually be found in Rye, in her shop filled with up-cycled vintage furniture, covered in colourful patterned fabric. The collection is decorated in ‘digital decoupage’ patterns and is inspired by flora, fauna, travelling or even a dream.

I am happy to have attended this event as otherwise I might have missed Laura Oakes‘ work, which is so up my street. The decoupage, bold colours and patterns are striking and the general anachronistic romantic imagery that they evoked in me was an absolute treat to my aesthetic sensibilities.

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We had a really nice evening, sipping cocktails, getting acquainted with the collection and of course, talking to Laura Oakes herself.

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All these pieces are affordable, as Laura says,

I believe everyone has the right to own art, it should be accessible, not elitist. when Debenhams approached me, I felt it was a great way of making my work accessible to a wider audience whilst not losing integrity within my designs. Individual pieces are layered and each has its own narrative hat allows my customer to delve into the stories behind them. I am thrilled with what we have achieved!

Images of a boudoir decorated with all the beautiful cushions and the vanity mirror popped in my head, with a gramophone playing some tunes in the background. 1920’s finger waved hair and a fringed silk kimono. A breezy but hot Summer late afternoon. Getting ready to go out dancing, in satin heels. L’Amant by Marguerite Duras ambiance. All of these things come to my mind looking at the colours patterns and pieces in the collection. Don’t know what Laura would say about these ideas, as she has her own but like one of my Art teachers used to say, the work of art is richest when it can stimulate millions of interpretations.

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For everyone to have a glimpse into Laura’s creative process we had a decoupage table at the ready, where we could decorate a notebook using the available motifs. I decided mine should have a fairy Tsar Nikolai of Russia flying over a forest of hands.

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My favourite piece is the 3 panel mirror and I think I will be investing in one as soon as it drops online at Debenhams on the 15th of March.

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The Laura Oakes collection will also be available in select Debenhams stores nationwide. The collection comprises 15 pieces and prices start at £10.

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2 Comments

  • Reply Connie* February 12, 2015 at 16:20

    This IS right up your street. It’s right up my street as well. Love your decoupage. I’ll bet she was inspired by you.

  • Reply Debenhams AW 15 launch and preview | Hello the Mushroom June 10, 2015 at 07:01

    […] bold colours, such as Abigail Ahern and Laura Oakes, both with their Edition collections (who is already a favourite of mine. I have the mirror on my dresser and I love […]