Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell with flowing silk printed kaftans featuring Birtwell’s whimsical floral textiles. The scene evokes 1970s British fashion, with designs later inspiring Holland Street collections and iconic prints like Mystic Daisy.

Creative Conversations: Celia Birtwell’s Timeless Textile Vision

Today I listened to Celia Birtwell on Suzy Menkes’ Creative Conversations podcast. It was a joy to hear her speak—I've always had a fondness for her work and her nature. I even find myself wondering whether I prefer her designs to Zandra Rhodes’. Design-wise and era-wise, they are hugely similar. Both were pioneers of traditional textile methods and fearless in their use of colour. They were avant-garde in their time and have since become icons of British textile design, holding a legacy that continues to inspire.

My favourite designs from each are Lace Mountain by Rhodes and Mystic Daisy by Birtwell. These prints are timeless. Both designers have created collections for Valentino and their work is as loved today as it was in the 1970s. Collaborations with Kate Moss, Topshop, and Matches Fashion have brought their bold visions to new generations. They are iconic women—brave, bold, and beautifully original.

Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell with flowing silk printed kaftans featuring Birtwell’s whimsical floral textiles. The scene evokes 1970s British fashion, with designs later inspiring Holland Street collections and iconic prints like Mystic Daisy.

Celia Birtwell’s conversation with Suzy Menkes was full of insight. She described her textile designs as whimsical and spiritual. Her work is two-dimensional, rooted in the way she sees the world through textiles. Her husband and his design partner created the clothing silhouettes, while Celia designed the textiles. She chose the size and scale freely, always aiming to help people feel their best in the clothes.

After having two sons, Celia shifted her focus to home textiles. She found this area easier, quieter, slower. It felt innocent and matched the pace of motherhood. Her designs remained wearable and unique. Her patterns helped her work stand the test of time.

Celia finds inspiration by always looking and always criticising. She pays close attention to detail. She notices things. She loves real flowers and keeps them in her house. She reflects on what she sees. She finds flowers spiritual and interesting. Her prints are alive and witty.

Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell with flowing silk printed kaftans featuring Birtwell’s whimsical floral textiles. The scene evokes 1970s British fashion, with designs later inspiring Holland Street collections and iconic prints like Mystic Daisy. image behind is Holland Street Park Life Print

She doesn’t draw directly from nature. Instead, she enters a state of being when she draws. She knows when a design is right or wrong. She relies on experience, learning, and an inner sense. She sees this process as a mysterious talent.

The podcast series itself is a treasure trove of creative voices. Other speakers include Naomi Campbell, Giorgio Armani, Jasper Conran, Anna Sui, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Alber Elbaz, Marine Serre, Giambattista Valli, Simone Rocha, Thom Browne, Christian Louboutin, Rick Owens, Clare Waight Keller, Olivier Rousteing, Christopher Kane, Diane von Fürstenberg, Victoria Beckham, Demna Gvasalia, Nicolas Ghesquière, Dries Van Noten, Huda Kattan, Edward Enninful, and Pat McGrath.

Suzy Menkes Talks to Celia Birtwell about flowing silk printed kaftans. Featuring Birtwell’s whimsical floral textiles. The scene evokes 1970s British fashion, with designs later inspiring Holland Street collections and iconic prints like Mystic Daisy.

 

If you’re interested in design, fashion, or the minds behind iconic creativity, this podcast is worth exploring.

Silk printed kaftans featuring Celia Birtwell’s whimsical floral textiles, echoing her signature 1970s style. Designs like Mystic Daisy inspired modern collections from Holland Street and remain icons of British textile design.
Silk printed kaftans featuring Celia Birtwell’s whimsical floral textiles, echoing her signature 1970s style. Designs like Mystic Daisy inspired modern collections from Holland Street and remain icons of British textile design.
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