An October (Re)Introduction: The Artful World of Holland Street

Hello, I’m Lauren Barfoot—founder and designer behind Holland Street. I started this brand back in 2011 with a simple but powerful idea: to create expressive garments that celebrate print, comfort, and individuality. Holland Street is where textile artistry meets inclusive fashion, and every piece begins with a story.

My journey started at the Royal College of Art, where I developed a love for engineered textile prints—designs that are wearable, intentional, and full of emotion. I refined this approach during my time at Alexander McQueen and Zandra Rhodes, learning how to translate large-scale, hand-drawn illustrations into garments that feel alive. Today, I use digital print technology to bring those illustrations to life with precision and minimal waste.

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything I do. My silhouettes are inspired by eastern dress traditions—kaftans, kimonos, and other flowing forms that embrace all bodies. These pieces are gender-free, one-size, and timeless. The printed silk kaftan is one of my signature designs: fluid, expressive, and elegant without effort.

I don’t believe that fashion should come at the cost of beauty or integrity. My philosophy is simple: buy less, but buy better. I want every piece to feel considered—from the placement of a print to the shape of a cuff or collar. I often think of Paul Poiret’s idea that “dresses are like pictures”—each splash of colour, each line, must be exactly where it belongs.

The prints I create are more than decoration—they’re narrative. I draw inspiration from 20th-century Japanese graphic design, personal memories, and the landscapes of Dorset and Cambridge where I grew up. These patterns carry emotional weight, shaped by the textiles that have touched my life. I want my designs to evoke adventure, humour, and joy—to feel like a sensory journey.

Fashion, to me, is deeply personal. What we wear affects how we move through the world—our confidence, our comfort, even our creativity. That’s why I design garments that elevate those experiences. The printed silk kaftan, in particular, is a piece that embodies this philosophy. It’s designed to feel as good as it looks.

Holland Street is bold and delicate, experimental and refined. Every garment is a testament to craftsmanship and courage. I’m proud that the collection has been stocked in Fenwick and Selfridges—and we would absolutely love to be stocked in Liberty one day (a little manifestation there!).

We’re also incredibly excited to be launching our interior linen fabrics this year. They express the same ethos as our fashion—artful, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. The response so far has been amazing, and I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s supported this new chapter.

It’s been such a joy to see Holland Street recognised by voices like BBC Culture’s Liza Foreman, who called us “one of the designer brands taking the kimono into the future,” and The Financial Times, who praised our kaftans and kimonos for capturing the zeitgeist.

If you’re drawn to expressive prints, inclusive shapes, and thoughtful design, Holland Street might just be your new favourite place to explore. And if you’re looking for a piece that truly captures the spirit of what I do, the printed silk kaftan is where your journey begins.