Hankies gift box

The store that gives its name to one of the most famous fabrics in the world started as an importer of oriental items. Behind its doors, there were fabrics, ornaments and decorative objects that Liberty imported from the East at a time when Japonisme invaded art throughout Europe. Its kimonos fascinated the English women, and competed with the Parisian boutiques and department stores. But Indian dyes resulted too light, so Liberty began to stamp its iconic prints on high-quality cotton.

Determined 'not to follow existing fashions, but to create new ones', Liberty began supporting the artists of the Art and Crafts movement led by William Morris, which aimed to restore beauty to everyday objects, getting back job skills & crafts.

And, without a doubt, his strategy succeed, since today companies like LIME TREE DESIGN still use its printed fabrics to make beautiful common accessories.