Laura Ashley, née Mountney, is a name synonymous with romantic, vintage-inspired fashion and home furnishings. Born on September 7, 1925, in Wales, she began her journey in the 1950s, creating furnishing materials that soon expanded into clothing design. Ashley’s distinctive style, characterized by its 19th-century rural feel and use of natural fabrics, became a beloved hallmark of her brand. Her initial foray into fabric design was inspired by traditional handicrafts, a passion she developed while working with the Women’s Institute on quilting. This interest soon translated into a business that would grow into a globally recognized brand.

The early days of Laura Ashley’s venture were humble. While raising her first two children and working as a secretary, Ashley designed headscarves, napkins, table mats, and tea-towels. These were printed by her husband Bernard on a machine he crafted in their attic flat in Pimlico, London. With an initial investment of just £10, the couple began producing Victorian-style headscarves in 1953, a decision sparked by Ashley’s visit to a Women’s Institute display at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Her designs quickly gained popularity, retailing through mail order and high street chains such as John Lewis, leading Bernard to leave his city job to focus on their burgeoning business full-time.

As the Ashley brand grew, it moved locations several times, reflecting its expansion. From their flat in Pimlico, the business moved to Kent and eventually to Machynlleth, Wales, in 1961, where they opened their first shop. This shop sold not only their own products but also locally produced items, establishing a strong community connection. The 1960s saw further growth, with the Ashleys introducing their first fashion lines and relocating to a larger space in Carno, Montgomeryshire, where they set up their first Welsh factory. Bernard’s innovative flat-bed printing process allowed them to produce up to 5,000 meters of fabric per week, enabling the creation of the long, romantic dresses that became their signature style.

The brand’s retail presence expanded significantly in the late 1960s and 1970s, with shops opening in major cities such as London, Paris, and San Francisco. By 1975, Laura Ashley had become a global name, employing 1,000 people worldwide and generating millions in annual revenue. The company continued to innovate, launching home furnishings and even a perfume line, solidifying its place in both the fashion and home decor markets. By the time of Laura Ashley’s death in 1985, her company boasted over 220 stores worldwide and employed more than 4,000 people. Her legacy is one of timeless elegance and a unique blend of fashion and home aesthetics that continue to resonate with vintage enthusiasts today.

1985 Laura Ashley Bed Linen TV Commercial

How to tell if Laura Ashley is vintage from the logo

Laura Ashley has undergone several logo changes since its inception, each reflecting the brand’s evolution and design trends of its time. By examining the logos, you can determine the approximate era of a Laura Ashley item, providing insight into its vintage status. Below, we detail the different Laura Ashley logos over the years to help you identify their vintage pieces.

1970s to 1982 Laura Ashley logo

• This logo features a rounded, oval shape.
• The text “laura ashley” is in lowercase, with a whimsical, hand-drawn style.
• Below the text, there are floral illustrations, emphasizing the brand’s connection to nature and classic, romantic designs.

1982 to 1997 Laura Ashley logo

• The logo transitions to a more formal style with all uppercase letters.
• The font is serif and has a classic, timeless feel.
• This period reflects Laura Ashley’s growing sophistication and wider appeal in the fashion market.

1997 to now Laura Ashley logo

• The most recent logo retains the uppercase format but uses a thinner, more modern serif font.
• The design is clean and straightforward, reflecting contemporary minimalist trends.
• This logo signifies Laura Ashley’s adaptation to modern aesthetics while maintaining its heritage.

How to tell if Laura Ashley is vintage from the tags

Laura Ashley has evolved significantly over the decades, and its garment tags reflect these changes. From its early days in the 1960s to more recent years, the tags have varied in design, typography, and manufacturing locations. This guide will help you identify Laura Ashley vintage pieces by examining the tags from different eras.

Having difficulty identifying vintage tags or labels? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1960s vintage Laura Ashley tags

• Simple, square tags with bold serif lettering.
• Often feature “Made in Wales” indicating the brand’s origin.
• Tags sometimes include “Dyers and Printers” below the logo.

1970s vintage Laura Ashley tags

• Tags typically square with bold serif fonts.
• Includes the “laura ashley” name with floral illustrations.
• Tags often say “Made in Wales” with size information below.

1980s vintage Laura Ashley tags

• Square or rectangular tags with bold, distinctive typography.
• Commonly include the “Made in Great Britain” or other country of manufacture.
• Occasionally features the floral motif associated with the brand.

1990s vintage Laura Ashley tags

• Rectangular tags with a cleaner, more modern design.
• Still prominently feature the “laura ashley” name and floral logo.
• Often include detailed size and country of manufacture information.

2000s vintage Laura Ashley tags

• Modernized tags with a variety of layouts and colors.
• Introduction of loop tags with “laura ashley” in bold letters.
• Size information commonly separated from the main tag.

2010s vintage Laura Ashley tags

• Contemporary designs with various styles and materials.
• Retains the classic logo but introduces new fonts and layouts.
• Tags may display the country of manufacture and detailed size info.