April Cornell is a women-run, women-owned company devoted to creating beautiful clothing and timeless linens that enrich lives. Founded in 1975 by April Milne Cornell and her husband Chris in Montreal, Canada, the company has its roots deeply embedded in the rich cultural tapestries of Afghanistan and India. These early travels inspired the unique artistic look that has become the hallmark of the brand. Today, the company proudly manufactures its products in its own factory, Cornell Overseas, near New Delhi, India. This creative home, surrounded by flowers and filled with vibrant offices, allows the brand to produce goods that honor the history of craftsmanship from incredible India. Over the past 40 years, April’s signature designs have set the stage for countless cherished memories, from family holidays to intimate dinners with friends.
April Cornell’s commitment to quality and exquisite detailing is reflected in every piece they create. Their designs evoke natural and romantic motifs, with a deep appreciation for heartfelt artistry. This dedication is evident in their diverse range of products, from tableware inspired by April’s watercolor paintings to dresses and nighties adorned with gorgeous vintage embellishments. The brand thrives on creativity and celebrates the unique beauty of all women, aiming to create clothing and home decor that connects individuals to their true selves. The love and care put into each product ensure that it finds a special place in every home it enters.
April Cornell herself is a true artist and entrepreneur, with a blend of romantic florals and bohemian style influenced by her travels around the world. Born in Montreal, she is a proud mother and grandmother, now living in Burlington, Vermont. Her journey through the bazaars of Istanbul, the markets of New Delhi, and the alleys of Portugal has shaped her one-of-a-kind vision that continues to guide the company. April remains dedicated to pursuing beauty in the everyday, ensuring that her legacy of inspired designs and heartfelt artistry lives on in every piece the brand creates.
April Cornell SS23 Brooke Tea Dress
How to tell if April Cornell is vintage from the logo
April Cornell, known for its beautiful and intricate designs, has seen an evolution in its branding over the years. The logos have transitioned from a more handcrafted look to a modern, streamlined appearance. This guide will help you identify if your April Cornell piece is vintage based on the logo.
1970s to 2000s April Cornell logo
- The early April Cornell logo features a handwritten, cursive font.
- There is an embroidered flower design beneath the text, reflecting the brand’s focus on floral and intricate patterns.
- This logo exudes a handmade, artisanal feel that was common in the brand’s days.
1970s to 2000s April Cornell logo
2000s to now April Cornell logo
- The modern April Cornell logo uses a more formal, capitalized serif font.
- The flower design has been simplified and incorporated into the letter ‘C’ of “Cornell”.
- This contemporary logo is cleaner and more polished, aligning with current design trends.
2000s to now April Cornell logo
How to tell if April Cornell is vintage from the tags
April Cornell’s vintage tags reflect the brand’s evolution over the decades, showcasing changes in design, typography, and materials. The following guide will help you identify the era of April Cornell garments based on their tags.
Need help with vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!
1980s vintage April Cornell tags
- Square tags with intricate border designs.
- Features the script “April Cornell” often accompanied by “for Cornell Trading.”
- Text and borders are often embroidered in contrasting colors.
1980s April Cornell tags
1990s vintage April Cornell tags
- Square tags with decorative borders.
- “April Cornell” is prominently displayed in cursive font.
- Often includes the phrase “for Cornell Trading.”
- Tags are generally made of cloth with embroidered details.
1990s April Cornell tags
2000s vintage April Cornell tags
- Introduction of more modern, streamlined tag designs.
- Bold “April Cornell” lettering with less decorative borders.
- Tags often include additional size information or collection names.
2000s April Cornell tags
2010s vintage April Cornell tags
- Tags reflect a more modern aesthetic while retaining the classic logo.
- Variety of colors and materials used for the tags.
- Includes different layouts and styles, indicating the specific collection or line.
2010s April Cornell tags
