Lahore Sushil Kumar Datta, Scotland, 1969
Our Love For Paisley Realized,
the history of this beautiful design on textiles
Warner & Sons
English, 1980's
image via V&A MuseumThe paisley pattern is such a pretty design, and many consider it a new style. But, did you know the design can be traced back to the 11th century, and all the way to Kasmir in India? It’s has many origins and sources around the world in history, and became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Persians. The name was given to the pattern by a town in Scotland where textiles were manufactured. Many believe this design was inspired by the cypress tree then combined with a floral spray to create the well-known tear-drop/pinecone shape.
The design has cycled in and out of fashion many times throughout history. The Brits loved it on their textiles in the 1960's and it made it to the United States during the "hippie generation" when it was adopted and adorned on fashion, wallpaper and fabric and combined in unexpected hues during the "Summer of Love" in the late 1960s. Back to the Brits- The Beatles loved the design and helped to make it popular adding a psychedelic spin.
Paisley Bouquet - Morton Sundour Fabric 1960's
V&A Museum
Again, over a decade later the Paisley returned in the 1980’s adorning fashion designers frocks by designers like Ralph Lauren who added the design regularly with moody hues to create a more “preppy aesthetic”. As you can see the Paisley has had many lives.
root cellar designs modern
Paisley designs will debut Spring 2025
So, when we decided to create a new textile and wallpaper collection in our Root Cellar Designs line for 2024, we wanted Paisleys to be included, and we feel a comeback! Look for our Boho Atelier collection to debut this spring, 2024. We added the paisley design to our fabric pattern, Paisley Moderne.
Happy Nesting
XO Tamara
