Batsheva Hay sort of fell into fashion by accident. In 2016, she took a vintage Laura Ashley dress to be remade in New York, where she lives, which she redesigned in several different fabrics. After receiving countless compliments from people on the street, she eventually launched her eponymous label, which has since been worn by everyone from Lena Dunham to Florence Pugh, Natalie Portman, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Jessica Parker and Beanie Feldstein.
Then Hay came full circle when she announced a collaboration with Laura Ashley in 2021. Now, she's launched her fourth limited-edition collection - and it's just as on-brand as her first. This time, the collection marks Laura Ashley's 70th anniversary, incorporating the brand's archive prints throughout on distinctly '80s-inspired silhouettes.
Consisting of 19 different pieces, there are dresses – of course – as well as separates, each of which riffs on Batsheva's traditional styling mixed with Laura Ashley's famous floral prints and heirloom silhouettes. 'I feel very lucky to be part of the Laura Ashley 70th anniversary year,' says Hay. 'I looked through the archive prints, selecting ones that work together but have enough variety. Then I go to archival sketches and catalogues to think of ideas for silhouettes, and I riff on those. For this collection, Tulips and Honnigtoft Shells [prints] gave me a perfect launchpad, with memories of those prints from my youth.'
Just like the three collections that have come before it, this latest instalment is certainly not a collection for the minimalists among us. But, as Hay says, it's full of versatile pieces that could be worn for a multitude of different occasions: 'What I love about this collection is that there are pieces to wear at the beach or to a wedding. A lot of the tops would be great work with jeans, or you can mash the iconic prints together.'
Refreshingly, they're all currently available in sizes 0-20 (UK sizes 4-24) on Batsheva's website, making it one of the more inclusive fashion collaborations of late (prices, meanwhile range from £114-£246).
As picnic season approaches, with all its promise of long summer evenings, it couldn't be more perfect. In fact, Hay's own favourite dress in the collection is the Wednesday Dress, largely thanks to its picnicking potential: 'The print is perfectly summery, and the dress is so much fun to move in. It is the ideal picnic on the beach dress.'
Fashion's proclivity for prairie dresses, high necklines, ruffled collars and the like has led to a resurgence in Laura Ashley's popularity. Shoppers are once again desperately searching for the brand's vintage dresses on platforms like eBay and Depop, so this new collection will be music to their ears. Throw in the fact that it's the 70th anniversary of Laura Ashley and this collaboration looks more desirable than ever.
SHOP: Batsheva x Laura Ashley
1 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Ileang Dress in Rowena
With its '80s drop waist and ruffled neckline, this dress will work for everything from weddings to sunny weekends spent doing not very much at all. Pair with trainers for the latter and dress up with pointed flats or heels for the former.
2 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Fells Dress in Tulips
In Laura Ashley's archival 'Tulips' print, this puff sleeve dress will is incredibly flattering and will see you through the summer months with ease.
3 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Hauls Pant in Rubens
Gloriously comfortable and versatile, too, these trousers can be dressed up or down. Match with the peplum blouse in the same print or try with plain white tees for days when jeans just feel like too much effort.
4 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Square Neck Mini Prairie Dress in Inglesham
The ultimate mini, you can throw this on and go without a second thought. Plus, when summer's over, you can add tights and boots to continue wearing it throughout the colder months.
5 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Wynn Blouse in Honningtoft Shells
While this cotton blouse makes for a fab co-ord when paired with the matching skirt, it would look equally great with your favourite pair of jeans.
6 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Wednesday Dress in Duxford Pines
This is Batsheva Hay's favourite piece in the new collection, which makes sense as it has all of the trademark elements for which she's become so popular: it's fitted, flattering and has just the right amount of frill.
7 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Short Amy Skirt in Duxford Pines
This skirt is the sort of hard-working piece every wardrobe needs. It's easy to wear, comfy and could work in any season. Pair with clashing prints or a plain T-shirt.
8 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA May Dress in Honningtoft Shells
This will quickly become your summer go-to thanks to its light skirt and cotton material. Ideal for hot sticky days when you want to feel pulled together without a great deal of effort.
9 of 9Laura Ashley x BATSHEVA Beaumaris Dress in Inglesham
Few things are comfier than a smock dress. Wear on its own for maximum easy-breezy vibes or add a belt if you want to create a more structured silhouette.