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 Natalie Portman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Beanie Feldstein.
Then Hay came full circle when she announced a collaboration with Laura Ashley. Now she's launched her second limited-edition collection - and it's just as on-brand as her first.
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 surely be music to their ears.
Consisting of 23 different pieces, each dress, blouse and skirt riffs on Batsheva's traditional styling mixed with archive Laura Ashley floral prints and heirloom silhouettes. 'I was inspired by memories of childhood summer, which always involved Laura Ashley. I tried to create shapes that would move well in the warm breeze and that reminded me of those magical Laura Ashley catalogue images on the beach, in a field, or in the forest,' says Hay.
Just like the first, it's certainly not a collection for the minimalists among us but it is full of easy-to-wear pieces which can work for everything from running errands to attending weddings. 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 £120-245).
As picnic season approaches, with all its promise of long summer evenings, it couldn't be more perfect, especially the iconic strawberry print. 'I love Strawberry Field. I really remember that print from my childhood. My grandmother bought me a dress in that print and used to bring me strawberries every time she visited. It has all the best associations and nostalgia for me.'
SHOP: Batsheva x Laura Ashley
