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Cath Kidston

Born
Catherine Isabel Audrey Kidston

(1958-11-06) 6 November 1958 (age 66)
Marylebone, London, England
Occupation
  • Businesswoman
  • author
Organisation Cath Kidston Limited
Known for Floral prints and patterns
Partner(s) Hugh Padgham
Parent(s) Archibald Martin Kidston
Relatives Glen Kidston (grandfather)
Kirstie Allsopp (cousin)

Catherine Isabel Audrey Kidston, born on November 6, 1958, is a British designer, businesswoman, and author. She is famous for her company, Cath Kidston Limited, which sold items for homes and other products. Her designs often feature cheerful, old-fashioned floral patterns.

About Cath Kidston's Designs

Cath Kidston is well-known for her unique style. She creates designs that often feature bright, floral patterns. These patterns are inspired by a classic, nostalgic British look. Her company sold many different products, from home furnishings like curtains and bedding to bags, clothing, and accessories.

How Cath Kidston Started Her Business

Cath Kidston opened her very first shop in London in 1993. This shop was located in an area called Holland Park. When she first started, she sold items like hand-embroidered tea-towels. Her business grew steadily over the years.

By the end of 2013, her company had become very successful. She had opened 136 stores in total. This included a large, important store on Piccadilly, a famous street in London. Her company also had four stores in China, showing how popular her designs were around the world.

Public Reaction to Her Style

Cath Kidston once talked about how people reacted to her shops. She said it was like a "Marmite reaction." This means that people either really loved her designs and wanted to buy them, or they really disliked them. Her unique style definitely made people have strong feelings!

In 2010, Cath Kidston sold most of her company to a group of investors. However, she kept a smaller part of the company. She also continued to work as the Creative Director. This meant she still guided the look and feel of all the new products.

Famous Fans of Cath Kidston

Even members of the Royal Family have worn Cath Kidston's designs. For example, Prince George was seen wearing one of her outfits. When this happened, the outfit quickly sold out in stores because so many people wanted to buy it!

Working with Other Companies

Cath Kidston has teamed up with many other companies to create special products. These partnerships helped bring her designs to even more people.

Cool Collaborations and Products

  • Tents: From 2005 to 2006, she worked with a company called Millets. Together, they designed tents that featured her signature patterns.
  • Mobile Phones: In 2006, she collaborated with Nokia and Carphone Warehouse. She helped design special mobile phones that had her unique look.
  • Radios: Starting in 2005, she also worked with Roberts Radio. They created radios that featured her popular designs.

Helping the Environment

In 2008, Cath Kidston worked with a large supermarket chain called Tesco. They created special shopping bags made from recycled plastic bottles. These bags were sold to raise money for a charity called Marie Curie Cancer Care. This project raised almost £500,000 and helped save about six million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.

Cath Kidston's Personal Life

Cath Kidston's partner is Hugh Padgham, who is a well-known record producer. She also has two pet dogs that are very special to her.

Her Beloved Pets

Cath Kidston has a Sealyham terrier named Billie and a Lakeland terrier named Stanley. These two dogs are so important to her that they have even appeared in some of her designs!

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