Ann Louise Roswald

Profile

annlouise

OVERVIEW
London based fashion designer Ann Louise Roswald creates beautiful clothes that are available in over 100 boutiques and department stores around the world.

A graduate of Central St Martins College of Art & Design, Ann Louise put her First Class Honours Degree in Fashion with Printed Textiles to good use by starting her own line that debuted in Liberty’s in 1998, commissioned by the store following her degree catwalk show.

With a decade under 'its' belt, the business, which is managed by Roswald and her husband Nick Hartley, has grown into an internationally recognised label; exhibiting collections seasonally in London, Paris and New York alongside showrooms in Düsseldorf and Munich.

Originally known for bold, signature floral prints Ann Louise Roswald’s design ethos encompasses all of the textiles used in her ready-to-wear collections. Tweeds are woven in Scotland and Jacquard weaves are created in France where Ann Louise works directly with highly innovative textile manufacturers to lovingly produce exclusive fabrics that form the basis of her collections. By working closely with “masters of their art” Ann Louise applies intricate beadwork and appliqué to garments to create stunning heirloom pieces.

“Ann Louise Roswald is on a mission to make us all feel like movie stars” Thérèse Quinn, Gloss Magazine March 2007.

There is a cinematic quality to Ann Louise Roswald’s collections; created by blending iconic fashion moments with contemporary design.

Roswald’s heritage has almost certainly been an influence; raised in the North Yorkshire coastal town of Scarborough with a Swedish father (originally a clogmaker) and a Scottish mother (a trained dressmaker) there is a natural openness to her work. With her studies at St Martin’s bringing her to London this is where she primarily lives and has based the business – although a renovated cottage on the West Coast of Ireland has evolved into the family home. This rural retreat, a labour of love over the last 9 years, has been restored into a stunning home in keeping with the local landscape.

HISTORY

2009

SHOP FOR FABRIC on-line facility launched offering selected fabrics from Ann Louise Roswald’s archive. Fabrics offered are ideal for use in interiors.

2008

To celebrate a Decade of Fashion with Printed Textiles Ann Louise Roswald releases Limited Edition garments and soft furnishings which each incorporate 10 prints taken from a back catalogue of exclusive designs. Each piece is unique and individual in line with the company ethos of creating heirloom pieces for future generations.

Ann Louise Roswald launches a Spring 08 Loungewear collection available exclusively at Barneys New York with a general release for Autumn Winter 2008.

2007

SURFBOARD LAUNCH
Born from a passion for surfing, Ann Louise Roswald conceives the idea to create her own surfboards. Interest from friends, family and other surfers prompts her to make the boards available to all – and a bespoke service is launched.
>> Read more

2006

LOU LOU AND LAW
Ann Louise Roswald and Natasha Law form a design partnership. The concept is wearable art - a fusion of art with fashion - named after its creators - Lou Lou & Law. Through a mutual admiration of each other’s work they collaborate to create a cool, relaxed line of clothing. With prints designed specifically for the clothing collection, the central hidden ‘nude’ is a nod to Natasha’s trademark illustrations.
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PRINT IN FASHION
Author Marnie Fogg explores cutting-edge print design for fashion through the eyes of the designer by investigating the design process, looking at sources of inspiration and the effects of innovative developments in print technology.

" From flowers and animals to landscapes, the organic continues to animate and inspire designers. Whether representations of nature are found in the overtly seductive animal prints of Italian duo Dolce and Gabbana, Matthew Williamson's exuberant interpretation of the peacock feather, or the crisp lively florals of Ann Louise Roswald, print design in the 21st century celebrates the beauty of nature in an attempt to reconnect with a freshness and innocence seemingly lacking in modern life." Print in Fashion - Design and Development in Textile Fashion.
>> Buy the book from Amazon

2005

CREATIVE AUTHORITY
Appointed as external examiner to Edinburgh University’s BA Honours Textiles course, Ann Louise Roswald continues to establish her creative authority whilst developing the essence of her own vision.

2004

LOVE ROSA
Ann Louise’s respected talent for predicting trends and interpreting colour and print lead to a collaboration with Oasis. The Love Rosa line fuses trademark Roswald prints and colours in a feminine, fun and quirky collection with wide appeal. A limited run guest designer collection that enjoys great success.

2003

SINGAPORE STYLE
Singapore Fashion Week invites Ann Louise Roswald to show the SS04 collection on the runway as part of The Designers Show.

2002

CRUISE
A ‘Pre-spring’ collection is developed. This early summer collection is in store in November enabling customers to enjoy a smooth transition from Winter to Spring.

2000

NEW YORK DEBUT
Take off runway show, part of New York fashion week sponsored by Tencel. Ann Louise Roswald is the only British designer selected to form part an elite of seven international designers invited to present their sartorial vision using Tencel fabrics.

1999

THE MARNI CLOG
Working in collaboration with Marni, Ann Louise Roswald is asked to develop a clog for them – a design commission that becomes one of the season’s most featured pieces of footwear.

WEDDING BELLS
Ann Louise Roswald marries Nick Hartley.

1998

FASHION WEEK DEBUT
Barneys New York and The Cross write orders during London Fashion Week September 1998. Ann Louise Roswald is awarded the British Fashion Council's New Generation Award.

GRADUATION COLLECTION
Spotted by Vogue as 'one to watch' alongside the Liberty buying team who commission Ann Louise Roswald to re-produce her graduation collection for the store.

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