Pictured: Celia Birtwell cosmetics bag for BootsIt’s with a mix of sadness and joy that I write this post to let Recessionistas know that one of my fashion favorites Celia Birtwell has launched a new line of fashion accessories for Boots. While, I’m glad that there are new Celia designs being put back into the fashion world and into lower priced consumer channels, like Boots, I’m sad for me. That’s because Celia’s line is not currently sold in the US. This means I have to track down my UK Recessionista posse and ask them to go get me some of the beautiful Birtwell pieces while the US dollar is trading strong in the UK. Here’s a peak in pictures of why I’m lusting after Celia’s line.
Pictured: Black Rosette Mirror Compact perfect for quick make-up check. ( I need it of course!)
Pictured: Celia Birtwell cosmetic purses, foundation brushes, sunglasses and compact mirror for your handbag (will feel hopelessly deprived if I can’t acquire everyone of these)I am a longtime Celia collector, so I am going to have to figure out a way to get this collection. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with her work, Celia is a fashion icon who first bought her beautiful prints to the world in the 1960s and early 1970s with her partner Ossie Clark. Today, those beautiful vintage creations sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars at vintage clothing shops around the globe and on eBay. Below is a picture of one of those dresses from 1971 (courtesy of the V&A Museum). It’s just as fresh looking today as it was over 30 years ago. Truly, her prints are timeless.
Pictured: Ossie Clark dress with Celia Birtwell print . The skirt of this dress is pieced together from two different lengths of fabric and prints. It’s amazing how the first print, a small multi-color floral print is pieced together with the bolder red poppy print. This design was one of those resurrected by Top Shop for Celia’s 2006 sold-out Top Shop collection.
Below is another great example of an Ossie Clark/Celia Birtwell vintage dress from an eBay seller. The top of the dress feature’s Celia’s mystic Daisy print. This print was later used in both her Top Shop and Express collection for blouses and dresses.
Back in 2006, Ceila was one of the first designers to offer her collection at lower prices for all of us to enjoy. Then last year, she did it again with her collection for US retailer Express. Below is one of the beautiful blouses from her Express collection. (Yes, I own this one and the other five too 
Pictured: One of Celia’s flutter sleeve-Express tops. (still available on eBay)
Recessionistas, have any of you seen Celia’s Boots collection in person? Any comments? I need those cosmetic bags ! The situation is Recessionista code red alert.
For more information on Celia and her gorgeous prints, visit her website.
To learn more about Celia, and read her thoughts on the economic downturn, check out this great recent interview with her.
Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of 
4 Comments
Ok, Celia’s collection for Boots is SERIOUSLY cute! Maybe we can somehow hope that some of the items will be included in Target’s Boots collection? Maybe? Am I reaching too far?
Hi Target-Addict,
It would be awesome if they would pick it up, but I don’t think that is the plan right now. If you find out that they are going to sell it, please let me know. I love Celia!!
I’ve needed a mirror compact forever. I think I’ll take this one.
The makeup mirror and the brush look exactly like Anna Sui’s from her makeup line. Let the lawsuits commence!