My first purchase of a Cath Kidston design was in around 2003, when I bought my Mum a 50’s style floral apron for her birthday. I’ve no idea what she made of it, but I bought it because something about it reminded me of childhood, of my maternal Grandmother, of home baking and green fields and those endless summers of childhood. My Dad followed it up with a pink pail with the word potatoes stamped on the side. If not actually Cath Kidston, then something in a very similar vein. More recently I have bought a yellow floral tote bag from America, which although definitely not CK, was certainly in the style of.
A Sunday Times profile recently documented her rise to success as follows (16 Aug 09):
Upbringing:
One of 4 children, daughter of Archie, from a Glaswegian shipping family and Suzie, an interior designer. Schooling at West Heath, a boarding school in Kent, one year ahead of Princess Di.
Early Career:
Working in various shops, designing as a sideline, then working for designer Nicky Haslam, before setting up an interiors business with a friend.
Business Launch:
First shop on Clarendon Cross, London, 16 years ago. Investment £15k of her own money.
Family Life:
Tall and elegant at age 50, no children (breast cancer at age 37, mastectomy, now works for Marie Curie Cancer Care), houses in London and Glos, boyfriend Hugh Padgham (Music Producer), step-daughter, Jess, Lakeland terrier named Stanley.
Current Status of Business:
30 shops around the world, Sales of £31.3 million, profit of £4.6 million, up from previous year (sales 19.2 m profit £2.9m), despite the recession.
Defining Moment:
Losing both parents to cancer at an early age ‘made me realise how important it was to take opportunities when they present themselves to you.’