STYLE ICON: Florence Broadhurst

I have decided to profile a STYLE ICON every month. I thought this would be a great way of showcasing some people that have inspired me in my designs. There are so many fabulous people out there that often go unheard of so here is the first of many Style Icons in my life....

Florence Broadhurst is one of my favourite designers. She was a woman of many talents: a chanteuse in Shanghai in the 1920's, involved in fashion in the 30's, an artistic painter in the 50's and most of all, the designer of extraordinary wallpapers in the 60's. The wallpaper was what she most noted for. Her studio made a lot of advancements in the wallpaper world by introducing the creation of metallic wallpaper and creating a washable vinyl-coating finish on her wallpapers to make them more durable.

Her wallpapers were really something else as they were all hand printed and took inspiration from nature and geometric prints. The bold use of colours and shapes were attention grabbing and the first time I saw her designs, I fell in love. I find that her designs are perfect for any decor and add the right hit of drama to make a space interesting and fun!

Interesting fact: This is quite gruesome however upon returning from a trip to England in 1977, Broadhurst was thought to be killed by a serial killer in her studio. Her murder is still unsolved to this day.

Not the best way to say goodbye to the world however her mark on design has been unbelievable. Designers are now using her designs in fashion, through the re-introduction of her wallpaper in Interior Design, and by rugs that are being distributed by Cadrys Handwoven Rugs.

Photos Courtesy of www.architecturaldigest.com