‘DRIVEN BY INNOVATION’

Tracing the evolution of the iconic brand over five influential decades

1970 Tricia Guild founds Designers Guild, launching her first collection of Indian hand-block printed textiles (officially launched in 1975 as ‘Village’, pictured left).

1972 Guild’s vision of a lifestyle emporium opens on the King’s Road, showcasing her own fabrics alongside ceramics, artwork and furniture she has sourced for the store.

1976 ‘Geranium’, a collection of fabrics and wallpaper (right) with knitwear and tapestry artist Kaffe Fassett, is an instant hit, kickstarting ongoing collaborations with artists including Lillian Delevoryas, Janice Tchalenko and Bill Jacklin.

1982 Guild’s first book, Soft Furnishings, is published (she will go on to publish 18 more, including Out of the Blue in 2020).

1993 Designers Guild takes over a warehouse in Wandsworth, London, to present the first of its ‘Indian Summer’ exhibitions (left), showcasing collections inspired by the colours and patterns of one of Guild's favourite countries.

1996 With the expansion of the showrooms, fabrics, furniture, wallcoverings, bedlinen, towels, blankets and paint are introduced.

2004 The first rug collection launches, as well as home fragrances including ‘First Flower’, ‘Green Fig’ and ‘Waterleaf’.

2008 The Royal Collection Fabrics and Wallpapers, inspired by the royal palaces and featuring luxurious silk damasks and silk velvet brocades (right), is produced in collaboration with the British Royal Household.

2011 Guild partners with Christian Lacroix Maison on an ongoing collection of wallpapers and fabrics (left), adding to ones with William Yeoward and Ralph Lauren (and later tile brand Bisazza).

2020 Designers Guild marks its 50th anniversary with the launch of ‘Grandiflora Rose’, an ode to the English garden, and the ‘Out of the Blue’ exhibition and book.