Some people still get shocked when I express my love for cute girly things.
The truth is, part of me will never grow up.
It’s ironic that God gave me all boys—my husband, three sons, and now a puppy named Anwar. I have no one to share the cute, girly things with.
That doesn’t stop me from liking them though.
Cath Kidston is a brand I discovered in Tokyo many years ago. I was attracted to the colorful, girly patterns and the oilcloth bags and accessories.
Cath Kidston in Tokyo
I would see Cath Kidston at Sogo department store in Hong Kong. In Manila there are numerous fakes, but I respect intellectual property. Somehow I never got to buy anything.
Last week I was surprised to find out Cath Kidston was opening a flagship store at The Fort’s Active Fun building.
Brought in by the Bench group, I was lucky to be invited to VIP night. I arrived late after the guests had gone and had the store all to myself. I felt like a six-year-old in a candy store, except now, I can afford it!
Here’s what’s in store: All kinds of bags in Cath Kidston prints
Throw pillows and gift items in iconic Bristish designs
Children’s clothes and accessories
Baby bags, bottle holders, feeding sets, and kitchen accessories
Two of my favourite patterns are the London bus and Cops & Robbers print
I’m a sucker for school supplies and bundled packaging
I love the dainty sewing accessories and horizontal oilcloth bag
Pretty aprons
Women’s clothes, sneakers and bags
Tempting, but I already own too many wallets
Here’s what I ended up buying: an ultra-light suit case, a rolling laptop bag, the horizontal oilcloth bag, cops and robbers pouches, sewing accessories, and sharpener. And I’ll be back!
About:
Inspired by her English childhood and love of antique fabrics, Cath Kidston opened her first store 20 years ago in London with a start up budget of GBP 15,000.
Using vintage fabrics she created cushion covers, bags and flowery ironing board covers, and sold these along with second-hand furniture and customised household objects.
A mistake in ordering too much fabric got her making duvet and pillow sets, aprons, wash bags, swimsuits and more. This “happy problem” resulted in the first Cath Kidston collection.
By 1999, her store began to branch out. She started licensing, collaborating and expanding her merchandise line until she sold her business for further expansion.
In 2006 the brand opened its first store in Tokyo, and in 2010 they expanded to more countries in Asia. Currently there are more than 100 stores and concessionaires worldwide.
The first Cath Kidston store in Manila is now open at the Active Fun building, 9th Avenue in Taguig.
To know more about the brand go to http://www.cathkidston.com/
