The brainchild of lifelong friends, Vanessa Barneby and Alice Gates, they are known for their diverse range of prints, combining traditional techniques and historical references with a fresh, contemporary twist.

After graduating together from Edinburgh University, Alice studied figurative painting in Italy before achieving an MA at the City & Guilds of London Art School. She went on to collaborate with a number of fashion brands, designing prints for ready-to-wear collections. At the same time Vanessa spent five years at House & Garden magazine before taking the role as Living Editor at British Vogue, where predicting trends in design, styling shoots and examining the correlation between fashion and interiors were all part of the job.

In 2009 the stars realigned, and Alice and Vanessa decided to pool their experience and set up a print design studio, first from a small space in West London and now based in Wiltshire’s Vale of Pewsey. From initial sketch to creating the colour palette, from selecting printing methods to styling shoots, Alice and Vanessa work closely together on each collection from start to finish. They carry stock and fulfil orders themselves, enabling them to offer an extremely personal service to their global client base.

Their range of idiosyncratically English designs give classical ideas a contemporary edge using pops of colour, subtle metallic finishes and occasionally a wry touch of humour.

Read more about our other inspiring alumnae in our latest Cloisters magazine