Fortnum & Mason - Piccadilly since 1707

Throughout its history, Fortnum’s has worked with many leading designers of the day, from Edward Bawden to Lulu Guinness, to ensure that we maintain a fresh and stylish appearance amid our historic surroundings. For each of the last few years, we have chosen a British fashion designer to create our spring designs, underpinning our commitment to design and to British design in particular. Not only is it an excellent way to refresh our ‘look’, but also it is inspiring to have a new pair of eyes reinterpret Fortnum’s for the 21st century.

In the year of the Diamond Jubilee, we chose to work with Vivienne Westwood, whose career in fashion has taken her from enfant terrible to a pillar of the UK industry, via punk, crinolines and a reinterpretation of Harris Tweed. As a Dame and the holder of an OBE, she is firmly a part of the establishment and often uses iconography that fits perfectly with Fortnum’s heritage, such as the Union Jack and different kinds of tartan, used in such a way that one sees them in a new light.

Our request was for a new spring livery for our Valentine’s and Easter gifts – something light and spring-like and something that was recognisably Fortnum’s but also fresh and new. Vivienne’s response was a delightful range of designs, beginning with an eye-catching, asymmetric heart for our Valentine’s gifts, decorated in toile du jouy in deep red and palest pink and finished with the designer’s signature. For our Easter range, she created a delicate lace design in a variety of soft colours, incorporating her famous orb icon, which now adorns our Easter eggs, confectionery and Easter biscuits.

This happy fusion of fashion and Fortnum’s has created a range of undeniable beauty. As delicious as the food within, each little package is an exquisite gift that, like Dame Vivienne, will leave a lasting impression.

To see our full range of Easter gifts, please click here.