Inspired by the beautiful vintage textiles she handled every day as a London antiques dealer and determined to recreate such quality and timeless elegance in a range of new designs, Barbara Coupe launched her first collection of hand-embroidered fabrics and accessories in 2001. It proved a success and Coupe's trademark, vintage-inspired buys are now highly sought-after designer items.
Her look is unfussy, fashionable and fun. She keeps her collection small and select, so visit her online shop for luxury fabrics, statement accessories and quirky buys you won't find on the high street.
Coupe finds inspiration in unusual places. She's recently created a range of cushions based on the segregation playground signs that are fixed to the wall of her converted schoolhouse in Battersea. The strict instructions such as "boys only in this area" and "girls only in this area" in no-nonsense black and white are perfect for bringing a touch of humour to a room.
If you prefer something more romantic, check out Coupe's cheeky new nautical accessories, which feature phrases such as "you rock my boat" and "sail away with me".
Or, if typography is not your cup of tea, have a look at her new embroidered fabric - altogether more grown-up with delicate butterflies fluttering across it, and crying out to be turned into a pair of bedroom curtains.
I've got a thing for old bus blinds at the moment, so if I had to choose a favourite, I'd go for one of Coupe's on-trend Destination cushions, or one of her framed vintage London Routemaster bus blind segments. I'm also drawn to her Entomology collection of accessories, featuring beetles, dragonflies and moths - so pretty. If you're after high-quality, handmade home wares that are a little bit different, this is one online shop you simply must not miss.
www.barbaracoupe.co.uk. For shipping costs to the UAE, call 00 44 020 7720 141.
