ENGLISH ECCENTRICS

Founded in 1982 by Judy Littman and Claire Angel, English Eccentrics emerged from the creative energy of 1980s London, known for its innovative prints and richly decorative, bohemian-leaning designs.

Textile designer Helen David (nee Litman) played a central role in shaping the label’s visual identity, creating many of the fabrics and garments for the partnership. Her work is defined by intense, saturated colour and layered references, drawing on travel, art history, philosophy and the natural world. The result is clothing that feels both expressive and deeply considered.

Printed silks are a signature of the brand, combining fluidity with bold, narrative motifs that often reference mythology and nature. There is a quiet confidence to these pieces; they are distinctive without feeling forced or contrived.

What makes English Eccentrics so relevant now is its wearability. These are not pieces defined purely by era or archive, but by how they translate into a modern wardrobe. A printed blouse or tunic can be styled simply, allowing the fabric and design to speak for themselves.

The humble charity shop is where my love affair with fashion began. Since I can remember I have never walked past a charity store without popping inside for a rummage.