JANICE WAINWRIGHT

Janice Wainwright is one of those quietly influential British designers whose work sits perfectly between the optimism of the 1960s and the more considered elegance of the 1970s. Born in Chesterfield in 1940 and trained at Wimbledon School of Art and the Royal College of Art, she established her own label in 1970 from her London base on Poland Street.

Her early collections are defined by a youthful, graphic clarity, often using boldly printed textiles, including designs by Celia Birtwell, to create pieces that felt modern, feminine and easy to wear. As her label developed, Wainwright became known for her fluid approach to tailoring, working with jersey, chiffon and crepe to create dresses and softly structured separates that moved with the body rather than restricting it.

Surface detail is a hallmark of her work. Intricate embroidery, metallic threads and art deco-inspired motifs appear throughout her collections, adding depth without overwhelming the silhouette. Even at her most decorative, there is always a sense of restraint and balance, with a focus on proportion and wearability.

By the mid-1970s, her designs evolved into more refined, understated pieces under the “Janice Wainwright” label, often blending elements of tailoring and dressmaking into single, cohesive looks. Across both decades, her work retains a distinct identity: flattering, thoughtfully constructed, and rooted in a very British sense of understated glamour.

Today, Janice Wainwright pieces are increasingly sought after for their blend of craftsmanship and ease, offering vintage clothing that feels as relevant and wearable now as it did when first designed.

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.