Karen
- Oct 12, 2022
- 2 min read

On the Prairie: The Classic Style Made for a New Generation

Updated: Jun 11

In the 1970s, the Brighton based boutique, Topaz, designed a line of beautiful dresses under the brand name EarlyBird. Their designs included the prairie maxi dress style - also made popular by the iconic British designer, Laura Ashley (1925-1985).

These Victorian-style dresses featured ankle-length tiered skirts, puff sleeves, ruffles and a high neck. Their pretty floral and paisley designs were printed onto natural fabrics that contributed to their romantic style, recalling the countryside and simple life.

Towards the end of the 1960s and into the 1970s as people began to embrace peace, love and freedom - as a clear rejection of war and corruption, women's fashion began to reflect this. Long, floaty style dresses in natural fibres became a popular choice alongside the mini dress in synthetic materials most synonymous with 1960s fashion.

I was lucky enough to come across a beautiful EarlyBird dress at a vintage fair in Brighton (and even had the privilege of interviewing Topaz founder Rudolph Egeler thereafter). This cotton dress with high neck and tiered hemline has a simple blue floral print. It's in such excellent condition, I doubt it has ever been worn and such a great find considering its popularity again. Everyone from Batsheva to The Vampire's Wife have reinterpreted the style for a new generation, but with a modern update. Especially watch out for pieces by the designer Batsheva who have designed a collection in collaboration with the iconic British label Laura Ashley.

-KL Stylist