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Hot or Knot
Listed under: Trend Report
Published: Tuesday, October 23, 2007
V V Rouleaux are full of fresh ideas for the festive season, yet it's the traditional trimmings that never fail
V V Rouleaux's ribbon collection continues to set trends 17 years after the first shop opened in Parson's Green, London. Now it is widely regarded to be one of the most creative ribbons and trimmings company in Europe with three shops, trade vaults and design offices. “We start off the inspirations for trends; everyone sources from us so they are influenced by us, not the other way round,” explains owner Annabel Lewis.
The brand's trend-setting status was cemented in the early days when discounts were offered to designers, decorators and businesses if they bought on a bulk basis. This growth on the wholesale side gave Annabel scope to source more and more ribbons from further afield. Some of her finds, such as Japanese organdy and French wire-edged taffetas, had never before been seen in this country.
As ever this Christmas will see the ribbon innovator leading the way but Annabel reveals that it will be the old favourites, rather than a host of brand new fashions, that will inevitably steal the limelight. “After doing ribbons for 17 years I've found that the best-sellers at Christmastime are always red, green and gold,” she comments. “You can't really get away from that. Everyone tries to introduce a new range of colours – like blues – but they are never as popular as the traditional colours.” Despite this, Annabel says that blacks and silvers do particularly well. “Anything that looks shiny and chic is sought after,” she adds.
“Ribbons with a bit of sparkle and glitter go well,” she continues, “and also anything that's flocked or has a wire edge are popular. People are also often looking for wide ribbons to tie in bows round their banisters.” Red berries and stars are big hits along with any ribbons made from satin adds Annabel, whose shops now count fashion designers and interior decorators amongst its customers.
For craft shops with only a small ribbon section and limited resources, Annabel advises stocking satin above all else. “That's always really popular, as are organdy and wire-edge ribbons,” she concludes.
The brand's trend-setting status was cemented in the early days when discounts were offered to designers, decorators and businesses if they bought on a bulk basis. This growth on the wholesale side gave Annabel scope to source more and more ribbons from further afield. Some of her finds, such as Japanese organdy and French wire-edged taffetas, had never before been seen in this country.
As ever this Christmas will see the ribbon innovator leading the way but Annabel reveals that it will be the old favourites, rather than a host of brand new fashions, that will inevitably steal the limelight. “After doing ribbons for 17 years I've found that the best-sellers at Christmastime are always red, green and gold,” she comments. “You can't really get away from that. Everyone tries to introduce a new range of colours – like blues – but they are never as popular as the traditional colours.” Despite this, Annabel says that blacks and silvers do particularly well. “Anything that looks shiny and chic is sought after,” she adds.
“Ribbons with a bit of sparkle and glitter go well,” she continues, “and also anything that's flocked or has a wire edge are popular. People are also often looking for wide ribbons to tie in bows round their banisters.” Red berries and stars are big hits along with any ribbons made from satin adds Annabel, whose shops now count fashion designers and interior decorators amongst its customers.
For craft shops with only a small ribbon section and limited resources, Annabel advises stocking satin above all else. “That's always really popular, as are organdy and wire-edge ribbons,” she concludes.
