We’re now all well-versed in the art of the tablescape, the Instagram movement that swept the nation during lockdown and had us all colour-coordinating our glassware and napkins. But the trend has recently undergone a fashionable new transformation, thanks to several top designers deciding to launch homewares ranges to match their collections. From Emilia Wickstead’s florals to Olivia Rubin’s candy-coloured brights, these are the new fashion tablescapes to know about.
Over recent years, a beautifully put together tablescape has become part of the fashion lifestyle. Early adopters of the trend, such as Alice Naylor-Leyland – the brains behind curated tableware company Mrs Alice – have long recognised the art of dressing the table, and over lockdown the rest of the world caught on to the craze. All at once, party frocks and late-night soirees were replaced with cosy kitchen suppers, where joy came not from a glamorous gown but in the form of embroidered napkins, quirky glassware or technicolour tablecloths.
This isn’t actually a new trend – in the 18th century entertainment was all about pomp and ceremony, and matching gowns became a popular concept. No doubt the staggering success of Netflix’s Bridgerton has played its part, too, where the clothes often match the décor for the grand balls. So why not embrace matchy matchy hosting in all its glory by investing in a fashion tablescape from one of these top designers.
Fashion Tablescapes
Emilia Wickstead
The New Zealand-born designer is beloved by everyone from the Duchess of Cambridge to Gigi Hadid for her elegant pieces, which work just as well at a glamorous garden party as they do on a star-studded red carpet. Wickstead was one of the first to adopt the matchy matchy trend, creating dresses, swimming costumes and table linens all in the same print. Pair her Spring Summer 2022 orange rose motif tablecloth with one of her swimsuits in the same pattern, or invest in a set of placemats featuring the designer’s signature jewel print motif.
Maison Margaux x Anna Mason
Maison Margaux is the grande dame of the tablescape rental scene – founded by a team of experts who travel the world unearthing rare and unusual pieces, it’s used by the chicest of hostesses to create glamorous – yet, crucially, sustainable – tables for every occasion. Now they’ve collaborated with the British fashion designer Anna Mason to create a made-to-order stripe linen blush tablecloth with matching napkins and placemats, which marry perfectly with Mason’s Olivia midi dress in the same print.
Shrimps
Known for their quirky faux fur coats and sell-out beaded bags, London favourite Shrimps has just launched their first ever tableware set, to sit alongside their cosy blankets and throws. Hand-knitted using 100% soft merino wool, the black and white check print set has a distinct granny-chic vibe and comes with two placemats, cutlery holders and coasters. The print is a recurring motif in Shrimps designs – pair the set with one of the label’s navy check puff-sleeved silk dresses and a matching hand-crocheted bag for a fashion-forward conversation starter at your next dinner party.
Johanna Ortiz
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz is renowned for her beautiful prints, which you’ll find splashed across her silk crepe de chine maxi dresses and swimwear pieces to create the ultimate holiday wardrobe staples. Now she’s translated her unique brand of sunshine into a range of printed tablecloths, created exclusively for Matchesfashion. Made from organic linen and featuring an earthy red Palma Tribe de Verano floral print, it would look effortlessly chic draped across the table at your next poolside lunch, particularly when paired with the matching bikini and robe.
Yolke
During the pandemic, the British label – which is known for turning beautiful printed linens in whimsical dresses – realised no one was buying their party frocks. To use up all the excess linen they suddenly had on their hands, they decided to start making napkins and tablecloths instead. It was a wise decision – now they have an entire homewares section dedicated to these sustainable pieces, which feature the same responsibly sourced linen and bespoke prints as their main fashion collections. Their most popular homewares pattern of the moment is the sweet Blossom print, which comes with a matching dress, shirt and pyjama set.
Olivia Rubin
She’s hailed as the queen of candy-coloured brights, and now you can bring Olivia Rubin’s trademark joyful flair to your kitchen table as well as your wardrobe. The London-based designer’s homewares collection features everything from knitted cushions to rugs, but the real draws are the fun tabletop options. Rainbow striped tablecloths and dinner plates sit alongside kaleidoscopic wiggle print napkins, mugs and bowls, which you can pair with Rubin’s latest collection of colourful party dresses for the ultimate dose of dopamine fashion.
