Online - April 18, 2005

Someday My Chintz Will Come

Cath Kidston Goes Online

When Americans do it, we call it shabby chic. When a Brit does it, it’s just chic.

Which is not to say that Ralph Lauren needs to pack up the rosebuds and knock off some other country’s design. (Although Turkey’s looking pretty good lately.)

But now that English rose and housewares queen Cath Kidston has set up virtual shop, Anglo-happy Yank designers have new competition.

From tents and dresses and beach towels to oilcloth and pencil cases and dog beds, Kidston makes a mind-boggling assortment of products. Like china adorned with darling spring blossoms and perky polka dots too cool to be precious. And chintz tea towels and oven mitts that are anything but chintzy.

If you’re embarrassed by how much you like this stuff, get yourself a hot-water bottle or an ironing-board cover that you can stash in the closet.

Hang on. Is that embarrassed or unabashed?

Eh. Like blatant Anglophilia (who, us?) it can be a fine — and lovely — line.

Available online at cathkidston.com.