Deer Easter,

Ahead of the Easter weekend, mornings are spent with a cup of tea in one hand, and the the mouse in the other, scrolling relentlessly through images of cute bunny rabbits, delicious chocolates and decorative display ideas, blogging every one that inspires us on our tumblr page. It is a time of year we love here at MSL, as it is a holiday to spend time with family and friends without the need to rush to John Lewis after work to buy presents and wrapping paper and all the other gimmicks that come with Christmas these days. The Easter weekend is a time to celebrate the awakening of Spring, longer days of sunlight and of course, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter has been celebrated longer than any memory can recall, and some of our favourite fashion icons have, in some way or another, embraced the stories, symbols and charming creatures that come with the Easter festivities. Audrey Hepburn, a lady of true etiquette and elegance grew a fond attachment to a fawn during the filming of Green Mansions in 1959. Pippin, the baby deer was her on screen sidekick, but Audrey was told to mother the deer so that he would learn to follow her making time on set easier for the directors and the animal trainer. Owing to Audrey’s calm and collected aura, Pippin took an instant liking to the actress and soon became as much of an icon as Audrey herself. Candid images of Audrey and Pippin going about her their lives in Beverly hills still hold today and resonate the love for woodland animals and the enchantment that come with Easter.

The actress, model and singer Lesley Lawson, or more fondly known as Twiggy, was often seen championing the Easter colour palette. Many of her dresses and garments were in keeping with her elfish, sprightly look. Pastel pinks, baby blues and youthful yellows filled Twiggy’s wardrobe, making her an icon for the current, popular spring trends that have ensued.And finally, this post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the cherished works of Jane Austin and her strong connection with the Easter festivities. The harmonic author often referenced Easter in her novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, “It was some days, however, before they received any invitation thither, for while there were visitors in the house they could not be necessary; and it was not till Easter-day, almost a week after the gentlemen’s arrival, that they were honoured by such an attention, and then they were merely asked on leaving church to come there in the evening.” Her stories take you back to a time when hats, bonnets, easter fairs and hot cross buns were prevalent and the holiday weekend was a time to travel and visit family. Although it has never been documented how the Austen’s celebrated Easter, it is clear to see in her readings she was very fond of the holiday we are about to have.

Happy Easter!

By Marni Banks