Behind the designs

Clarissa’s design process begins with scouring the countryside searching out interesting plants and flowers, which she then photographs. These are then worked along with mood boards and design palettes which are inspired by a host of different sources - the changing colours in nature, current fashion themes, books, art, ceramics and architecture. Clarissa then works with her team on making these come to life through digital means (though the overall aim is that things to stay true to how nature intended as much as possible!) Silk screens are then made up with the designs and then the colourways are painstakingly chosen. Each collection evolves in this way - then samples will be produced and go through editing and testing before finally making it into the range.

2010
New interiors accessories range to be launched in January, plus an expanded bed linen collection.
Plans to showcase Clarissa’s work through further limited editions and pieces of vintage furniture.

2009
Fanfare the new website, along with expanded gift range of clutch bags,
iPod covers, mirror compact, and hand-made angels for Christmas trees.
Clarissa embarks on a series of bespoke limited editions items.
She also showcases her upholstery fabrics ranges through a selection of hand picked vintage furniture. First introduced to a rapturous response at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.
Fabric and wallpaper ranges being sold in 7 John Lewis outlets across the country.
Clarissa also collaborates with Heals producing a successful range of outdoor furniture.

2008
Launch of upholstery fabric range at Decorex in September. Distribution increases to agents in eight countries.

2007
Clarissa launches two additional wallpaper collections and printed fabric by the metre in response to huge demand, she now sells to over 100 outlets worldwide. Collections proving extremely popular and used by interior designers for bars, restaurants and hotels including the Malmaison chain and Pret-a-Manger.
A busy year despite Clarissa’s son Leo being born in February.

2006
Business continues to grow. Elle Decoration nomination for ‘Best in Bedroom’ award. Exhibits for the first time at 100% Design.

2005
Clarissa launches her second wallpaper book and own label stationery collection, consisting of a small range of silk covered notebooks and photograph albums.

Customers can now buy online from clarissahulse.com
Her daughter Angelica is born in October and Clarissa adjusts to motherhood!

2004
Clarissa expands the Home range of cushions, throws and lampshades with wallpaper, wall canvases, and gift accessories. Clarissa Hulse designs are used in House of Fraser Cafés nationwide.

She is commissioned by the Starwood Group (USA) to design a range of cushions and throws for the exclusive W Hotels in Montreal & Florida – the first of many contracts with this company.
Clarissa also receives nominations in two different categories of the Elle Decoration Design Awards 2004: ‘Best in Bedrooms’, for the House of Fraser bed linen range, and ‘Best Interior Accessories’ for the Clarissa Hulse Home 2004 collection.

2003
Launch of the first Home collection - cushions, throws and lampshades. An immediate success, selling to Heals, Liberty, Harrods, Conran Shop and many more stores throughout the UK.

Clarissa starts working with House of Fraser designing bed linen and coordinated accessories for Linea Home – relationship has gone from strength to strength and continues today.

She also designs two best selling stationery ranges for WH Smith, the UK’s leading high street stationery retailer.

2000
Clarissa is invited to design an exclusive range of limited edition scarves, to celebrate Liberty of London’s 125th anniversary. She also receives a special commission from Floris, along with a small group of leading designers from different fields, and is asked to design a product to represent a new fragrance.

1998
She launches a luxurious loungewear clothing collection called Boudoir Belle, successfully selling in exclusive stores worldwide.

1995
Clarissa’s scarf business expands, selling worldwide to stores including Nieman Marcus & Saks in New York, Le Bon Marché in Paris, Joyce Boutique in Hong Kong and Liberty in London.

1994
She establishes her own studio in London producing a range of hand printed scarves and evening wraps in luxurious silk, velvet and cashmere. The designs are botanical in nature, a theme that will continue through her work. The first collection is immediately snapped up by both Barneys and Takashimaya in New York.

1992
Clarissa graduates from Brighton Art College, moves to the big smoke and works as freelance textile designer.