Christmas Ribbons - A Trip To V V Rouleaux

Believe it or not we are already thinking of Christmas and on Friday we visited V V Rouleaux on Marylebone Lane to buy some ribbons for our seasonal gift subscriptions. In search of something decorative and a bit glitzy, we were looking for something that enhanced the colours and patterns of the front cover of the November/December issue and the selection of trimmings at this West London shop are the best you will find. Filled with rows and rows of sumptuous silks, velvets, ginghams and much more, you could spend hours enjoying the colours and textures, discovering everything from Japanese organdies to French wire-edged taffetas. In 1990 Annabel Lewis closed her flower shop in Parsons Green and opened a ribbon shop - V V Rouleaux. Ever since, she has changed the way people think of passementerie - the art of making elaborate trimmings or edgings. Just as with flowers - which need to be enjoyed in a bunch rather than singularly – there is something about a space filled with collections of intricately patterned ribbons. This tradition had seen a decline due to the simplicity and functionality of our modern design and clothing but with careful selection and refinement, people like Annabel have ensured that ribbons will endure. As Min Hogg, editor of World of Interiors, said "You just couldn't get beautiful ribbons before V V Rouleaux, such a place didn't exist. She's made it much easier for designers to get wonderful ribbons and trimmings, Annabel has definitely facilitated the fashion. Who knows, she may even have sparked it off." With expert staff on hand to help, we recommend you take a visit to see for yourself…   Mon-Sat 9.30-6, Wed 10.30-6, Thurs 9.30-6.30 102 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2QD T: +44 (0)20 7224 5179, www.vvrouleaux.com