Hall 3 Stand S31
From humble beginnings to a globally recognised brand, Laura Darrington Design continues to bring something new, but always reflecting its commitment to print innovation, contemporary designs, and luxurious finishes
Laura Darrington Design embodies a tale of creativity, innovation, and resilience, marking a two-decade journey from humble beginnings to a globally recognised brand.
Its journey began shortly after Laura graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2000 with a BA Honours Degree in Textiles. Initially crafting handmade cards as a complement to her design projects, Laura unknowingly planted the seeds for what would become a celebrated greeting card company. Supported by a Prince’s Trust Loan, a rudimentary business plan, and an unyielding determination, Laura Darrington Design slowly took shape.
The brand’s foundation was built on late nights, countless cups of tea, and a steadfast commitment to blending design with commercial viability. In the early days, Laura worked from a small office that soon evolved into a rickety loft room in her first terrace house.
Recognition came in 2008 with a Henry Award for Most Promising Young Designer, signalling the need for a larger space. The Old Baptist Chapel in Huncote, Leicestershire, became the brand’s new home, providing a solid base for growth and the addition of the first team members. Laura Darrington Design began to resonate with national accounts and international customers, bolstered by annual trade show appearances and several Henries wins between 2009 and 2012.
2013 and 2016 brought temporary shifts in focus for Laura with the arrival of her children, but also inspired new designs and the expansion of the team to meet growing demand. Despite these personal milestones, the brand continued to thrive, earning international recognition with a LOUIE award in the US in 2017, and eventually a move to a former Victorian hotel with its high ceilings and characterful architecture, providing the much-needed creative space to support the brand’s growth.
Laura was joined in the business eight years ago by her partner Ross – although Ross has been quietly by Laura’s side in the business for 21 years, while carving his own career path, he is now taking the business forward alongside Laura, leading on customer service, sales, and business development. Ross has infused the brand with his passion, humour, and customer relationship skills, and together they have built a multi-award-winning brand that is not only nationally loved but also in demand internationally.
Laura has successfully evolved the design team from a solo operation into a collaborative unit, where she now works as a creative director alongside a talented group of in-house and freelance designers. Together, they seamlessly blend diverse styles to create cohesive and harmonious collections under the LDD umbrella.
When developing ranges, top priorities include colour and quality, along with ensuring the range remains fresh and relevant by continuously evolving the designs.
Collections can emerge from various starting points – some may be driven by captions and the specific needs of the range, while others might originate from a visual mood board or a carefully curated colour palette.
The team has also experienced growing demand for bespoke licensing projects in gifting and wrap. They are enthusiastic about collaborating with other businesses and look forward to expanding this aspect of their work in 2025.
Laura Darrington Design’s journey is a celebration of creative passion, resilience, and the successful blend of family and business. The brand remains committed to designing and publishing beautiful greetings cards for all occasions, with each card reflecting its commitment to print innovation, contemporary designs, and luxurious finishes.
Laura Darrington Design
0116 2849660
www.lauradarrington.com
