Shabby Chic Definition

According to the Shabby Chic website, designer Rachel Ashwell founded Shabby Chic with the intention of combining functionality, beauty and comfort. Since then, her name has become synonymous with the term Shabby Chic.

Significance

Rachel Ashwell founded Shabby Chic in 1989 and opened her first retail store, specializing in flea market treasures and washable furniture slipcovers in Santa Monica, California.

History

Rachel Ashwell and Target formed a partnership in 2004, developing the Simply Shabby ChicTM line. The line initially specialized in decorative items but has since expanded to include vintage-inspired accessories and furniture, bedding collections, stationary and products for pets.

Time Frame

Rachel Ashwell was born in England but has spent more than two decades living in Southern California. After working as a stylist and movie set designer, Ashwell was inspired to create Shabby Chic out of her own need to combine practicality and beauty in her home.

Geography

As of 2009, there are two Shabby Chic retail stores. The flagship store is located at 1013 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, California, and the second store is located at 117 Mercer St. in New York.

Features

As of 2009, Rachel Ashwell has written the best-selling books "Shabby Chic, The Shabby Chic Home," "Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting" and Decorating Guide, and "Shabby Chic: The Gift of Giving and Shabby Chic Sumptuous Settings and Other Lovely Things."

Famous Ties

Rachel Ashwell previously hosted the former Style Network television show Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic.

References

• Shabby Chic
• Target