Calver Wilson and Fab Fifi by cw

The fashion accessories label Calver + Wilson (named after her grandmothers Helena Calver and Jean Wilson) was founded in January 1992 by the designer Judith Proctor. The diffusion line Fab Fifi (Judith's middle name is Fiona and this is her nick name) was created in 2001, aimed at the younger market.

The company has forged a strong reputation for itself in the international designer accessories market, with block-coloured jewel-like velvets and silk satins, fake furs, hand-painted embroidered silk chiffons, and textured weaves.

The homewear range here at notonthehighstreet.com is made up of bold original modern graphic style textile prints, and includes simple pieces for the kitchen and laundry. There is also a small children’s range available. All prints are designed by Judith and all goods are made in the UK.

Though Judith did not have conventional art training, she had a childhood full of rich creative influences and began to show an instinctive talent with colours and textiles from an early age.. She in fact trained as a classical musician playing the Oboe and Cor Anglais, graduating from the RAM in London in 1985.

It was whilst performing as a professional orchestral musician in 1991 that the idea for the first Calver + Wilson scarf came into being. Judith was playing at the Batignano Opera Festival in Tuscany and was inspired by the sumptuous Moorish designs for Zaide, the early Mozart opera being performed. She needed to create something to liven up her dress for an upcoming solo recital and the first velvet scarf was created. She had enough material to make more. Sold them very quickly to friends and colleagues and as she needed more income chose to repeat the process. 6 months later she delivered her first collection to Selfridges and within 12 months she was supplying the top department stores of the world.