WELCOME TO OUR LADIES FASHION BOUTIQUE
Rainbow and Spoon is a family-run ladies fashion boutique, that has been based in the heart of Oxford since 1982. Set up by artist/designers June and Sam Suliman and now run by daughter Amanda, Rainbow & Spoon has been keeping the ladies of Oxford dressed and outfitted for many years and is one of Oxford’s most loved and longest-established independent boutiques.
We pride ourselves on curating an elegant but unique range of ladies fashion, jewellery, and accessories.
BROWSE OUR ONLINE STORE
Our Story – then
The founders of Rainbow and Spoon were the first to introduce traditional and beautiful woodblock printing techniques from the East to the Western market in the 1960’s, (Way India) before going on to develop their exceptional hand painted silk collections, and selling their designs in all the hippest London outlets. A flagship store in Maddox Street just off Bond Street London followed, (Design By Suliman) where their designs became the toast of the London fashion press.
After several years of London living, the call of the country was too strong, and packing up the silks, dyes and tailors dummy they escaped to the country for a bit of the good life! Opening a boutique and gallery (Sundance Design Studios) in their Cornish farmhouse was a perfect interlude for a few years before the city called once more and a move to Oxford was on the horizon. It was in Oxford that Rainbow & Spoon ladies fashion boutique was born ….
After many years and time spent in the workshop hand painting and hand dying silks, and years of designing beautiful and extraordinary evening and occasionwear Rainbow and Spoon’s founders were set to retire … and it was at this point that I took hold of the reins…
Our fashion boutique – now
So, I’m Amanda and this is my story… I came to join the family business, and it was here that I found my real calling. Climbing my way up from behind the scenes and onto the shop floor – where I am to this day – and I love it … That creative and individual spirit has stayed with me and is still very much at the forefront of our ethos today.
Inspired by my fantastic customers and their sense of fun, adventure and willingness to try something different, I like nothing better than searching out and sourcing interesting, unusual and above all desirable brands across all our collections, be that our stylish ladies fashion labels, adorable and amusing accessories, unique homewares and gifts and funky jewellery.
Pulling a look together for someone and finding something that will make them feel special yet still them, is one of the greatest feelings, and there is nothing that makes me smile more than helping them by finding the perfect outfit.
Please take a look at the collections and see what we do and if you need any more information I will be more than happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
Amanda x
Community Matters
Kindness makes the world go around. There are so many people who don’t have enough, who are suffering and who don’t know where to turn in this world and there are so many wonderful causes and charities out there doing amazing work – who listen, help and give people a purpose and direction and we like to give back too.
That’s why we believe in supporting those people and services that are raising funds and doing good for others.
We have been donating raffle prizes and gift vouchers to various local and select national charities for many years now and have a regular donation system set up with Barnardo’s where we donate our unsold goods and dead stock every 6 months. We have sold Christmas cards for Mind, raised funds for Sobell House, sent children to the circus, donated an annual auction prize for Breast Cancer Now, given gift vouchers to Rail Sale 4 Change and raffle prizes for the Rita Tingewick Society and more…. and long may we be able to do so!
It feels good to do good!
Slow Fashion
At Rainbow and Spoon Boutique we believe that not only should every item you buy make you feel and look amazing, but it should also last and give pleasure for a long time. We believe in style over trends meaning things can be used season after season and will integrate with items already in your home and wardrobe.
This means that the quality has to be there in both the make up and the fabrics and materials used. I will not buy a product if it does not feel delightful to touch – and you can rest assured that everything you see feels good regardless of the fabric content, some recycled polyesters feel divine to the touch.
The core ethos of Rainbow and Spoon Boutique in Oxford is to bring you unique and beautiful products that are carefully selected to appeal to those with a sense of fun, a love for the creative and a passion for colour. This means being thoughtful with the suppliers we choose and supporting Fair Trade brands as much as possible.
With brands that are not certified as Fair Trade, I always ask the questions that are important, such as “Are their workers paid fairly? Do they use child labour (a massive no, no!)? Are working conditions safe?”.
Fortunately, as we are all becoming more aware of the environment and fairness in the world, so are the majority of brands that supply boutiques and independent businesses. All our brands are actively looking to reduce their carbon footprint, be more sustainable in their practices, and use recycled or upcycled materials for their products.
I refuse hangers with my deliveries and I’m delighted to say that nearly all the packaging on goods received is recycled and recyclable. Great news in so many ways. We also carry a changing selection of handmade items from local makers and artists and it’s great to be able to showcase these alongside our other wonderful collections.
In a world of fast fashion we believe that you should be given the option to choose ethical, responsible and sustainable products that have been made with thought and love.
Awards &
Affiliations
