About Rainbow & Spoon
Rainbow and Spoon is a family run business in Oxford that opened on Park End Street in 1982. Set up by artist/designers June and Sam Suliman, and now run by daughter Amanda, they have been keeping the ladies of Oxford dressed and outfitted for many years and are one of Oxford's most loved and longest established independent boutiques.
How It all Began
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.
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https://forums.vintagefashionguild.org/threads/vintage-dress.55221/
https://lizeggleston.com/category/magazines/over-21/
So, I'm Amanda and this is my story ... It all started with my parents on the beach in Formentera, (two of the first true hippy adventurers) that the idea of an overland drive to India and particularly to Rajasthan to satisfy their creative urges was formed (this was the 60's, when anything was possible) So they packed us all into a VW camper van and off we went - that was me, my two sisters, Faith the pattern cutter and my folks ... driving off on an adventure that was going to stay with me forever!
Having this adventurous and free spirited childhood had a huge impact on me, from living in a windmill and having birthday parties in a pigsty whilst in Ibiza and Formentera through to the sights and sounds of India with its colourful and noisy bazaars, silk saris, landscapes, sleeping on the roof, elephants and monkeys in the yard ....
I come from a design background too - knowing from a very early age that I was never going to be truly academic and after 6th form I studied Graphic Design at Cornwall Technical College in Camborne. Graphics didn't do it for me - I wanted to do something more three dimensional, so after graduating I set up my own business in Cornwall doing surface design and screenprinting. Eventually though it was time to move again, jobs were scarce, money was tight and by this time Cornwall was the longest place I had ever lived anywhere ... 10 Years!
Hello Oxford
And so I came to join the family business and it was here that I found my real calling (it took a while mind!) 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 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 xxx
https://independentoxford.com/indie-oxford-interview-rainbow-spoon/ https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19762075.oxford-shop-wins-small-business-award/ https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/15165919.resilient-city-boutique-re-opens-ready-fight-westgate-development/