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The Evolution Of The Paisley Print
3 Mar 2016

Paisley was originally called the Buta or Boteh meaning ‘flower.’ The Boteh motif started as a single flowering plant. Gradually the Boteh, tear drop motif abstracted and curved until in the 18th century the teardrop shape with the top curl becoming more exaggerated.


A theory for the origination of the print is that it was founded in ancient Babylon ad took inspiration from the shoots of the date palm- a source of the peoples food, wine and wood and therefore was called the ‘tree of life.’
The motif then spread from Babylon to Celtic Europe and India where it was then incorporated into all types of design. In Kashmir, patterned shawls woven from goats wool were the gifts of princes changing hands for small fortunes.






Our SS16 Campaign ‘Journey of Paisley’ dedicates itself to the psychedelic, intricate design and is featured across Shirts, Polos, Tshirts, outerwear and accessories.


A theory for the origination of the print is that it was founded in ancient Babylon ad took inspiration from the shoots of the date palm- a source of the peoples food, wine and wood and therefore was called the ‘tree of life.’
The motif then spread from Babylon to Celtic Europe and India where it was then incorporated into all types of design. In Kashmir, patterned shawls woven from goats wool were the gifts of princes changing hands for small fortunes.

Paisley Sample 1800- 1899. Credit- Arthur Th Venart/ Corbis

Paisley Shawl Pattern, 19th Century. Credit- Central Press / Getty Images

Mick Jagger, 1967. Credit- K & K Uld Kruger OHG/ Redferns

Dave Clark five

The Beatles

Jimi Hendrix