Our Story

Damask was started by Carolyn Dunn more than 30 years ago. With a background in textiles and fashion, I set about making a range of feminine cotton nightwear I could wear myself. Over the years I have developed a loyal customer base, who share my love of beautiful cotton & embroidery.

When I was expecting my first child, I could not find pretty cotton nightwear suitable for maternity and nursing mothers. I therefore designed styles that would fit over a bump and front button openings also make them suitable for breast feeding.  Our nightgowns and robes are also perfect for hospital stays.  

When my children were young, I wanted to find good quality cotton nightwear for them too. Taking inspiration from classic childrens themes – fairies, ballerinas, racing cars & old fashioned aeroplanes, I designed a range of beautifully embroidered childrens styles.

My love of textiles has always included Liberty print Tana Lawn. A wonderfully soft and cool cotton fabric, available in a range of beautiful Liberty prints and colours. To complement my white cotton nightwear, I have now added a range of classic Liberty print bed & bath accessories, including eye masks and hot water bottle covers.

During lockdown I decided to make some Liberty print Tana Lawn face masks for family and friends. They were so successful I have now made a range to sell on my website. Pretty but practical range, my face masks are made from two contrasting Liberty prints making them reversible as well as washable & eco friendly. Adjustable ear loops, two pleats and a top pocket for an additional filter make for a food fit for everyone.

I will continue to look for new products that complement our ethos of beautifully made and designed sleepwear & accessories using the best quality cotton, fine embroidery and pretty prints.

Timeline

1988 – The First Brochure

Damask produced their first colour brochures in 1988 illustrating their classic white embroidered nightwear designs together with their first range of patchwork

1988 – Prints

Flowers and nature are a consistent theme in Damask’s prints and embroideries and reflect the ethos of Damask design.

Clarissa Nightwear from Damask

1990 – Expanding Range

Damask continued to expand the range and their products started to be sold in top end stores including Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Libertys, Trotters childrens stores, as well as many independent retailers around the country and abroad. Damask also started making nightwear and quilts for magazine offers including womens magazines and home interest magazines including ‘Homes and Gardens’ and ‘Period Living’.

1992 – Childrens Nightwear

In 1992 Damask introduced its’ first range of childrens nightwear and exhibited this at the Premier Childrenswear trade show where it won the ‘Best Stand’ award.

Childrens Nightwear by Damask

1994 – First Store Opening

In 1994, Damask opened its’ first store in the New Kings road in London and it was an immediate success, selling the Damask range together with vintage and antique furniture and accessories sourced at antiques fairs as well as trade fairs including ‘Top Drawer’.

1998 – Royal Visit

In 1998, HRH the Princess Royal in her capacity as patron of the British Knitting & Clothing Export Council paid a visit to the Damask shop.

2001 – Tatler Christmas Edition

In 2001, Jerry Hall and two of her young children were photographed for the Christmas edition of ‘Tatler’ magazine wearing Damask childrens nightwear.

2003 – Website Article

In 2003, ‘Skills for Business’ had a special feature on Damask under the title ‘Lady of Luxury’ talking about how Damask was embracing new technology and used this to develop their first website.