York-based fashion business Droopy & Browns began in the 1970s on Fossgate and grew in the 1980s and 90s to become a national brand with international reach. It was founded by Angela Holmes, a fashion designer, entrepreneur, performer and singer, with her husband Keith and her brother Jonathan.  

The latest addition to the collections at York Castle Museum is by Droopy & Browns: this fabulous 1970s dress and matching shawl. It was made in York from lightweight woollen cloth, and was kindly donated to the museum by Angela’s sister, Leone Cockburn, and her niece, Clare Cockburn.  

The dress uses a bright and vibrant print by Collier Campbell, a design company founded in the 1960s by sisters Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell. In the early days of Droopy & Browns, Angela liked to use Collier Campbell prints, but as time went on and the business expanded, she was able to design her own prints.  

Droopy & Browns gained a reputation for high quality clothing, and for unusual and luxurious designs. Angela was keen that all her designs were made locally by skilled people. At the time, many companies were outsourcing manufacturing to poorer countries where workers could be paid far less. Angela never outsourced production; initially, all the garments were made in York and later they were made in Leeds.  

During the 1980s and 1990s Droopy & Browns expanded, as Angela opened stores in Edinburgh, London, Bath and Tunbridge Wells. When Angela passed away in 2000, the brand continued under her brother Jonathan until its closure in 2003.  

The appeal of Angela’s designs led to the formation of the Droopy & Browns Appreciation Society. Members of the group kindly shared their memories with us, letting us know why the brand was and continues to be so special to them. Here are a selection of those memories: 

‘It just seemed to sum up the 80s and 90s and all these years later I still remember the feeling of first walking in to the store and feeling special’ 

‘the clothes were very durable and lasted well. the wool jackets I purchased were warmer than anything else I had.’ 

‘As I was a student at the time it was more window shopping than actual purchases but it was evident it was a quality shopping experience and that a great deal of care went into everything.’ 

‘It was like entering an opulent world of the most beautiful, individual garments all with a nod to previous eras. As a student I would visit the first store on Stonegate just to look at the wedding dresses and the staff knew I was just looking but never made me feel unwelcome. They just greeted me and let me wander around. Later when I was able to afford things in the sales I was still treated with the utmost courtesy and assisted to try items on. It was like a home from home really.’ 

‘My most memorable experience was the day I went to York with my mother and father to choose my wedding dress. My father sat on the chaise longue being plied with tea whilst I tried on the most amazing dresses. To be fair I only tried on three. I knew instantly which I was going to have which was the third and final dress, and as soon as I showed my dad and he put down his newspaper and he just smiled. It was ordered there and then.’ 

‘First glance in shop window, walking through the Shambles in York. My mother and I were together on a tour through England (by bus). She said, ‘Look!’ and I turned around and saw the vision! Bought a cotton (Liberty print) dress in classic design, which I still have (now 30-some years later) and I still wear it!’ 

‘When I had finally saved up enough to buy a jacket, by transcribing the complete songs of a composer onto the Sibelius computer programme. Nearly did my back in, sitting on his horrible computer chair day in and day out for an entire summer. I bought the Cliveden Jacket…incredible shape, and linen. I never once had a chance to wear it, and it was stolen when I lived in shared accommodation a few years later. I purchased it for the life I wanted, rather than the life I had.’  

‘I’d been promoted at work and wanted a wardrobe refresh. The assistant was lovely (they all were) and endlessly patient fetching a carrying/finding shoes and suggesting combinations. She seemed genuinely thrilled for me.’ 

‘I still wear my Red Highwayman’s coat for special events during the winter months. The number of people who will come up to me (as I’m on the train; walking through Charing Cross and walking to the venue) and tell me how wonderful and spectacular the coat is.’