Annabel Lewis, founder of the ribbon emporium V V Rouleaux, outlines the essential looks and trends for your home and wardrobe this spring…

V V Rouleaux has been called ‘the Chanel of ribbon and trimmings shop’. Tell us more… Chanel is known for her iconic use of Grosgrain ribbon, a ribbed ribbon with a slightly stiff quality – used in millinery – that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. V V Rouleaux is a specialist ribbon shop and has the largest selection of widths and colours of Grosgrain ribbons: there are 11 sizes from 4mm to 75mm and we can supply over 60 colours.

How has the business grown since opening? We want to be known for providing the best quality, selection and breadth of ribbons. We source and supply to a variety of customers including the theatre, film, interiors, fashion and party- planning industries. We started with 1,000 ribbons in 1990 and now have 10,000 ribbons; if you can’t find it in our collections then we will make it.

How can you spruce up your home or wardrobe for spring? There is nothing simpler than tying a beautiful wide wire-edged ribbon around an existing cushion or a stunning wide Grosgrain ribbon for a curtain tie-back. Revamp your lampshades by wrapping entirely with ribbons or feathers. Handbags are a favourite to transform by covering with feathers or attaching dangly tassels and pom-poms to a kilt pin and then tying on. For men, cover collars with a wide grosgrain ribbon in a cool colour. 

Which colours and materials are on trend for SS15? Lots of colour: limes, shocking pinks, bright orange with fuchsia pink, plus sky blue and purple. Try heavy embroidered trims in gunmetal and silver with a touch of gold lace, or floaty, organdy ribbons as sashes for bridesmaids in lilac, oatmeal cream or washed-out old fashioned pink.

What are the essential points to consider when buying hats and headdresses? To be comfortable which means you should not even know you have a headdress on. It should be light and not too big; you need to be a confident hat wearer. Always take on board the suggestion of the designer and believe the style they suggest. V V Rouleaux offers a fantastic bespoke service so it’s essential to bring the outfit with you that you will be wearing.

What are the latest hat trends? Delicate, floaty, individual bespoke shapes that are neither a hat nor a headdress. Choose pale colours and pieces that are not too large. Feathers are still prominent.

How can I learn more about accessorising? We have a variety of courses: tassel making for beginners, headdress workshops and ribbon flower-making.

 VV Rouleaux Ribbons are stocked in Peter Jones or visit the store at 102 Marylebone Lane W1U 2QD; 020 7224 5179; vvrouleaux.com