This year marks a momentous milestone in literary history—the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Born on December 16, 1775, Austen’s sharp wit, keen social observation, and timeless storytelling continue to enchant readers and inspire artists, designers, and thinkers across the globe. Let's take a look back at the 'In Possession of a Good Fortune' Collection from 2021.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife” could be the most famous line ever written in English Literature and it’s legacy has inspired this collection. Our Spring Summer prints reflect a rose-tinted frolic through the English Countryside inspired by Regency high society’s outdoor pursuits of the day, imbued with a celebration of nature in line with our renewed appreciation of the natural world. Explore the scandal and pleasure of Vauxhall Gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the Maze Gardens, maybe even admire some of the County Seats of a certain dashing eligible bachelor. Shapes are formed from our own interpretation of Gentleman’s riding coats, tea-dresses worn with Spencer Jackets for picnics at Box Hill and what we like to think of as a female dandy of the time with “superb self-confidence.”

Austen’s era—the Regency period—was one of graceful simplicity, elegance, and subtle rebellion against excess. In her novels, clothing isn’t just decorative; it signals class, character, and inner transformation.

Today, her influence is alive and well:

• The rise of Regencycore—with empire waistlines, puffed sleeves, pearls, and flowing muslins—echoes the styles worn by Austen’s heroines. Shows like Bridgerton have re-popularized this aesthetic for a new generation.

• To honour Austen’s 250th, Vogue Runway curated a showcase of 61 Regency-inspired designer looks from Chloé, Simone Rocha, Vera Wang, and more—proving that Austen-era fashion still captivates the runway.

• Regency fashion enthusiasts continue to host reenactment events around the world, complete with gowns, gloves, parasols, and period dancing, bringing Austen’s world to life with flair and precision.

From the Hampshire countryside to major cultural institutions, Austen’s 250th anniversary is being commemorated with exhibitions, festivals, and literary retrospectives:

• Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton has launched a year-long series of events themed around her most beloved novels—from Pride and Prejudice to Emma—culminating in a birthday celebration in December.

• In Bath, the new exhibition “The Most Tiresome Place in the World: Jane Austen & Bath” explores her conflicted relationship with the city, where she lived from 1801 to 1806.

• Winchester College is hosting a summer showcase, spotlighting her final years through manuscripts, artifacts, and immersive experiences.

• Globally, libraries and universities are holding lectures, workshops, and book clubs, while the BBC has produced a new documentary, Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius, examining her evolving place in literary and cultural history.

Austen’s legacy is not simply one of love stories or beautiful dresses—it’s one of sharp intelligence, emotional nuance, and social insight. Her heroines navigate a world that tries to define them, yet they remain resilient, witty, and self-aware.

In a world still grappling with questions of identity, love, equity, and voice, Austen's narratives continue to inspire. Her prose is elegant, her characters unforgettable, and her perspective—though over two centuries old—feels astonishingly modern.