Victorian Shopping style – The Paradise

I was glued to the TV last night as a new costume drama started on the BBC. ‘The Paradise’ is set in a very early version of a department store during the Victorian era. (I’m thinking of a cross between an early Whiteleys and Selfridges, although both came a little later than the period this is set in.) As you can imagine, the series looks beautiful, with a gorgeous leading lady, Denise, played by Joanne Vanderham, and handsome leading man. But what really catches the eye is the totally exquisite Paradise itself.

I can’t imagine any woman who wouldn’t want to shop at The Paradise. Brocade covered, pastel coloured walls, beautiful white, wood carved shelves, swags and tails and drapery all give the imaginary store a kind of boudoir feel, a paradise created with ladies in mind. There are ribbons and silks, kid gloves and handkerchiefs, and all those lovely perfumes in those vintage style crystal and glass bottles that are still such a fabulous adornment to any dressing table.

So many of the beautiful things on sale in The Paradise wouldn’t look out of place in our ultra-modern department stores. Laura Ashley has glass jewel and trinket boxes, silver picture frames and scented silk roses, whilst BHS has a fabulous collection of vintage style glass bottles. And if you want a real touch of vintage luxury, Dipytique do the most amazing range of soaps that use vintage recipes, these are available from Selfridges and would make a fabulous gift for a loved one.

I can say I’m already hooked on ‘The Paradise’ and that exquisite store, and can’t wait to have a closer look at the departments in further weeks.