Tom & Boy Toile De Jouy Skirt

An 18th-century French print meets the playful world of Tom & Boy. Part of the Toy Department AW26 collection, this charcoal grey skirt takes the traditional Toile de Jouy pattern and gives it a slightly darker, more nostalgic feel.

Toile de Jouy was originally used for decorative fabrics, often depicting elaborate countryside scenes, and this version is full of tiny houses, trees, bridges and winding paths. It's like looking at the pages of an old illustrated storybook, with little details appearing the longer you look.

The skirt has a long, fairly straight cut, falling below the knee with a gathered elasticated waist and buttons running down the front. Made from textured cotton with a fine, corduroy-like rib, it has a small split at the hem and a woven Toy Department label near the bottom.

The styling in the AW26 campaign is fantastic. Oversized cardigans, striped roll-necks, bright red socks and chunky shoes, with the traditional French print looking completely at home amongst it all. There's also a matching Toile de Jouy waistcoat if you fancy the full set.

It's an unusual print for children's clothing, and that's exactly why I like it. A little old-fashioned, full of character, and very Tom & Boy.