LLB collection and man himself go down a storm on GBCC’s PG Live stand
Self-confessed original gangster of maximalism Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen turned out to be an incredibly gracious and flirty gentleman who set more than a few hearts set aflutter as he charmed the folks at PG Live.
In his impeccable suit and trademark bouffant hair, LLB appeared on the Great British Card Company’s stand to promote the latest licensing collaboration between the publisher and designer known for his flamboyance and over-the-top patterning, who is so glad everyone has caught up with him in embracing maximalism.
For Sandra Jervis, of Lampeter-based indie Creative Cove, meeting Laurence was the icing on the cake for her first trip to PG Live, which ran over Tuesday and Wednesday this week, 6-7 June, and she had no qualms about sharing her crush: “I’m completely giddy over LLB!
“I was actually emotional as I knew he was coming to the show and he’s beautiful! I messaged my husband and said ‘I’m leaving you’ and he asked if he wanted transfer fees – I’ve got the photo as my screensaver too, sorry Paul!”
Having spent time on GBCC’s stand, Laurence was taken around the show, including up to Springboard and Springboard Intro – which took quite a while as he didn’t turn down anyone who asked for a photo.
“What I loved about him was his graciousness,” commented Sarah Laker, from Stationery Supplies in Marple and Wilmslow. “He was so good and knew just what to do to pose in the pictures, he knew everyone would want a photo and just went with it.”
Another retailer who shall remain nameless explained to PG Buzz how she’d let her 81-year-old mum know she was getting a snap with the great man only to get the response: “I still would!”, so she told the tale to Laurence who said that ladies of that age are still sexy – and proceeded to relate a naughty tale about a 90-year-old.
Icka Print owner Jess Crawford said: “It was an amazing first day – I had the chance to catch up with lots of my lovely stockists plus I met the legend that is LLB who said he liked my cards. Absolute highlight of my life!”
Of course, Laurence was actually at the show to look at the range he’s produced with GBCC, and David Byk, ceo of the Swan Mill Group which owns the publisher along with Ling Design, Penny Kennedy and Waterwells, is absolutely delighted with the collaboration and show prescence.
“We really enjoyed having Laurence on the stand,” David told PG Buzz, “he was so chuffed with the cards we’ve created from his designs – and we took loads of orders for them too.
“He was really charming and had so much time for everyone. There were queues of ladies of all ages wanting their picture taken with him!
“He has a store in Cirencester so can really relate to lots of retailers and chatted to so many people for ages about his experiences and how he designs. For us, it gave the event a real buzz and extra energy on top of what was already a good show.
“LLB is keen to do more cards with us having seen them and, with so much positivity from all those who visited the show about them, we’re keen to see what the next batch that he develops with our head of creative Lucy Ledger will look like.”
Top: Laurence was right at home with the flamboyant greeting card outfits
