The Rug Company

MOUSE ABOUT THE HOUSE It is not often that these pages feature cartoon-themed products. And we are quite certain that we have never referred to a Disney-related item as chic. But behold the results of an intriguing collaboration that involved Sir Paul Smith dipping into the Walt Disney archives to select vintage Mickey and Minnie Mouse designs. That exercise was part of a project between the Rug Company and Disney Consumer Products that sees the former applying the fashion designer's selection to a range of hand-woven wool cushions. In typical Paul Smith style, he has added a characterful flourish to the cartoon motifs. And so Mickey and Minnie Bloomsbury (far right) feature the mice amid colourful art deco-inspired florals, while the Mickey and Minnie Victorian Scroll cushions see the pair superimposed on an elegant scrollwork background. How can something so wrong be so right? They cost £295 each from the Rug Company (020-7229 5148; therugcompany.info). Papier-mache cat from Mexico, £2,850. from Paul Smith at 9 Albemarle Street, London WI (020-7495 4708). Photograph by Franck Allais