Ascher

Czechoslovakian fabric designers. They were known for producing scarves with designs by modern artists, including Braque, Picasso, and Matisse, and for designing neon-coloured shaggy mohairs, cheesecloth, lacy fabrics, and dress- and coat-weighted chenilles that were popular from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Their fabrics were used by leading couturiers including Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Mary Quant.

The Aschers moved to London 1939, following the annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany. During World War II George served in the British army while Lida began to design fabrics. In Paris 1945 they commissioned contemporary artists, including Braque, Picasso, and Matisse, to make designs for scarves. The three-foot silk squares were hand printed and became popular as glamorous scarves, skirts, and wraps. Designs were also made by other artists including André Derain, Henry Moore, John Piper, and Jean Cocteau.

A retrospective exhibition of Zika and Lida Aschers' designs was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1987.