My New Fashion Crush

My new fashion crush is Whistles. Their photographs don't do their clothes justice. Their winter collection is just lovely- elegant but with that essential edge, and with great fabrics that will last. Delicious.


In 2008 Jane Shepherdson came on board as the chief executive of Whistles, previously she was the head of Topshop- and key to its success. Whistles was formerly owned by Baugur, the Icelandic investment group, but when Baugur went into administration earlier this year it became an independent company.

A major plus point is Shepherdson's ethical principles- much manufacturing is done in Europe and that which is done in China is carefully scrutinized. She has stated that Whistles knows where the fabric comes from and what factories they use, and they realise how important this is to their customers.

This winter they feature a collection by Serbian-born designer Roksanda Ilincic, who is a relative newcomer to the fashion scene.

She also created a Spring/Summer collection for them this year. Which was feminine, but very playful- the embellishments nod to the late 60s/early 70s.

It reminded me of a favourite Spring collection in 2007 by Chloe, it didn't receive many positive reviews but I loved it. The embellished dresses were fantastic- daring colours, combining print with heavy embellishment.

It was actually a 'filler collection' as Chloe waited for their new designer to arrive, Paulo Melim then coming from Marni. Who is now at Diane von Furstenberg. People do move around!

So this collection was overseen by Yvan Mispelaere, who had been the design director of Phoebe Philo- a seminal designer for Chloe.

colours for autumn and winter 2010/2011

I loved creating these. They are up on my studio wall reminding me to be inspired by COLOUR and colour combinations!

rewarding
homespun, quietly rustic, warm, textiles are subtle, folk style prints
visuals: baskets, coloured glass, type, handwriting, milk bottles, jars, wood, industrial, plaid and check




imaginative
bright, quirky, illustrative, humorous, block colours, hand drawn, make-do-and mend aesthetic, mix of patterns, innovative, bold, optimism
visuals: bold graphics and vivid palette, combinations, functional ceramics, playful and bright human aesthetic, conversational and graffiti inspired prints




harmonious
emotional connection, timeless, craft and elegance combined, all over patterns and placement prints, atmospheric and decorative, vintage and antique elements, abundance of contrasting textiles
visuals: degas, floral, lace, japanese antiques, gilt frames, venice

One Day in San Francisco

It's wonderful when you come across lots of exciting people and places in one day. Which is what holidays in creative locations are all about!


Firstly I met lovely Canadian Illustrator Emma SanCartier, who is now based in San Francisco. Her work is both playful and heartful.

She showed me the lovely shop Paxton Gate's Curiosites for kids. The shop has a gorgeous design and layout. My favorite had to be the mounted soft toy heads. Then there is the sister shop down the road for grown ups. With real animals. Here the crazy mice where a favourite.






Later I stumbled upon Mission Bicycle Company where you build your own bikes. Your own gorgeous bikes that is. Be sure to park them against complimentary backgrounds such as these to do them justice.





Pastel coloured homes and crisscross tram wires.


Cold ears on the bridge, and a lovely view at the end of the day.

Charming Colours

A lovely collection of images to illustrate a current colour story...





A motorbike from San Fran, a beautifully laid table featured on Flickr, a car from Italy and bridesmaid dresses from Etsy!

The Wonderful World of Sanna Annukka

I'm going to share with you one of my all time favorite print designers and illustrator, as delicious design food for thought over the weekend and coming week. The striking designs of the Brighton based Finnish illustrator and print maker Sanna Annukka. Her work is inspired by nature and folklore, combined with her own unique and wonderful style. Enjoy!!
A few of my favorites...





Designs for iTunes gift cards


Lovely huge screen prints in production!



And if you fancy an interior design treat, visit her beautiful home- courtesy of DesignSponge!

Current V&A Delights

What wonderful exhibitions are on at the Victoria and Albert museum in London at the moment! Till the end of June there is their first Quilt exhibition and till the end of September Grace Kelly is their featured style icon. Libertys has even released a limited edition of printed fabrics for quilting in conjunction with the V&A. So in summary- visit!


My first introduction to textile art was Tracey Emin's quilts. Which made me look at my Grandma's beautiful traditional American quilts in a whole new light! What is exciting about this exhibition is that it summarizes transitions such as these as the quilts displayed are from 1700 to the present day.



The Grace Kelly, Style Icon exhibition showcases her wardrobe during her film career and also as Princess of Monaco. Thus spanning the 50s, 60s and 70s. I'm guessing the gowns and outfits from the 50s might be my favorites.

Fashion Favorites

Summer is on it's way and I'm dreaming of a new wardrobe..
So I thought I'd share my FAVORITE fashion companies with you.

Cotélac is a French brand. Beautiful shapes and fabrics. I have a lovely skirt I bought from one of their Paris stores, and I've had it for 4 years now! I still wear it regularly and get many a compliment.



Wunderkind is based in Germany. One day my wardrobe will stock a Wunderkind dress! Or two. Absolutely gorgeous prints and daring shapes. They are always right on trend.. but in their own unique way.



And to end on an local note-
A very recent find is the lovely Irish company Charlotte & Jane. Their playful dresses are inspired by the 1950s, a wonderful mix of quirky and classic. You choose the print and style and send them your measurements. Now I know where I'll be getting a new dress to celebrate the arrival of summer from! I just have to make the tricky decision of which one..