Designer Diary

Box of Lace

2010-07-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Today I posted a Bloom Neck Piece to a designer as a gift. I hope they love it!

Viajante

2010-07-26T12:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I treated ourselves to lunch at 'Viajante' in Bethnal Green. The decor is very calm and sparse and feels Scandinavian.
The food was exciting yet unprententious, and utterly delicious. There is a choice of either 3 or 6 course lunch. Amazing amuse-bouches also appear between courses. The menu is a surprise as already decided by chef patron, Nuno Mendes.
I'm no restaurant critic, so I'll let the pictures do the talking. The menu changes depending on seasonal ingredients. Well worth a trip down East!
www.viajante.co.uk

Confessions of a neglected studio

2010-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

I often get asked about my studio space. People love to know where designers work, whether it's a lovely big warehouse studio, or a bench space in a room. Like many independent designers I work from a space at home. Our box room is my beloved studio.

It has recently been very neglected, as I have been tending to our baby girl! Now she is one, I feel I can devote more time to my work. This is very liberating and thanks to family I am finding more of a design/baby balance!

Today a magazine came to photograph me and my space. Not wishing to be left out, Scarlett oversaw proceedings! I don't love having my photo taken, but the photographer and journalist were very nice.

The upcoming shoot made me focus on my sad space, and it is now much more efficient and studio-esque! It reflects my love of sketchbooks, and bringing together many elements into an area - whether it's a page or room.

My studio contains materials, inspiration, precious objects, fabric, sewing machine, some of my Vogue collection and various random items. Of course, 'works in progress' are littered about, not to mention the plastic bags......

Nature's Colour Palette

2010-04-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

The latest spot of lovely British spring weather spurred us on to sort out the garden last weekend. Having lived in this house for nearly three years, the garden has really settled into being our idea of a relaxing area. This is largely due to my husband working hard, and filling it with our favourite plants such as large bamboos, olive trees, acers, and lavender.

The other day I captured some of the more subtle tones, textures and colours in the sunshine. It's refreshing to look at organic forms when I'm usually working with plastic bags! Lets hope the weather keeps improving......

Vintage Treasure Trove Finds.....

2010-04-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

During a much needed clear out, I was thrilled to rediscover some vintage lace fabrics I bought at the market in Aix-en-Provence a few years ago. A favourite get-away place and destination for my wedding 4 years ago, I love souvenirs from Aix!

The lady on the market stall was very informative..... She told me that the garments and linens often come from dusty, forgotten trunks in Parisian attics. Many of them are monogrammed and I'm sure have interesting stories attached.

These fabrics are so inspiring to me. The tiny rips and tears seem to make them unique. I have been meaning to rework a couple of the garments to be worn, however for now just looking at them will have to do!

Lacey Update

2009-11-27T02:23:00.000-08:00

As I have been absent for so long, I thought I'd post some pics of recent work. Here is my stand at Origin, The London Craft Fair in October. I'm currently expanding the neckpiece collection seen here - so many ideas, so little time!

Time Flies...

2009-11-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been quite a while since my last post! I've been a bit distracted: having had my first baby in June. I've also been designing new work, which I will embark upon creating very soon.

My brooches are now sold in The Science Museum shop, which is very exciting!

Hot Lace!

2008-05-09T03:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for a while as have been very busy applying for shows and making new work. I recently found out I have been selected to take part in Origin and Made '08 (formerly Brighton Craft Fair). This is great news, though I need to get super organised!

The lovely Sam from The Shop Floor Project just let me know my brooches are in the 'Hot' section of fashion site http://www.fashion156.com/ . Also, my Interior Accessories launch this month in the Design Boutique section of Interior Design site http://www.mydeco.com/ . Happy Days!

Tin Shed

2008-03-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

This Easter weekend The Shop Floor Project will be holding its first exhibition in Cumbria. The shop Floor Project is a website, created by mother-daughter team of Samantha and Denise Allan. The site promotes the newest and best in Interior and Fashion design from aound the world. I have some neckpieces on the site and my brooches and bracelets will be for sale at the exhibition. If you can check it out, I'm sure it will be well worth it!

Tin Shed: Contemporary Crafts from New York to Cumbria. Easter Weekend 21st - 24th, March 2008

www.theshopfloorproject.com

Elle Deco Excitement

2008-03-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be featured in this month's Elle Decoration Magazine. I had been nervously anticipating the piece since November, and am pleased with the result! It's so encouraging to be noticed as a designer when so much time is spent hidden away making. Please note, I don't always look this scary!

Lacroix, Sweetie

2008-02-29T03:53:00.000-08:00

I just spent a fabulous weekend in Paris. This included a rugby match, lots of sunshine and an amazing Christian Lacroix exhibition. If you are in Paris before the end of April and love fashion and textiles you must visit. The exhibition is curated exquisitely, combining Lacroix's show-stopping catwalk pieces with the vintage garments that inspired them. This gives insight into shape, textile and colour and pattern. The exhibition runs until April 20 at Musee de la Mode et duTextile, Paris. Stunning.

As my mother is French, I am lucky to have spent a lot of time in Paris. However do not seem to have many photos, so made an effort this time!

Plastic Bag Lady

2008-02-29T03:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first post of my blog! Here are some images of my recent work. I'm busy making new pieces for various exhibitions just now, including huge panels and screen-quite a challenge!