A few photos taken as the sun was setting over Weston-Super-Mare. Dismaland was a thought provoking exhibition/sort of sarcastic ‘fun’ fair with a selection of some of my favourite artists’ work (Damien Hirst and David Shrigley to name just a couple). An impactful, awe inspiring exhibition showcasing incredible talent and insight with some hard-hitting messages. I love that materials from the site were reused in the ‘Dismalaid’ project to help build housing for refugees in Calais.
This was the result of a 2 hour graffiti workshop I completed at the Upfest Gallery on North Street. It was so much fun! Using a calligraphy cap and paints which were supplied by the gallery we had a play in the sunshine on the walls of the galleries own outside space. Highly recommended! Please visit The Upfest Gallery Website here for details and info on other upcoming events.
Last Friday I was invited to attend the live blogging event at Cribbs Causeway to cover Bristol Fashion week. The show was fabulous with a high point being a beautiful ballerina dressed in white tutu dancing in the midst of a snow scene. Attending the Fashion Week is a great way to start planning your seasonal wardrobe and there were many items I have already set my heart on! The biggest trends to watch include…
– Red, red and more red! The LRD is replacing the LBD this season so get ready to feel festive.
– Tartan. Even better if red tartan. Checks look great on scarves, skirts, shorts (over leggings), and dresses.
– Faux fur as a luxurious trim to your AW13 coat.
– Elegant tailoring. Sharp black blazers look great with trousers and a blouse for daywear or over an embellished dress for a night on the town.
– Embellishment. Heavily beaded or sequinned dresses add a touch of sparkle and fun to any evening. This trend is said to follow through to SS14.
– Pastel colours. Sweet shop pastels is another design story this winter. Just don’t team with red tartan!
The Victoria Park Christmas market which took place last Saturday was a real success. Shoppers were spoilt for choice with tables of handmade Christmas gifts, decorations, homewares and treats galore! Below is a picture of my table – I started to stitch these little robins a few weeks ago and they proved very popular. They also make a nice little extra present for friends and family so I better get making some more!
As with all crafty style markets, it was great to meet some other designers/makers and purchase a few bits and bobs! The second picture shows a gorgeous felt and sequined dove, which I couldn’t resist buying for our tree. I also snapped up some handmade ‘Wiltshire Rosemary’ soap which smells and looks divine.
The next event at this lovely venue will be a 1920’s themed New Years Eve Party. Tickets are £5 and dressing up is a must! Get in touch if you would like more information about this event.
This weekend I visited a vintage fair ‘up north’ with my sisters. We braved the cold weather and were happy to find a few trinkets to buy! Some of the clothes seemed a little pricey for what they were e.g. a once loved but now severely outdated bridesmaid dress for £68 seemed a little steep. However, it was really nice to chat to some talented new designers/makers about how they were customising/creating. Here is a documentation of my time there in photos (including the labels which most impressed me!):
Really wanting a studded jumper right now…lucky I’ve ordered some antique brass studs to jazz up my wardrobe!
Haven’t posted recently as I’ve been super busy getting things together for The Lanes Vintage Fair. The sewing machine and overlocker have been whirring away to help me create and customise a stylish AW12 Vintage collection. Below are a few pics of items to be sold. The colours are very autumnal with a dominant deep purple, brown, cream and warm pink palette – comforting in these grey and drizzly times!
handmade plum satin blouse
carpet bag style purse
vintage blouse in cream
vintage pink and cream dotted dress
I’m really looking forward to this event (especially the tea and cake stand) and hope to see lots of you fellow vintage-appreciators there!
Been super busy over the last few weeks with dress commissions and sewing projects….However, I did find the time to zoom to Cribbs Causeway a couple of weeks ago (after a hard days work sewing) to catch the last few scenes of the BFW catwalk show.
It’s always great to attend these events as not only am I a goody bag and a few beauty samples richer – I also feel inspired to create some other key pieces for my fast growing Autumn/Winter 2012 wardrobe. I have some medium-weight tweed fabric which I’ve been holding on to, knowing that the right trend was just around the corner. John Lewis, M&S and River Island have confirmed my suspicions by showing some gorgeous heritage-style blazers, jackets and coats. I have an idea for a beautifully tailored, mid-length tweed jacket in mind. Might be popping in to Cribbs to pick up a few accompanying heritage-style accessories though…
This event was on Friday and it was a great opportunity to meet some fellow independent Bristol designers and to see some of the creative ways they upcycle and reinvent clothing. Hopefully we will be showing the Beautiful Plumage S/S range at the next event.
In attendance were:
And after a short interval:
And here are a few of my favourite pictures from the evening…
A friend recommended this event which takes place tonight at the central Attic bar in Bristol.
”Step aboard and be taken back in time to our 1940’s Blitz Party! With a dress code of Allied Forces and civilian wartime attire, either bring your own or be transformed by our tailors and barbers.” – fmbristol
Put on by Rolling Stage & VP Productions, this event sounds like great fun! Wiggle in to a pencil skirt or some military threads and get yourself down there for a free 1940’s hair restyle and live jazz and swing music!
Beautiful Plumage. 