Flirty and Flattering

...fun and fresh!

Perfect for those dreamy summer days.

'Subway Ballet'

The first time I saw these young men perform, in a tightly packed New York City subway car, I imagined we were all flying. I later learned that their dances and aerial moves were named “the part-time stripper,” “walking on air” and “the Kid and Larry.” Their physicality, bravado and humor captivated me. While some riders considered them a nuisance, I felt they transformed the subway car into a remarkable sort of public theater.

(via The New York Times)

New Dress and New Photographer

A familiar dress but this time in a small purple/black floral Liberty print. The contrast of the reverse side of the fabric on the collar is also used on the underside of the belt and extra detail is added on the edges of the collar and belt by using the black frayed selvedge. The skirt can be gathered up or left down.

And many thanks to The Little Whisperer for styling and taking these wonderful photos.

Textile Graduates - DJCAD 2013

A beautifully innovative range of era inspired Scottish knitwear designed for the UK market: Winston embodies the desire to embrace and appreciate classic design whilst remaining current and appropriate to the modern fashion industry.  Katy Birchall

Designer Amy Buchanan is a lover of mixing and matching patterns and she has strived to create a range of energetic, colourful printed textiles that work well together to create a playful feel. - Amy Buchanan

By using reclaimed material I will create a contemporary collection of wall coverings for the interior market. Up cycling has become a new trend, especially in relation to interior design, so I wanted to use reclaimed wood for my project and give it a new lease of life by combining it with a range of techniques to add pattern and colour to the wood. - Abigail Crowther

 ‘Upcycling’ is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of production as it reduces textile waste and saves the water and energy used for the manufacture of raw materials. I reprinted soft, natural fabrics sourced from charity shops to give them a second life as materials for one-off fashion pieces. - Alexandra Hornyik

University of Dundee
Duncan of Jordanstones College of Art and Design
Degree Shows 2013
18-26 May

It's Friday...

The temptation was there: to grab my big beautiful woven shopping basket, my wide brim straw hat and throw on my open toe sandals. But after slipping into this simple black cheesecloth dress for the photograph, I realised it didn't need anything...other than a beautiful piece of jewellery!

Unique and elegant, this necklace is the stunning work of The Jewelry Story who this weekend and next open their atelier doors as part of Kunst in Opsterland.

It's been a while...

but I am still working and yesterday I spent an enjoyable morning drinking coffee and chatting with my friend and her daughter while my batch of cheesecloth 'tests' dried. Washed twice at 40 degrees and then tumble dryed on a high heat for 20 minutes, I am quite happy with the results of this one.

The cheesecloth has wrinkled and shrunk quite well creating a much thicker, heavier fabric than the lightweight, gauze-like that I started with. I used the selvedge of the fabric for the front opening to create a little detail. The buttons are little wooden beads.

More to come as I experiment using the fabric cut across the grain which I think would create an interesting texture if mixed with linen. I also have lots of lovely shades to play with as well.

Thank you Stephanie for the use of your dryer, cups of coffee and fun chat about life, what to cook for dinner and looking at your new collection, website and beautiful model. She is gorgeous!

'New British'

Just as Margaret Howell did with her 2013 calendar, Vivienne Westwood has also been recognising and celebrating British Made. In collaboration with 100%design, Westwood's 'New British' has been installed in her Milan flagship shop prior to its exhibition in Earls Court, London later this year.

photo via 

With a focus on 'the revival of British small-scale high quality furniture and lighting production', the 'New British' exhibition showcases a range of products and designers 'whose emphasis is on 'craft techniques and sustainability.' 

A few of the studios featured:

Channels
Three Wise Men

Plant & Moss
Odd Couples Bench

Decode
Wire Light

Another Country
Pitcher

More photos of the actual shop installation at confessions of a design geek.