On the Up...

 

We're excited to bring you an interview with talented designer and up-cycler Yinka Ilori, a recent graduate from London Metropolitan University who caught our eye a few months ago, and have been keeping an eye on ever since.

We were interested in his aesthetic approach to design, and how he has pretty much turned the idea of up-cycling on its head to create these rich, but simply crafted creations.

In the lead up to the African and African-Caribbean Design Diaspora in London, we managed to catch-up with Yinka to find out a bit more about him and his work...

Did you always know you would do something creative? 

Yes, I always knew that I would do something creative because when I was at secondary I was always good at drawing and really enjoyed Art GCSE and Design & Technology GCSE. I remember my teachers always telling me my work was good and always using my work, and homework book as an example to show the other pupils what their work should look like which was flattering, but at the sometimes embarrassing!

Did you have any early inspirations/ inspirational characters that informed your creative path? 

Yes, I remembered studying BTEC in Art and design studies at London Metropolitan University and we had an end of year exhibition. I had been setting up all day and had to go home and change my clothes. When I had arrived back I had noticed that I had been nominated for a Sir John Cass Art & Design Award, although I didn't win, for me, knowing that I had been nominated inspired and made me believe that I am doing something right.

What inspires you/ any particular places you draw inspiration from? 

What inspires me is everyday things in life, that have a story to tell and I try to incorporate that into my up-cycled furniture, because my ethos for up-cycling furniture is all about re-loving and telling the story of how the furniture was re-loved:) 

I am also really inspired by the African culture, as you may have noticed African prints from Ankara to Aso-oke are mainly used in most of my furniture. I also love old vintage Scandinavian furniture I think they are beautiful, and sometimes draw inspirations from there too. 

Currently, I am really inspired by MBE artist Yinka Shonibare, I think he is an amazing artist who curates moving, yet at the same time interesting installations. His installations are very powerful, with a strong meanings behind it, hence why he has inspired me to do an installation at this year's AACDD (The African and African-Caribbean Design Diaspora) Festival at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, London SE1

19 – 30 September 2012 my installation is titled 'Head of the House'. Hope to see some of you there:)

What first led you to working with old furniture as opposed to creating pieces from scratch? 

When I did a project at university called 'our chair' where we had to do a partnered project, and find two old chairs making it into one chair, using all the pieces from both chairs!

I absolutely loved that project, and it was from then onwards I knew that I wanted to make up-cycling my career because I loved the way each piece of furniture tells its own story, for me furniture with a story is beautiful.

What's been your biggest achievement to date?

Wow my biggest achievement to date would be exhibiting in New York in May 2012 at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, and also selling one of my pieces of furniture to a High-end contract furniture company called 'D'Apostrophe'. 

It still feels nice to know that my piece of furniture is now somewhere in New York and will now become a story for someone else, now to tell! So yes, selling a piece of my furniture in New York has been my biggest achievement to date:)

What are your plans/ goals over the next 12 months? 

My plans and goals in the next few months would be hopefully to have a pop-up shop dedicated to my brand, not sure on location but that's something I would like to do over the next 12 months, who knows it may even be longer than 12 months.

What advise would you give to any new designer starting out on their own, or someone considering studying (furniture) design?

What I would advise any designer starting out on their own is to keep pushing because no one said that it's going to be easy, but the main thing is that if you enjoy what you do and your truly passionate about it, never keep up, because it's really important to do something that truly makes you happy, that's what got me here today:)

What's the ultimate dream?

My ultimate dream would be to have my own shop, with all my furniture inside it, and a few other designers works that I also like as well...

You can see Yinka's work at The African and African-Caribbean Design Diaspora Festival at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, London SE1 from 19 – 30 September 2012

Transferrable Skills...

Zoe Alexandria Richardson, a London-based jewellery designer approached us as she embarks on her new venture under the name Dual Nation Jewellery.

Having already completed a degree in fashion design and marketing, she needed another creative outlet, and enrolled in a diploma course for creative jewellery making at the London Jewellery School.

When she approached us with her collection, it was something we hadn't really seen before, and were intrigued to find out more, so we set up a meeting last month to meet her, and see her pieces first-hand.

Zoe uses a material called poly-clay, a plastic-based substance to form the decorative parts of her jewellery, and applies transfers she finds interesting to finish the look. Using a simple colour palette of gold, silver and bronze, she creates an interesting mix of uniquely shaped statement pieces with a vintage postcard quality, as well as drawing inspiration from her British and Australian heritage.

With her perfect mix of fashion, design and marketing skills, we see big things for Zoe as she has also talked about extending her ranges with her own illustrations, as well as looking to collaborate with other illustrators too.

We have a small selection of her work available through the Look Like Love store, so head over to take a closer look...

All things bright and beautiful...

Jessie G has been on board with us for the last couple of months, but we thought we would do a bit of an official introduction...

Jess works as an interior designer in London, but ever since being given her first silk screen as a child, she has been addicted to the process and the wide-range of results that can be achieved.

She takes inspiration from her travels around the capital, and her trips a bit further afield too. Her bright, and bold graphic approach tunes into a style akin to mid-century modern, and her pieces whether a print or cushion wouldn't look out of place on a G-Plan sideboard or Ercol daybed!

Most weekends you will find her brightening up a Designer-Maker Market in London with a kaleidoscope of colourful wares from greetings cards to poppy prints, she brightens our day and will brighten a room in any home too...

Find some of her beautiful prints at our shop...here...

More Tea Vicar...

We mentioned a couple of weeks ago a few new additions to our shop were on the way, and our first new arrival is from graduate jewellery designer Roisin Connolly.

We are really excited to be working with Roisin and representing her work, as we've been fans since we posted about her work back in August in, A Personal Journey, where Roisin's technique of acid-etching gold and silver with photographic images, really caught our eye.

We have a couple of her acid-etched creations, as well as her adorable tea-inspired silver earrings. What's more comforting than a good cuppa and a slice of cake, that combination never fails...

...Click on SHOP to see Roisin's pieces, as well as all our other graduate work available to buy...

Lace Market...

We're always excited to hear about graduates expanding, and growing their own businesses, and Holly Mansell has done just that...

Launching last week, Holly has put together her likes, loves and inspirations, as well as a bit of in-depth portfolio, showcasing her ever expanding collections. We are constant supporters of Holly, and regulars to the blog, and shop will have seen her work pop-up over the last few months. As well as her pretty embellished socks and hand-illustrated cards, we are also pleased to announce new additions from Holly to accompany her collection.

 

 

These beautiful layered collars using vintage lace, trimmings and ribbon, are absolutely adorable, and it has been very hard not to buy them all for ourselves!

Also available are these delicate vintage-inspired key-rings with a tarnished, antique feel. Each one has a different set of charms, so Holly continues her individual appeal at every scale...

 

To see more about Holly - check our her website... http://www.hollymansell.com/ ...and find all her pretty pieces over at the shop, all available now...

Knit one, stitch one...

This weekend it was all about being by the sea in Brighton for the Made'11 show, next weekend, we're moving up north to The Knitting & Stitching Show taking place in Harrogate from the 24-27 November.

Our very own Sandy Powell will be there as part of the graduate showcase, selling her home and fashion accessories, which we featured two weeks ago as our product of the week.

For your chance to see her work up-close, then Harrogate International Centre is the place to go, with Knit & Stitch being considered the best textile exhibition in Europe.

This is the second show that Sandy has been involved in since graduating over the Summer, and has been working non-stop to keep up with the demand for her beautifully hand-made cushions, corsages and bag charms.

Can't make it? Then take a look at all her collection available to buy... here ...

Home is where the heart is..

The nights are drawing in so naturally we are wanting to spend more time indoors and snuggle with some trashy TV, (well, that's just us!) So to address the balance, we need those little homely touches, so why not indulge in something from one of today's featured designers, Sandy Powell and Rubyshoes Rocks...

Sandy is a recent graduate from London Metropolitan University, where she studied Textile Design for Interiors and Products. Her speciality is three-dimensional stitched textiles, which is certainly put to good use in her range of cushions, corsages and bag charms.

Her inspiration comes from structural aspects found in nature, and using them in repetition. What's lovely about her work is her use of accent colours in felt, taffeta and recycled leather, adding something special to an everyday product...

Now, you may be forgiven for thinking that bunting is something reserved for Summer Fetes in the country, surrounded by homemade cakes and preserves, but Rubyshoes Rocks is on a one woman mission to change all that!

Founded by Interior Designer Jo Ash, Rubyshoes Rocks started out at a little ol' homestead in South East London, making and creating bunting for friends, then for street parties, then for shops, cafes and festivals...

"My bunting isn't all about looking pretty. I'm determined to make bunting cool, and in disposable, something you don't just hang up for Summer tea parties. I hope my bunting is the sort of decoration you'll never, ever want to take down!" says Jo...

Need something to dress up your home? Find these lovely bits and bobs ...here...

...And all things nice...

Now, we don't think we're an authority on what's hot and what's not when it comes to fashion, but we do know what we like...

So today's featured designer is Holly Mansell, a fashion graduate from Essex College. We almost feel like old friends when we talk about Holly, as we've been following her progress since seeing her work at Free Range back in the Summer. Holly had one of the stand-out collections, and even more amazing to have seen it 'live' at her degree fashion show in all it's glory.

Holly's work has an antique appeal with touches of salvaged lace, vintage buttons and ribbon, which she has used in clusters on her hand-made bespoke ankle socks, which are available through our shop, of course, we couldn't resist them, so how can you?!

As well as featuring her hand-made fashion accessories, we also have her amazing fashion illustrations transformed into the cutest greetings cards, and a few personalised vintage gift tags to complete the set...be fashionably early with gifts for Christmas we say ...Click here to shop...

Re-Quoted...

Lucinda Ireland just popped by to say hello, and to deliver some of her work, so to whet your appetite, just a smidgen, here are her printed quote cards that will be available to buy in a couple of weeks time. We have sets of three which include all the quotes above, and at just over A6 they are a perfect gift for any time, for anyone...oh yeah and maybe we'll buy a set for us too!

Too Cool for School...

We've been busy taking collection of some lovely bits and bobs to launch the on-line shop with in a couple of weeks, the to-do list is looking reasonably manageable, fingers crossed, with a photo-shoot pencilled in this weekend...

We couldn't wait though to show you just one of the products available from the very talented Holly Mansell. I'm sure you can remember we featured her work when we were scouting around Free Range a couple of months ago in the post, Vintage Finds.

Holly then invited us to her graduate fashion show, her work being one of the finale collections, so we've been keeping in touch for some time now, and this weekend, we collected her small accessories and illustrated greetings cards, (her clothing to follow, so watch this space...)

The vintage inspired theme continues with these fun ankle socks embellished with vintage buttons. Each pair being completely unique they have a touch of humour, and will add an individual note to any outfit...we're thinking mid-length pleated skirts with these lovelies will suit us just fine!

Nature vs. Nurture...

We've been having a little less time than usual on the blog over the last couple of weeks, things have been pretty hectic juggling our full-time day jobs & the imminent launch of our on-line shop, but somehow we are still managing to function...just! Our to-do list may be growing, but our commitment to our likes & loves continues...

Now it may not be immediately apparent that we have showcased the next graduates work before, but when we met with Liva Cabule last week, it was obvious her talent doesn't fit under any one genre. We featured her fashion illustration back in July, & loved the darker side to her interpretations, but her other work has a much more considered approach using block colour & stylised graphics, it reminded us very much of the work of Saul Bass. (The 50's & 60's from furniture to print, being another love of ours!)

We are very excited & pleased to say that we will be featuring some of her work in the shop, from the one-off illustrated book you see above, to limited edition screen-prints, which will be revealed at our launch...

Past & Presence...

The lovely thing about meeting everyone & talking about their individual collections, also means we chat about their friends & peers too. So during our meeting with Charlotte Beer last week, she mentioned a fellow graduate that she has been working with & collaborating with too.

Caroline Trigg is a ceramic artist, from University of Creative Arts Maidstone, & she has produced these beautiful vessels combining traditional ceramic methods with unexpected items such as string, gravel & lace, as an experimentation to evoke the feeling of something lost, while leaving a visible mark. With reference to fragility, deterioration & absence, her work has it's own history, presence, & strength, just stunning...

Along the same lines...

As part of our up-coming on-line launch we have been having meetings with a few of the graduates we've featured...but don't worry if you haven't been contacted as yet, this is going to be a 'soft-launch' with the intention to fully launch with an even wider range of products in the new year, so extending to furniture & fine art too.

During these last few weeks, it has been such a pleasure to meet some truly talented designers, & have been tweeting about it, and re-introducing designers work from previous posts.

In addition to this, we have seen a few pieces that will be brand new additions, & today is the turn of textile designer Lizete Druku. We featured her work a couple of months ago in the post, Mathemagical, & after meeting with Lizete again last week, we have a few more of her pieces to showcase today, which you can expect to see on-line very very soon!

Similarly to the Mathemagical textile development, Lizete has taken this patternation to the next level & produced these beautiful scarves, which we saw last week. The designs are printed onto a gorgeous lightweight wool, and give a soft, tonal interpretation of her previous explorations. Expect to see five different designs available, we've never wanted Autumn to hurry up & arrive so much, so we can wear them too...oh hang on, I think it is here!

Salvaged Beauty...

Now you may remember we featured work by the collaborating graduates Nicola Reed & Sara Nevay back in June in It takes two... Well after sending out emails to graduates on creating collections for our soon to be launched on-line shop, Nicola got in touch to talk to us about her own pieces of jewellery.

We were of course more than happy to showcase some of the pieces she is looking at launching with us. Very excited, very flattered, & naturally we wanted you all to see for yourselves a small taster of what you can expect from Nicola Reed in the next couple of months.

These beautiful, beautiful pieces are from a collection entitled, Salvaged Bijous, & Nicola explained her inspiration came from broken & salvaged vintage jewellery. You can see she has a real sensibility when it comes to creating her pieces, & we simply cannot wait to showcase more in the coming months...

Anything but twee...

We posted a mini shout-out for our friends over at Rubyshoes a few weeks ago, and this is the result of an amazing day...

Sunday the 31st July saw the 1st annual 'GREAT BRITISH BUNT OFF' bunting competition, held at Look Mum No Hands! Cafe on Old Street, EC1. This brilliant event was created & hosted by RUBYSHOES ROCKS, an up-and-coming & distinctly unique purveyor of extremely fine BUNTING!

Yes, Rubyshoes is hell bent on changing our perception of bunting from something 'twee' into something quite literally 'totally cool'.....

"Bunting is the new rock 'n' roll" says Rubyshoes...."Move over you pastel gingham triangles!" (Rubyshoes'bunting is rectangular & straight edged, made from amazing fabrics with attitude instead of chintz). 

So the BUNT OFF demanded a bespoke 4m length of best-ever bunting from all who dared enter the competition, & from the photos you can see how wonderfully varied the submissions were! 

Aside from the good 'ol general public, there were submissions from the brilliant Urban Outfitters, also a mega-talented top designer at Whistles, & a fabulous team from French Connection. The public voted & chose the winners,...and there were great prizes..... but more importantly, the BUNT OFF is planning to go on tour!

Yes! The idea is, the BUNT (as it's now known) will tour different venues for the rest of the year: a pub, a summer fete & a wedding are already booked in, and will spread some pleasure throughout (afterall, Rubyshoes is on a mission to bunt the world into a better place!). 

Then Rubyshoes plans an auction to sell it off, with all proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust...Share the joy & check them out...RUBYSHOES ROCKS!

A Personal Journey...

Something sparkly makes our Friday top spot this week from graduate Roisin Connolly. Here is a quick snap-shot of pieces from her collection titled, 'Africa', where a visit to Kenya was the basis for her inspiration. We love a fresh & inventive approach to any craft, & these pieces make modern-day keepsakes, literally embossed with a hundred & one memories...