Evolutionary Endeavours...

Every so often, we stubble across a new designer that gets us very excited, and we want to work with them immediately! So today's graduate showcase is of Duncan of Jordanstone Textile graduate 

Claire Corstorphine.

Claire specialises in digitally printed textiles, which enables her to manipulate her photographs, and vintage finds to create an explosion of colour, and quirky imagery in her range of silk scarves.

For her graduate collection entitled 'Molluscs, Microbes and Mutants', she took inspiration from Darwin symbolism to create her own hybrid of the natural world. 

Although she presents a palette of bright zingy colours, on peeling back the layers of silk, a darker undertone of progressive natural selection is revealed, and her patterns show an abstraction of the core of life itself, fragility and strength seem then, to work in harmony...

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

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...

There's no place like home...

We're excited to share the news that one of our designers Jo Ash, founder of Rubyshoes Rocks has now set-up her own on-line shop!

We have had a few pieces from her incredibly popular bunting collections at Look Like Love for a few months now, and with the hopefully imminent arrival of Summer, barbecues in the garden, and festival season on the horizon, Jo has timed it just right to launch her own on-line shop.

All made by hand, and with a unique twist to each design, there is no room here for twee that's for sure, as Jo is single-handedly on a mission to change the perception of bunting for the better. Long gone are the traditional triangular varieties, and with frills banned, Rubyshoes Rocks!

Check out her new 2012 collection on-line now, with a patriotic edge for all your Jubilee and Olympic celebrations, you'll be all set...

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 ...

Reading between the lines...

When it comes to maths, we're not the best, (well, me as the designer half of the duo anyway!) But in a genius cross-over from maths to design, today's featured designer has managed it.

Lizete Druku has recently graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Textiles, and has taken the structural qualities that exist in mathematics to create her own collection of textiles, as well as collaborating with jewellery designer Sarah Cunningham using polyhedra as a starting point.

"This project aims to resurrect the relationship between mathematics and pattern through aesthetic experience and to highlight the ethereal qualities of mathematic principles. By using the imagery from some of the seventy-five uniform polyhedra, forms from numbers and grid structures, the visual narrative creates a metaphor for the changing relationship between fashion and mathematics..." says Lizete about her inspiration.

In truth, the possibilities seem to be endless, and we are lucky enough to have a small collection of limited edition fine wool scarves, and etched jewellery pieces on offer in our shop. These are truly beautiful pieces, and it's proving to be very difficult not to buy them all for ourselves...check them out here before we do!!

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...

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!

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!

Colour block...

In our final round-up of New Designers Part One we're featuring two of our top picks...First up is designer Tim Rawlinson from Bucks New University, who has produced these beautiful glass pieces. We have a bit of a weakness for a good colour combination, and these definitely tick that box....

Next up is textile design graduate Sandy Powell from London Met University, and along a similar vein, her use of colour and texture caught our attention. These fun felt creations would look great in a minimal white loft apartment for sophistication with a twist...so just need the loft then!

                                        

You're crafty...right?

A short pause in proceedings to introduce the Great British Bunt Off! The lovely people of Ruby Shoes Rocks are looking for entries and helpers for the event taking place at Look Mum No Hands on the 31st July...check out the link for more details, get bunting and share the joy!!

On the Surface...

As seen at New Designers last week, these pieces by graduate designer & illustrator Emily Zeta are absolutely adorable...we love the fact she has taken her illustrative style and applied it to homeware, and grown-up toys, as well as the traditional framed pieces you would expect. Her use of colour also works for us, with the muted tones adding a sophisticated finish to the collection... 

Home Sweet Home...

Next up from our round-up of best bits from New Designers is Surface Designer Rachel Powell. Her stand, under the name of 'House of Hermit' featured her own wallpaper clad house, upholstered chair in her own fabric, as well as light shades & cushions to boot. It's clear she draws on inspiration from mid-century design, which we love, mixed with motifs derived from nature, from living on a farm...she certainly ticks all the boxes for domestic bliss...

Mathemagical...

The title is the name of graduate Lizete Druku's latest collection, where she has explored the manipulation of pattern on a three-dimensional form, and the link between pattern and mathematical understanding. We were drawn to her use of line, and the fluidity that she has managed to create from a very structured and hard-edged starting point. It's an interesting mix of academic & creative, and the obvious precision required to create a garment in the first place, makes this an intriguing first look at a thought provoking designer...

Best foot forward...

Further to our round-up of last week's Free Range best bits, we were invited to South Essex College for the graduate fashion show by Holly Mansell, who we featured last week in 'Vintage finds...'

Having battled our way through what could have been mistaken for a bleak mid-Winter evening, we saw some wonderfully creative work from some potential design talent of the future...

A few stand-out pieces came from of course Holly, who originally caught our eye, and also work from Chloe Mitchell, Kemi Fayefunmi and Cassandra Kelly...enjoy...

Summer has arrived...at last...

Love the use of colour & texture...

I want this dress...!

And finally, Holly Mansell's full collection, and all it's vintage loveliness...