Saturday 31 January 2009

Donna Wilson

Recently I came across British textile designer Donna Wilson's knitted lambswool cushions, tea pot cozies and creatures whilst hunting down quirky objects to decorate my new apartment.

Donna Wilson’s work can be characterized by its playful nature, tactile aesthetic and multicoloured palette. It's the everyday oddities and deformities of life that fuel the creative flair that's injected into each piece.

I was absolutely smitten with these cuddly and charming pieces so much so I purchased the red owl cushion featured below.







Company of Strangers

I caught up with the talented and lovely Sara Aspinall to discuss her debut collection of reworked leather goods and recast hardware accessories.



1. Describe yourself in a sentence.

A fiercely independent and determined creature, full of bubbles but heavily sarcastic!

2. What is the first thing you ever designed?

A chartreuse bustier made from an old t-shirt before I even had breasts to fill it out! (I was obsessed with Madonna, kinda still am, my daughters middle name is Madonna- she’s going to hate me…)

3. How was your label conceived?

I spent 6 years working for Nom*D, which was the best fashion education in the world, I learned so much from Margi, she’s an amazingly talented designer however I had a need for a change so I left to go to art school. My friend suggested I make some jewellery to make some extra cash. I had so much fun, I dropped out of art school to do it full time. It developed into making bags and clothing out of vintage leather jackets…..the uglier jackets the better the outcome too!

4. Describe your labels aesthetic.

Ironic. Functional. Innovative- without being cliché.

5. Tell us about your current collection.

Other peoples junk- is my first solo leather and metal collection. Oversize totes and satchels are reworked from the ugliest of vintage leather jackets. Sleeves are made into purse bags, leathers are distressed, textured, worn in… they already have their own history which is then inherited by the new owner.

Jewellery is solid sterling silver and rose gold, recast from ‘found’ objects, double strung on mixed weights sterling chain, military style hand stamped dog tags add a naive hand made touch to the necklaces. Sterling silver is tarnished for a found treasure feeling.

6. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Finding potential in the cast off, other people’s junk. Everything can be re-created into an alternate function and can be re-born as something new.

Thinking about how many ways you can wear something always leads to other ideas for me. The people I surround myself with constantly inspire me, being able to bounce ideas around and collaborate with others is continually refreshing.

7. What is the best thing about what you do?

Having people actually like what I’m making! Working my own hours and having the time to develop my own ideas and letting them flow freely without being directed.

8. What are you working on right now?

Getting orders out the door! Finding a bigger studio to work in and talking about the next collections with some talented friends. Company of Strangers aims to involve other creatives in the design process, up coming are collaborations with Anne Mieke Ystma an artist who I’m working with to create the next Company of Strangers jewellery collection. Also there’s the possibility of a limited release leather collection with an old friend. I’ve got so many ideas bubbling away but there aren’t enough hours in the day to follow them all through!!







Style Inspiration - Neo 70's

Reinterpret the 1970's with a modern slant mixing geeky frames, casual suit tailoring, platform heels and ultra feminine details in contrasting fabrics and textures.

The result = Jerry Hall mixed with a dash of Annie Hall.


Chloe

Charles Anastase

Karen Walker

Proenza Schouler

Chloe

Charles Anastase

Wednesday 14 January 2009

Tag, I'm It!

I couldn't resist sneaking this one post in before A New Muse is officially back in February, since the lovely Kat of Style Lines tagged me to complete the task below.
  • Go to the 4th folder in your computer where you store your pictures.
  • Pick the 4th picture in that folder.
  • Explain the picture.
  • Tag 4 people to do the same.
Image number four from folder number four happens to be my favorite shot from the very first photoshoot that I styled for A New Muse.

This was shot around twelve months ago in my previous retro apartment. It was such a cool backdrop. I love this particular outfit because of its feminine 1970's/80's eccentric mismatched charm. So sassy.

The sentimental value of this photo comes from the hot pink woollen beret that belonged to my mother in the 80's. Classic!



The second thing I have to do is list my 5 addictions.


1. I am a weird cat lady! I collect cat salt and pepper shakers from the 1960's/70s as well as cat ornaments of the same aesthetic.

2. Chocolate. I have to have it everyday.

3. Anything Scandinavian. Such great design comes from that corner of the world not to mention food, scenery and architecture. Maybe I should move there!

4. The colour orange. It makes me feel good.

5. The 1970's. The fashion and the music, I wish I could have experienced it all.

Tag, you're it!.... My Beau Monde, Toronto Textstyles, Brunch After Breakfast and Childhood Flames. Feel free to do one of the above or both or neither!