I chanced upon Elena Kalis' photography today. I have always been inspired by underwater photography. The way the hair and fabric sways in surreal slow motion gives this type of art a beautiful flow and a special spontaneity. I love these pictures in particular, the muted tones and the haunting, dreamy quality of an underwater world captures my imagination and make me want to pick up my paintbrush and paint. Visit her site here to see more.

Gibbous has taken recycling to a whole new level of artform. From their trunk of stained silks, lace and lost trinkets they create tattered, one of a kind pieces reminisient of something right out of a Victorian novel or fairytale. They make their designs without the use of patterns and have described it as a process likened to putting a puzzle together ~ 'a myraid of different matierals histories forged together in a sea of stitches'. Each garment is sculpted to the body and adorned with flowers, buttons or other treasured finds. For more information on where to find Gibbous garments please visit their site here.

My sister has been dancing flamenco since she was 12 years old. She has performed in over a 100 shows in Canada, Spain and Portugal. I have always loved the beautiful dresses that would be worn on stage, the colours, the flowing fabrics and designs. I had the opportunity to design a bata de cola dress for her that was displayed during my graduation fashion show and more recently I designed this flamenco dress for one of her shows. The dress is made from black lace, satin and pale silver beige under dress.  The pictures were taken by my mom Maria Lawrence and are copyright to her.  

This is Winter in my series of season girls.

Pencil Sketch.

Final Digital image

Hey everyone! I apologise it's been a long time since I last made a post. Between school, various art projects, out of town guests and a trip to Denmark the blog has taken a sad back seat to my other work.  To get back in swing of posting more regularily I will start by sharing a new project.  This will be a collection of 4 girls one for every season Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.  This is Spring and may be produced into a line of jewelry as well as tshirts and art prints. More details will be posted soon.

Pencil Sketch

Final Image

Lately I have been tied up researching textiles, completing various self-projects and muddling about with my fashion homework from Central St. Martins. My brain is spinning at the moment so I decided to take a breather and make a post. Even though it feels like only a few weeks ago Spring was parading down the catwalk, the newest fashion season is already upon us. I am eagerly awaiting several collections but it was one collection that caught my eye today. With the lovely backdrop of Spencer House and the ostentatious eighteenth-century decor, Graeme Black presented a glamourous ensemble. Graeme says he was inspired by the Natural History museum, marbled prints and crystaline textures. I definately see 1940s and a hint of Blade Runner thrown in with the styling but whatever the case he shows unique well tailored pieces for those wanting to make an entrance.  See full collection here. 

I saw this picture in a magazine awhile ago which showed a beautiful model in a spanish inspired outfit. Sadly, I don't have the magazine anymore and was unable to find the original picture again. Being very inspired at the time though i painted it in acrylic for my art class at fashion school.  It was one of my first completed acrylics so I am still pretty proud of it.

This was a present for my mom.  Made from a vintage indian brocade in a brilliant, bronzed ochre. the flowers and peacock were of my own design which I embroidered and detailed with beads.  The back is a applique patchwork of stenciled peacock feathers in gold fabric paint. I created a padded lining which I made from zig zagging a quiting stitch over a cotton padding sandwiched between a lovely green brocade. More detailed shots coming soon.

Front

Back

I have been working steadily on several different projects lately and haven't had much time for my blog.  I wanted to share a little bit of yumminess though with some pictures of Matcha Cupcakes I made this Christmas.  Made by adding matcha powder to  vanilla cupcake recipe.  The topping is a no fat, vanilla matcha marshmallow topping you make by adding hot melted icing sugar into beaten egg whites, vanilla extract and more matcha powder . It's actually quite delicious.  The cupcakes were put into fancy asian tea cups and sprinkled with chocolate.. mmm.. cupcakes *drool*

For Christmas this year I decided to make some special gifts for my family. For my sister I designed and constructed this apron for a fancy tea party. Included in the gift were a collection of teas, a cupcake recipe book, the cutest marshmallow strawberries from Harrods and a single serving tea strainer shaped like a teapot.  The apron itself was inspired by the packaging of the cupcake book. I just loved the pink stripes with contrasting turquoise ribbon. I put a lot of effort into the detailing with hand sewn and cut scalloped edging, decorative stiches on the pink and turquoise ribbon and a miniature embroidered cupcake with bead sprinkles on the pocket.  Here are the pictures as modeled on a very sad and wonky dress form.