One of hundreds of little curiosities at my dads house......

More Kimono yumminess

Its becoming a bit of a trend for British designers to be using kimono fabric, so it pains me to admit that I'm getting more and more into the stuff. No designer wants to admit to following a trend, we all want to be the origin of such things, but I have to say my interest has developed purely by chance. Its not about it being Japanese, or that the idea sounds more exotic, as opposed to say, just using British vintage fabric. The Kimono fabric designs I choose, are often quite subtle generic prints, and don't necessarily feel Japanese. In fact, I don't want the fabric to feel Japanese, I like the idea that it could come from anywhere.  I love that these beautiful fabrics can be bought relatively cheaply and yet still have so much history and amazing handmade detail. These fabrics were once kimonos, but have been unpicked, carefully pressed and then rolled up to be sold on again. The fact that the fabric has such history, but is still completely intact and uncut is just so perfect. As long as the print/weave works for me, I don't actually care where the fabric originates, its design and history are what interests me, plus the fact that the fabric comes in 10m+ roles so is plenty to work with.

Luton

As well as loving vintage ephemera, I'm also from Luton originally, so there lies the connection with the seemingly random town. I'm loving this little leaflet, its a beauty. 

Music Video Costumes for 'Our Broken Garden'

When Your Blackening Shows from philm on Vimeo.


Had a little bit of input for this music video by designing the costume. My good friend Phil Molloy directed it, and so asked if I could help out in that department. The video is very cool, as are the band and their music. Enjoy!

A collage by Picasso

More burlesque....

Playing cards

Bought these Victorian playing cards on ebay,
they're so lovely. I don't think I'll ever play with them, I just like to have them.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo is one of my all time heros, she's so cool. Even with a bit of a mono-brow and a mustache (which she was sure to include in her self-portraits) shes still a fox. She wasn't afraid to express herself, from her political views to her sexuality, and through to the pain and suffering she endured through illness and reconstructive surgery after that horrible tram accident. She channeled all of this pain into her painting, though I have to say I'm not so fussed about her work, I like it, but she's way more interesting.