Focus Fashion Notes

After a winter of storms and grey sky days it was great to see that glimmer of light, however, bright sunshine is ok but not for the eyes so a decent bonafide pair of UV protection glasses are a must and what brand could be more synonymous with Summer and sunlight than a pair of iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses . The ones in the picture below were a treasured gift from a loved one over twenty years ago, a pair of 80s vintage Wayfarer (Bausch & Lomb) and Aviators (Luxottica).  The luxury brand was created in 1936 when the company was commissioned by the US Army to produce eyewear for pilots, check the link below to read the full history of this well established, ever-popular product and its makers. Due to marketing innovations they became even more popular around the 80s when featured in a host of movies and as seen on fashion & music icons.  Sales peaked when seen on superstar legend, Tom Cruise when he wore a pair of Wayfarers in the iconic dance scene in the movie 'Risky Bu...

There goes Springtime and the merry month of May, such a vibrant time when wild flowers bring a little sparkle to the coast and countryside.   Thrift Sea Pink and Scurvy Grass cling onto craggy rocks and Bluebells carpet the woods and waysides.  New leaves are bright and acid green, perfect, pristine, before rain and wind can spoil them.    White is the predominant colour at this time, the delicate May flowers of the Hawthorne herald the beginning of Summer, along with Wood Anemone, Cow Parsley, Greater Stitchwort, Wild Strawberry, Garlic Mustard and Ramsons, which fill the air with the pungent aroma of garlic. Time for  Spring cleaning and a wardrobe reshuffle too, we need a capsule wardrobe perfect for holidays, bank holiday breaks, festivals and those very special occasions.  Artisans and fashion designers traditionally take ins...

We are proud to announce that the internationally acclaimed Red Dress Project will be on display at the Stitching 4 All & Craft4Crafters Show, offering a rare and extraordinary opportunity to witness this breathtaking piece of art in person. A Global Collaboration Created by British artist Kirstie Macleod, the Red Dress is a powerful symbol of resilience, creativity, and unity. Over the course of 14 years (2009–2023), this award-winning collaborative embroidery project travelled the globe, giving a platform to 367 artists from 51 countries, many of whom were women living in vulnerable conditions. The dress itself is crafted from 87 pieces of burgundy silk dupion, intricately embroidered with stories that reflect the lives, struggles, and triumphs of its creators. Among the contributors are refugees, survivors of war, and individuals from diverse and marginalized communities, each adding their unique voice to this extraordinary garment. A Symbol of Unity and Art The ...

Covering all media and socials it seems to be all about denim at the moment, not sure 'double denim' will be back but jeans in all shapes and styles definately are. A recent Levi advert featured them all: Straight leg, Barrel leg, Wide leg, Slim leg, Skinny, Ankle Grazer and Flared. The original Boyfriend jeans were men's work jeans, Levi's 501 and on " May 20th, 1873, the world’s first blue jean received its official patent – a day Levi Strauss commemorate each year as “501 Day. ” In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe was one of the first women to wear the 501 jeans in the film, 'River of No Return' and also in her last film 'The Misfits'. Although a women's version of the jeans was introduced in the U.S. in the 1930s ideal for farm and ranch workers only the mens version were available in the UK and they were embraced by the 60s fashion savvy girls. To make the denim a little softer, get rid of excessive deep blue dye it was common to jump in a bath fu...

Mannish style or the boyfriend trend keeps going around and around. It began its journey in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s but really made its mark in the 1977 movie ‘Annie Hall’ starring Dianne Keaton who breathed fresh air into the menswear as womenswear mode. White Shirt, monochrome tie, black waistcoat and khaki baggy trousers was then and still is a hit with celebrities and fashionistas. Bowler hat and brogues completed the outfit. My sketches are inspired by the photos from the movie promotions. In another shot Annie is seen with a mix and match girly midi skirt, white shirt with collar up accessorised this time with a monochrome scarf and layered with a traditional oversized male tweed sports jacket. The outfit topped off with a complementary coloured Bowler with ankle boots completing the outfit. Apparently this was how the women in Manhattan, New York dressed in those days and the style is very much in vogue again today. This was a pivotal role for Diane Keaton, earning her an Acad...

Knit one pearl one - Get knitting. Looks like the good old days are coming back. Art, crafting and crafts, knitting and crochet are amongst the popular things to do these days. Craft Markets, Arts and Craft Fairs & Exhibitions show casing all manner of clever ideas and home-made designs have been drawing the crowds at local markets & events. We recently saw champion diver Tom Daley knitting for Great Britain at the Olympics. Tis now the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness" so maybe time to hunker down and learn a new hobby. I have spent many hours in the past just hanging around waiting so knitting was a favourite thing to pass away the time and create something special.  I watched my mother knitting for us when we were kids, we used to hold the skein of wool out on our hands which she then wound into a ball/ (traditionally t he yarn used to come off the loom in strands in days gone by) S he then got a knitting machine, not quite as relaxing as the thread always ...

Great to see the old crafts are returning and better still being used in designer and high street fashion. Ecru tops and skirts, shoulder bags and totes seem to be trending. Years ago I used to crochet too at home or while travelling. I think I initially took it up when I stopped smoking, many many years ago. My first attempt was a green crochet bikini, and yes I did wear it but it did droop a bit when wet. Back then I was also an avid knitter and got pretty good with the Arran intricate style, crocheting was more relaxing as you did'nt have to look down at what you were doing all the time once you were in the zone. Crochet is the French word for hook and all types and thickness of yarn can be used. I found the patterns below in my old sewing basket, the cot blanket I made in white for my baby son, the pillow cases are still going strong. I used basic natural string and no doubt the ecru colour would still look ok in a modern setting. I did'nt attempt the beautiful bed cover bu...