Focus Fashion Notes

T here goes Summer, not just any Summer but one of the hottest on record. Time, belligerently I might say, to bring out the heavyweights or lightweights depending on the temperature. As I write it's blowing a hooley outside, first of the storms to hit the UK. It's lashing rain and Yellow Weather Warnings in place for two days here in the South West , time to bring out the waterproofs and for me yellow is the colour to bring a ray of light on a dreary day. I have three (is that too much?) My go-to is an oh so comfortable hooded shower-proof mac purchased a few years ago online brand Tu Clothing quite a trend setter with navy and white striped lining in the hood. The next is a sleek hooded raincoat excellent quality with statement button fastenings and trims from Roman , smart for town and city wear perfect for not so cold Autumn days. Lastly a warm, ultra cosy padded rain-proof parka from Regatta perfect for hiking on the moors or walks on a windy beach in rain and snow. There...

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...