Part I: Journey of a vintage Kilt jacket

This post will try to chronicle the exciting journey of a vintage Kilt jacket from Scotland, it's origins, interim stops and ultimate destination (well, for the foreseeable future at least). The Kilt jacket and vest, along with epaulets, a dagger and sporran (purse) have been in our family for many decades - perhaps since the mid 1980s. Since my parents loved to collect antiques, especially English antiques, it had ventured to us via a friend who was based in Norwich, UK, and brought many unique items to our house in continental Europe. Amongst his treasures, was this Kilt with accessories. He had also brought a dress mannequin from the 1950s - a beaming, smiling man who was almost creepy - and for a long time he stood in one of our mansion's rooms, dressed like a Scotsman in the Kilt.

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Spotty dress trend (interview)

A few months ago, Abi Buller from the agency Canvas 8 asked for my expert opinion on a spotty trend: Yes, the Zara dress with the spots! It's a great example of how one stylist can change the way we feel about clothes and by making this one dress so popular, create an inclusive wardrobe …

Banksy Pop-Up Shop in London (Gross Domestic Product)

Dear readers, I have been a Banksy fan for many years, and still remember spotting his original spray paint art in East London when he started his work. I was really inspired by his graphics and used them in some experimental textile art, about 16 years ago to express my protest against mindless consumerism. You …

The London commute for (dis-)able bodied

Image source here. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear readers, It's been a while - I know - since I have last posted. My health has been a challenge which in turn has led me to experience the normal commute through London in a new way. I wanted to write this post and examine physical impairment as well as …

Can you wear what you eat? Yes, sustainable fish, mushrooms and pineapples…

  In June, I was very lucky to attend a course on Sustainable Fashion Textiles at London College of Fashion, run by Amanda Johnston from "The Sustainable Angle" and her associates. Our team of students was international and vibrant, with participants from the fashion and textile industries who were all keen to find out more …

This week, Vogue reminds us of Rana Plaza and offers small solutions

Rana Plaza is one incident which was reported on, published and shown to us (see my post here)but how many people suffer due to our fashion system on a daily basis? The numbers remain in the dark. 5 years ago, there was alot of activism, such as the Spanish trade union UGT, who felt for …

Lufthansa’s Rebranding to Premium Identity

This month Lufthansa did something it had not done in the last 30 years: It announced a complete corporate rebranding - represented by a visible change of colours, materials and the famous tailfin colours (First image above shows the new colours). The announcement coincides with the airline celebrating 100 years since the invention of it's …

Gucci’s new fake fur is all but sustainable

Gucci's fake fur is aggravating pollution and is all but sustainable Real fur or fake fur? Sustainable or unsustainable fashion? Real fur is very expensive but what is the true cost for our planet when we opt for fake fur? Gucci announced this October 2017 that it will cease to use real fur and switch …

WAFRICA – Africa meets Japanese Kimono

Dear Readers, I am reposting this great post on African-inspired Kimonos. As you know, I love love love Kimono and everything Japanese, so to see this project is just amazing. Enjoy!

Junko Watanabe’s interactive textile designs reaching disabled children

Today, I would like to repost this report which recently appeared on NHK World (Japan) about Junko Watanabe and her cloth books. Not to be confused with the famous fashion designer Junya Watanabe, Junka has been using textile design in a way which reaches the youngest members of our society. Children with disabilities or difficulties …