‘Tout emmitouflé’ (Warm and Wrapped up)

Responding to an island heritage that often favours practicality over style, i wanted to create a collection where warmth and elegance take on equal importance. Inspired by renowned, traditional Guernsey jumpers, wool has been used in homage to this iconic and enduring craft. Taking subtle references from traditional weaving practices of crab pots and baskets in the form of wrapping and twisting, i used these features in the form of both seam lines and more functional aspects; nothing too literal. I wanted this collection to feel grounded both in place and practicality.

The natural beauty of Guernsey’s landscape and Renoir’s paintings of the South coast of the island inspired the soft colour palette with shades of blue, pink and maroon. I worked predominantly on the stand to begin and then began creating patterns through my drapes to make sure the pieces felt fluid and sculpted. I chose to work with Wool as it lends itself both for structure and softer draped silhouettes. Focusing on the fit and form of the pieces was integral and thinking about how the wearer would feel in the pieces in terms of warmth and comfort.