My Story
Inspiration can blossom from interactions with art, architecture, textiles even a blue ribbon. For me, my grandparents played a major role in shaping my values; I learned to sew, observed animal husbandry on a dairy farm, helped on the vegetable plot and by walking with them became dazzled by the magic of the hedgerows. An innocent and enjoyable lesson on how delicate the balance is between humans and nature.
Later in my career I had various roles working on projects with sustainability as a focus. Then an opportunity arose to take time out and become the oldest fashion student in town!
At Uni I volunteered on the ‘Exbury Egg’ project (as seen on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces) and in the wake of the Rana Plaza factory collapse decided to merge my passion for fashion with an ethical and sustainable business model. I became very aware of how the choices consumers make impacts on people and planet.
In my final year, I began to dabble in the potential of print. Using a cross-section of Marram grass at a cellular level I created a ‘lace’ effect as seen here, digitally printed on bamboo silk.
Sourcing fabrics and trims from suppliers that have the same ethos is incredibly complex and time consuming when measuring against the criteria for sustainability. This is ongoing as I now move to making an online sleepwear collection for a target audience who are underserved by the fashion industry. The over 40’s with curves, some of whom experience disability and chronic health problems, my story is yours. I design with you in mind.
The circular skirt with ombre print through to the lacy border that is the Marram grass being worn by the gorgeously curvy Bryony. The skirt is teamed with an upcycled leather corset (previous life: pair of boots) and bamboo silk print bra.
As I began to work from home one of my first lovely clients, Rita came back to me after several alterations and introduced me to her beautiful daughter. Remember the blue ribbon? This is often how a commission begins. A bride has the colour and a design in mind. Fabric is chosen and illustrations are prepared.
A happy bride with her bridesmaids in the gorgeous blue crinkle silk. Job done.
“The bridesmaids dresses made for my daughter’s wedding and the alterations to her wedding dress were perfect. I would definitely recommend Suzie and continue to use her!”
