The Clothes Maiden: Edition 8

The Clothes Maiden A journal for the creative and fashionable minds

Edition 8.

Aug/Sep 2012

A journal for the fashionable and creative minds

www.delilahdust.com

The Clothes Maiden Contents

An interview with Denise Nestor

Jessica Tremp

Bless This Dress

Hello Strumpet

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Denise Nestor

Après Ski

Pretty Things We Like

Nixi Killick

Jessica Tremp

DIY by Jessica Kemp

Little Lucia

Glenda Lopez

Bless This Dress

Hello Strumpet

Sea of Bees

Mind The Mustard

Lucy Evans

Mixtape

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Editor: Stephanie Anderson Contributors: Kellie Griffiths Jenny Rodgers

Illustrators: Chantelle Bell Laura Macfarlane

An interview with Denise Nestor

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Tell us more about yourself, Denise I'm a graphic designer and illustrator living in Dublin, Ireland.

Any well-known illustrators or artists who inspire you?

There are lots! I love John Paul Thurlow’s work, Bree Dentice, Hannah Scott, Andrea Wan, just to name a few. Lots of different artists inspire me at different times. Jenny Morgan is a favourite at the moment, also Cornelia Parker and Grayson Perry, but there are so many more.

What is your style and how did it develop?

Other people have described my work as having a fashion style, but I wasn’t aware of that at first. I do think that some of my illustrations could be described that way, but it was never something I aimed for, it was something that developed naturally for me. I’ve always drawn people and gradually I started to work different ideas and methods into my drawings. I feel that every drawing I do is somehow a development from the one before, even just in a subtle way.

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Do you have a favourite subject that you like to illustrate?

My main focus in recent years has been portraits of people, but lately I’ve been moving in a different direction. My latest drawings have been more influenced by nature and animals. I’ll always be interested in drawing people, so its something I’ll always come back to and of course I’ve also combined these different themes in the same drawings, for example the people with animal ears etc. Animal symbolism in fairytales and mythology has been a big influence on my work too.

What drives you when you are working?

Can you describe the creative experience and how it makes you feel inside?

I think it’s the satisfaction of making a thought or an idea more tangible, making something you’ve imagined exist somehow. I don’t think I’ve ever been completely satisfied with anything I’ve done because I always see room for improvement whether it be with technique or maybe thinking that I could have realised the idea better. That is what keeps me going and keeps me trying to get it right the next time.

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Where do you see yourself moving in the future in terms of creative direction?

I’m currently working as a graphic designer and somehow manage to get my illustration work done in my free time. I’m hoping to one day work full time as an illustrator, that’s the dream! In terms of how my work will develop, I really have no idea. Even looking back at where I was last year with my work, I never expected to have done a series like the ‘Wreath’ drawings for example. You never really can predict these things, I like that, it keeps things interesting.

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Has there been any projects that you’ve been involved in that have been a real achievement for you?

I think one of my proudest moments was when I was first contacted by the New York Times to do some illustration work for them, that got me really excited. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to work with them in the future. I’ve also had my drawings used on book covers of authors I really admire such as Justin Taylor and Joan Fleming. There have been other things, but those really stand out for me.

Did your work evolve quite naturally or take many twists and turns?

I think that it evolved quite naturally for me. I grew up in the countryside, so my main love as a child was nature and animals and I think I saw drawing as a way of capturing it and preserving it somehow for myself. Both my parents were creative in different ways so I think I got the creative spark from them, they really encouraged me from a young age with my drawing. I ended up going to college to study graphic design rather than fine art or illustration, so I suppose that was a bit of a twist for me. I always kept drawing on the side and incorporated it into my design work when I could. I definitely want illustration to be my main focus in the future so that’s what I’m working towards.

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And finally, do you have any particular quotes or sayings that really define who you are and what you do?

I’ve always liked this quote by Paul Klee: “Art does not reproduce the visible; rather it makes visible”.

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Pretty Things We Like

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Mega Beast

£15

Make Megabeast your new best friend, think of all the compliments you will receive wearing this little guy. You can pin this quirky brooch on just about anything you like, including that shirt collar you have which needs brightening up. www.littlemoose.co.uk

Armour Knuckle RIng

£7

We’ve seen a few people knocking about wearing rings exactly like this. This affordable ring is from an online boutique bursting with other affordable delights that you must get your hands on! www.sweetaddictiononline.co.uk

Represent Beanie

£20

The weather has been up and down like a yoyo lately, who knows what the weather will be like in the morning? Better be safe to take a hat in your bag. This one is perfect. www.representclothing.bigcartel.com

Tribal Ring

£12

This Coral coloured tribal ring is just beautiful, it takes chunkiness to a whole new level and it’s perfectly affordable. www.fashion-noir.com 13

Yin & Yang necklace

£10

Remember the necklaces you would get in those 20p machines when you were little? Relive your childhood all over again, however this one will be much better quality. www.9crowstreet.com

Hype Flower

£13.99

This quirky label oozes fresh designs, that do not cost a bomb either. Their online store is the definition of coolness. www.justhype.co.uk

Cross Bracelet

£10

The grunge trend seems to be sticking around for a long time yet, this edgy bracelet says it all. www.babi-online.com

Unicorn Necklace

£12

We love anything to do with unicorns right now, this handmade necklace

by I Dream of Teapots ticks all our boxes. La La Land features some amazing labels, this is one of them. Have yourself a juicy gander, you will find yourself filling up your online basket within seconds. www.livinginlalaland.co.uk

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Flower Garland

£5

Have you any idea how much we love floral headpieces at the minute? Wear one of these any day of the week! This is such a sweet little bargain, don’t you think? www.lockieandlulu.co.uk

Double Triangle Ring

£14

A double triangle ring is much better than a single one! Izzy In The Sky is a lovingly handmade jewellery and accessories label created by Izzy Fellowes. We promise you will find something that will catch your eye. www.izzyinthesky.com

Fairytale Necklace

£7

This Fairytale scene is exactly what you want to have around your neck. The dainty and colourful charm necklace is cheery enough to brighten any dull day right up. www.moddolly.com

Dreamcatcher Bracelet

£5

If you’re in the mood to accessories like you’re off to a festival this year, Bits and Bows has an entire festival section for you to check out, from colourful bracelets to chic necklaces. www.bitsandbowsboutique.co.uk

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essica Tremp was born in 1981; she grew up in Switzerland before moving to sunny Melbourne, Australia at the age of 18. She brought with her a love for theatrics, romanticism and nature and has started combining these with her growing passion for the art of photography.

As a young child she was usually found hidden away in her bedroom discovering a way to express herself by scribbling on fresh notebooks and doodling on any piece of paper she could put her hands on. This budding photographer uses herself as a model in most of her images and prefers an organic, spontaneous and naturally lit approach to her work, aiming to create an emotional authenticity rather than a literal accuracy.

Her series ‘Firewood’ caught our attention, it’s innocence and simplicity of every image captured our heart. Past images have been featured in online and print magazines around the world, she is certainly someone to look out for in the future.

Tremp was one of the five finalists in the '2010 Projections' in the arts category for best emerging photographers in Australia and won Gold at the Paris 'Prix de la Photographie' in the portraiture/self portraiture section in 2011, this is hardly surprising as her work gains attention involuntarily. This was followed by her exciting first solo show in Sydney at Mick Gallery in November 2011.

Jessica draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of blues music, Italian food, midnight snacks eaten alone, hugs, fights, the animal kingdom, awkward social experiences and that deep covered up need to be cradled by a nature that seems to slip through our fingers.

She has also dabbled in singing, painting, writing, drawing, studied dancing, considered drama school and practiced the guitar, but photography just stuck with her, it linked arms with her one day and never seemed to let go. w w w . j e s s i c a t r e m p . c o m

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W

hen people own jewellery sometimes there is a story behind it. When you buy a piece of Little Lucia, there is a story behind every piece she creates.

Little Lucia’s accessories are designed for the woman wanting to impress and feel unique by wearing an accessory that breaks the ice. Lucia likes to reflect her own personality through her accessories: femininity, delicacy and sophistication.

Behind every piece in the collection there is a story, a symbol or a character that depicts childlike stories. Some examples include: a horse riding modern princess wearing a tiara on her head, 16 bunnies that will protect you all day long and twin horses that evoke power, strength and nobility.

Lucia studied design studies in Milan and then returned to her hometown in Bogota, Columbia. She was inspired by memories, traditions, colours and materials. In 2007 she founded Orto, her own design studio. Orto means orchard in Italian and is suitable because the studio is a place where ideas are cultivated so that they can grow and bloom into creative concepts. In 2009 Lucia founded Little Lucia.

For Lucia’s latest collection, she was inspired by power. The whole idea was born for a longing of Lucia giving her jewels more strength and character. Lucia worked with fringes and geometrical figures to create a contrast that translated exactly what she was trying to express: feminine stamina. Her favourite animal is the horse and she constantly tries to include them in her work. For her latest collection Lucia investigated the meaning of the horse and what it stands for.

The horses symbolises strength, freedom, liberty, nobility and grace.

For more information on Little Lucia a visit to her website is a must, to discover her latest collection.

By Jenny Rodgers

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s i h T s s e l B . . . s s e r D

Lily Evans

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he online vintage store Bless This Dress is lovingly nurtured by the one and only Lily Evans, who believes every item of clothing deserves its moment in the sun.

Each piece of clothing has an exclusive visual story behind it that aims to redefine the online shopping experience- it is certainly endearing. Lily manages this by collaborating with fashion photographers and their wonderful images help to further the visual experience.

Furthermore the clothes are an eclectic mix, whether it is luxury vintage or foreign flea market treasures so it is guaranteed that what ever you decide to buy is a one off piece and could create raging jealously with your friends.

When visiting the online store it is like stepping into a different scenario as you click on the titles for each clothing piece, A Day at the Zoo and Late Night at the Love Hotel are just two of the visual adventures on offer, it is much more pleasant than walking into a high street store- especially because these items could never be found there.

Lily Evans herself is originally from Hastings, England but has since moved to New York to fulfill her dreams. She has taken experience from working for Vogue and fashion PR companies in both London and New York and thrown all this knowledge into her successful vintage store.

The hopeless romantic side of Lily is reflected in the clothing that has made Bless This Dress a delightful store with charming characteristic. www.blessthisdress.net

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Sea Of Bees I

t’s not always easy to be at one with nature but with this jewellery label it’s quite easy.

Sea of Bees is a whimsical handmade jewellery brand that is based in Florida. The label specialises in handmade wearable art statement pieces that have been made with polymer resin mediums and metal materials. There is emphasis on being fashion forward, of high quality design, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Sea of Bees arose out of an itch to create pieces they had always longed to wear. Their vision was to deign a collection of jewellery that represented a reflection of rustic woodlands, nature, wild animals and whimsical fantasy with a vintage twist.

Sea of Bees is the creative genius of Stephanie, an artist based in Orlando, Florida. Before setting up Sea of Bees, Stephanie worked as a graphic designer at a fast paced visual design firm. She felt she was squandering her creative juices on projects with short turnarounds and limited imaginations. She used to be a clay sculpture artist and decided to incorporate small sculptures of birds and other woodland animals she could see in the woods into her designs. In 2009 Stephanie felt there was a lack of uniquely handmade pieces that were fashion forward. That is when Stephanie created Sea of Bees. The name originated after Stephanie noticed some of her first choices for names were already taken on a popular indie marketplace site. She was originally going to call the label Sea of Love Jewellery or Sea of Trees.

However, these were both taken and she settled on Sea of Bees.

Sea of Bees has two core collections that are clearly inspired by two completely different subjects. The Woodland Fantasy Collection features vintage inspired, woodland jewellery. The Lux Frontier Collection features metal patchwork/tapestry, intricate, edgy, modern and geometric statement pieces. Sea of Bees jewellery is available from their website.

By Jenny Rodgers

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An interview with Lucy Evans

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What inspired you to become an illustrator?

I've always loved drawing, ever since I can remember, so it was a very natural journey for me to become an illustrator. Other areas of the arts appealed to me such as performance arts, photography and film. I think a lot of the time they merge into each other anyway. I take a lot of my own reference material through photography and end up posing and getting friends to pose and act for pictures.

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What illustrations are you most proud of?

A lot of time and concentration went into my Florence (and the machine) series, her music really got through to me. I find it fascinating and dramatic, which stirred up lots of ethereal imagery.

What do you most prefer to draw? What are your strengths in illustration?

As you can probably tell, I love to draw ethereal, floaty girls. Woman are beautiful, their curvaceous and feminine body shapes show off the flowing lines of my drawing. Which is probably why I’m a big fan of fashion illustration as well. I guess my strengths in illustration are in the detail - I have a lot of patience when drawing in accurate and small areas of images that people seem to be impressed by. I have it easy really because people always like a good drawing but its the ideas part which is normally more difficult.

Looking through your illustrations and projects, we can see that your work is very versatile, are your illustrations based on something that inspires you at that moment in time?

Normally yes, something will pop into my head and I won’t be satisfied until it’s down on paper! Unless the brief is telling me something very different, in which case I’ll hunt around for inspiration in that specific subject until something visually interesting comes into my head.

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How do you market and promote your work?

So far, most of my marketing and promoting has been online - the internet is such a powerful tool and twitter, online portfolios and blogs can get your work seen all over the planet. I’m also about to put on our third exhibition this year in London along with my illustration collective ‘Paper Jukebox’. Exhibiting is a lot of fun (and even more work), and is a great chance to meet like-minded people and useful contacts.

If you ever have creative blocks how do you snap out of them?

What do you enjoy the most about your work?

I most enjoy getting lost in my own little world of whimsical drawings whilst listening to my favourite tunes. Also, seeing people’s reactions when they first see a new piece.

I walk my dog in the countryside to clear my head. Or watch a film I haven’t seen before to subconsciously be inspired - and try not to over-think a task because that is when it becomes very overwhelming and less enjoyable.

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Where would you most like to see yourself in the future?

What do you do in your spare time?

I go to the cinema, theatre and gigs as much as I can. I love dancing with friends and picnicking in the countryside or a London park! I’m a massive fan of eating - so any kind of eating activity I’m good to go! The beach is my favourite place to be and somewhere to relax and collect my thoughts, which isn’t very convenient when living in London!

I would love to be working in a buzzing creative studio alongside my fellow Paper Jukebox members, and meeting and working with lots of creative and diverse people. Film has always been of huge interest to me, so working within that industry sometime in the future would be amazing.

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Do you have any advice for somebody who wants to pursue a career in illustration?

If you love it enough and have a strong enough passion, you’ll get there.

It may take a while, but you’ll learn a lot on the way and meet many interesting people. This is what I believe and hope will happen! Take inspiration from everything you do and everyone you meet. Constantly look around and make sure you ‘see’.

Après Ski is a jewellery label created by designer Lucia Vergara based in Spain, Barcelona.

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The exciting 2012 collection entails pastel candy colours with a feminine tweak that match perfectly to any outfit whether casual or smart.

Vergara is inspired by retro and vintage and this latest collection has a mixture of materials from the 40s right through to the 80s era, the aesthetics are vintage and an array of old and new.

Each piece looks so delicate which reflects on love and care embedded into the designs. Materials of golden brass to resin pieces and beads or antique fabrics make up each piece of jewellery. The contrast of the materials create a sense of romanticism to casual and modern.

The focus for the 2012 collection is nature, and the popular Geometric designs that can be found on the necklaces, scarves, purses and bracelets. What’s more is that as the pieces are so delicate they are packaged with extra care and love, delivered in cute little envelopes.

It’s hard to resist not to buy a piece of jewellery from the current collection, be kind and treat yourself.

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reative born Nixi Killick is an artist currently living and working in Melbourne, Australia. Currently in her fourth year at RMIT University studying Fashion and working as a stylist, Nixi avoids boundaries by seeking to negotiate a contemporary platform. She aims to find expression and interface within the critical discourses of visual culture.

Through both creative escapism and indulging in the complete bizarre, Nixi has integrated circus costume, performance and the arts into her work. In doing so, she has managed to create a world outside of normal reality. Using imagination to display culture in a whole new light, a combination of art and lifestyle has led her work into a new direction. She has moved towards looking at significance within methodologies by adding her own creative twist to it.

The overall objective of her work is to remove any precluding thoughts towards fashion and art and replace them with ones that demonstrate them as a perfect combination.

Expect everything but the norm in Nixi’s work. A mixture of wild things and skeletal weights makes up ‘Thunderbones’, the newest collection from this fantastic designer. Using ideas based around the body, considering proportion and gravity, Nixi has featured exaggerated forms, as well as intersections of the anatomy. Bright colours and 3D shapes all give the sense of inhuman qualities but all in a way that makes you love every idea Nixi has come up with.

By Kellie Griffiths

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Make it yourself!

By Jessica Kemp This tutorial is very simple all you need is: An old shirt A few studs Scissors Pen

Blog: www.velvet-daisy.com 66

Lay the shirt flat on the ground and lift the collar up. Cut across the seam as shown in the photo all the way around until it’s completely unattached from the shirt.

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Button the collar up so it’s easier to customise.

Get some studs (can purchase 200 on eBay for ÂŁ2). You will only need around 12!

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Pierce the denim with the stud carefully and press down the back of the stud with a pen securing it.

It's super easy and a great new way to upcycle an old shirt!

Stud the rest of the collar where desired, and you’ve got a brand new collar detail to put under any sweater, dress or top!

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Glenda Lopez G

lenda Lopez is a young and extremely talented jewellery designer from Spain. Starting out in 2002, Glenda designed and sold her pieces to shops and boutiques as well as making special requests for friends and family. As a result of this, 2005 allowed Glenda to begin studying Design and Product Development of jewellery. This ultimately allowed her to acquire a new style to her design. In addition to studying, Glenda was able to work alongside Angradema Lopez allowing her to contribute to international fashion shows.

Further taking to study at the School of Art and Design in Valencia, Glenda developed herself further by learning about Artistic Jewellery. Taking on board new concepts, artistic language and contemporary vision, she was able to have a period of personal and professional change.

However, leaving these studies in order to undertake a professional project meant Glenda had taken another step in a different, yet successful direction. She created a studio workshop and here, she worked alongside designers to make jewellery that had sarcasm and humour about them.

What makes Glenda’s work so unique is her attention to detail. She works with the most visual elements possible, from a delicate flower to the coldness of mechanical objects in order to create reinvented pieces of geometric and cubic shape. She somehow manages all of this and still keeps that authentic handmade feel to her jewellery as well as a completely accessible price tag.

The inspiration behind Glenda’s next collection comes from jewels and magic. Taking ideas from olden day tradition, designs have come from unknown objects or theories such as symbolism, esotericism and significance in numbers. Glenda has put her own spin on such ideas by creating her own symbols in order to give an added touch of mystery.

By Kellie Griffiths

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Hello Strumpet 78

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o its not what you think it is- get rid of the trashiness and add some class with a bit of lace, frills and even tweed then you're a bit closer to what is behind Hello Strumpet- a talented collaboration of two friends, Wanda and Kitty.

This glamorous accessories collection is made in Scotland and aims to bring back the days when 'hat wearing was de riguer and ladies made a real commitment to glamour on a daily basis' we think Hello Strumpet has pulled if off.

Unsurprisingly, the label did start off as a bespoke service that focused on designing cocktail hats and headpieces for all occasions so it is safe to say there is an eclectic mix of talent coming from Wanda and Kitty.

Each design is sourced with love from vintage fabric and trimmings and it was autumn 2010 when the first ready to wear collection was launched - successfully.

This is a distinctive collection inspired by travel in the 1930's to 50's cheesecake. Plus a bit of inspiration from magic, the circus and even Dusty Springfield, there is something for every girl out there. Or lady should we say.

We simply cannot wait for the Autumn/Winter collection which Wanda and Kitty will take inspiration from picnics in the Highlands, sounds fabulous doesn't it? In this one keep your eyes peeled for mohairs, tweed and vinyl coated fabrics.

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Mind The Mustard...

Mind the Mustard is one of those rare labels that come with a side order of re-

lief because finally you have found something worth showing your friends that is beyond affordable. The name is intriguing in itself, we still have no idea why the label is called that; but its quirky and that's what we like.

The 'Mustard family' as they refer to themselves are all vegans so you can be assured that none of their items have fur, leather, silk or wool - this must be a breath of fresh air for a lot of people who struggle to find that perfect thing to wear- or may find it but its made of the material you just cannot go against your rights for.

The website was only launched last September but browsing through it you are under the instant impression that is has been around for years as their clothes are perfection and if you're not quick- nearly everything will be sold out. Popular is an understatement. Mind the Mustard inform us that their idea was to 'sell affordable clothes, vintage and new items mixed' and they certainly have done so to create an eclectic array of items to bicker over with your friends (or yourself whilst holding your bank card with the minus-)

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The mixtape we made Beth Rowley: Sweet Hours Dark Dark Horse: Ethics Bastille: Flaws Rachel Sermanni: The Fog Bowerbirds: Northern Lights

Elizabeth Cornish: Harder Lucy Rose: Middle Of The Bed My Bloody Valentine: When You Sleep Her Name is Calla: Thief Lykke Li: Silver Springs

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