Prize-winning weave in aid of a good destination

It was great to take part in the Edinburgh Fringe Fashion Show in August, especially as it was for such a good cause. Weaving Destination is an ethical fabric-making social enterprise that employs women in India who have been the victims of human trafficking, HIV/Aids and poverty.

Here's me modelling the outfit in the photoshoot we had in the grounds of the House For An Art Lover before sending it to the organisers, who ran a competition for designers that were asked to submit new garments using Weaving Destination fabrics and which attracted entries from around the UK and India.

I entered a two-piece outfit - a crop-top and panelled skirt with chunky zips on the back and called Verda Mandarino (Esperanto for Green Mandarin) - with a matching clasp-frame bag using the same materials.

My inspiration for the two-piece outfit came from the Clyde Auditorium, which is reflected in the raglan sleeves and skirt panels shape.

However, whereas the Armadillo is sleek and industrial, I chose matching cotton fabrics - yellow striped and green - to give it a more feminine feel. 

The lime green and yellow striped fabric matched together created a very summery, fresh and almost ‘fruity’ look. I like using different techniques and decided to decorate each panel of the dress with a line of glass Czech beads that resemble summer berries growing out of the fabric.

The fusion of a quite futuristic and modern-looking shape, traditional, folk-style cotton fabric and bead embroidery created an effect of a modern forest faerie or nymph.  

How lucky I was that I was able to find two giant flowers to pick from the gardens at the House For An Art Lover. They were obviously a result of the wonderful Scottish summer we had!

Only joking. Both about the giant flowers, which are fake and came from a local shop and the Scottish summer, which was awful until the sun finally make an appearance in late September/start of October of all times!

Not only was the fashion show/competition a great cause but I won the vote for the best garment design using their fabric! We now have a fantastic picture hand painted by the show’s own art director, Nauman Qureschi, which was the first prize. 

All garments and accessories from the fashion show were also for sale. For details, contact Weaving Destination.

On my Facebook page <click> you can find more photos of the beautiful model presenting my design during the fashion show. For more photos and information visit also Weaving Destination page <click>.