This week I’ve mostly been thinking about forests, painting my walls grey, something interesting to do with the large but disused fireplace space and interesting ways to display my products in the show room.
I’m also trying to decide what to do with my hair for NYE tomorrow night and if I should keep “Current Obsessions” on a feature next year or replace it with something else. Please let me know if you have any suggestions!
This has been a year of big changes for me and though it has been tough at times, I’ve realised that I am moving forward with my life and ambitions.
I have heard a lot of people talking about how terrible their year has been and it’s easy to get stuck in a downward spiral if you just think of the negative. I prefer to start the year with a air of optimism wherever possible so I have written a list of my favourite positive points of 2013 and would urge you to do the same, it might make you feel a lot better.
1. I stopped working from a small desk in my bedroom and got my first solo studio for Eustratia.
2. I suspended my bed from trees for a photoshoot!
3. I was involved in quite a few fun and amazing fashion shows.
4. Eustratia became the main brand sold in a small boutique.
5. I went on holiday to Greece with my best friends.
6. I went to LFW with some amazing people.
7. Had my work published in my favourite magazine, Dark beauty.
8. Bought a house!
9. I set up a showroom and look forward to inviting people to my open-house events to view my items in person. The first one will hopefully be scheduled for the beginning of February!
10. Pretty much learned to drive and will hopefully be passing my test in the near future.
My positive list definitely made me feel better about this year and I hope yours does too.
A few weeks ago I worked on a shoot with Andrew Farrington and a great team. We shot in an ornately decorated room of a quirky museum and next to taxidermy and suits of armour.
Andrew was interviewed for practical photography magazine and part of the shoot was featured alongside his interview on the “learn photography now” disc that accompanies the magazine.
And here are the official images released from the shoot:
Photography by Andrew Farrington
Models: Jess Wilcock and Biomechanina
MUA: Gemma Hollowell
Wardrobe: Eustratia
Accessories: Richard Ayres
This week I’ve had some free time to bake so I’m getting some gingerbread and traditional Greek sweets ready for Christmas, I’ve also been trying to decide on art for my walls and looking into adding some more embellished pieces to my portfolio next year.
Yesterday I set up the showroom in my new house for the first time. I haven’t had the time or money to get everything I need need yet so I was expecting it to look very incomplete but was pleasantly surprised and can already see it’s potential.
I have been toying with the idea of holding an open house event in February for the Eustratia third birthday and seeing the garments laid out has definitely made me feel more confident about the idea. I think the room lends it’s self well to this sort of roll.
Of course it is close to Christmas and I do have the tree up, which won’t be a permanent fixture but I have thought of something equally as lovely to replace it when the time comes.
Some of the drama in the room is definitely due to my new acquisition, this ornate armchair. I have dreamed of having a chair like this for years and was planning to repaint and reupholster it but I posted a picture on instagram this morning and a lot of people seem to think it should stay gold…
I like the idea of having a space that is beautifully laid out where people can browse products and try stuff on in a comfortable way, while chatting to their friends, maybe taking a snap or two. I think people like visiting boutiques but fear shop assistants asking them what they want or trying to convince them to buy so I hope that creating a more relaxed atmosphere, not so centered on direct purchase will make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
The space and layout still needs work and my pictures don’t do it justice but customers who live in/visit Manchester are welcome to book an appointment and come round for tea and a fitting, to see their favourite items in person or even just to get measured for their order.
Details for the upcoming open house event will follow early next month and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Edgy designer clothing. Innovative latex fashion. Bespoke commissions.