Opulence takes inspiration from architecture of both palaces and museums from Paris and Florence after recent trips to both cities. It explores traditional stitch techniques for fashion from the 19th century, such as ribbon work and gold work, and translates this into a contemporary fashion context using modern techniques.

These samples are intended for a spring/summer collection hence using only lightweight fabrics, most of which are natural and/or dyed by me. The colour palette is taken from primary images of both cities and the subtlety of the gold elevates and reflects the opulent detail throughout the inspired architecture. The ribbon work alters the fabrics structure and stiffens the sample – much like the fashion from the 19th century, it takes inspiration from the curved pillars on the Duomo Cathedral in Florence’s centre. 

The featured gold work is created using CAD embroidery and is inspired from a drawing of mine of a picture frame in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Various other pieces have been influenced by the Palace of Versailles, including striking aerial views of the gardens turned into geometric reverse appliqué embroidery, laser-cut design, and digital prints.

Techniques used: CAD embroidery, beading, Irish embroidery, pleating, laser cutting, dyeing and digital print.

I plan to create embroidery and embellishments for fashion and accessories where I hope to expand my skills and knowledge in a design studio.