Robert Vernet at The London Print Design Fair

Sarah Glyn-Woods of Design and Colour Ltd and Karl Grobelny from Creation Robert Vernet

Sometimes it is important to say things as they are….it is very quiet in the world of printed textiles, clothing manufacture and retail sales. It was therefore no surprise that the Fair was quieter than usual. There were some stunning designs on offer from our friends at Vernet as there were from other studios and sellers of vintage archives.

Just to be totally uncommercial for a moment, what would we do without the wonderful array of vintage garments when foot traffic is slow. There were things that I had worn in the past and even certain items that I have kept and are in suitcases in the loft. There were interesting characters posing in some outrageously wonderful outfits, so thanks for cheering us up and you know who you are!

Recently a friend borrowed a 1970s knitted kaftan to go to a party and my other half pointed her out to my son at the bus stop saying ”well that ‘s a throw back to the past”. He failed to notice it was our friend or that it was one of my many cherished garments that he thinks I should part with.

Flowers were very much in evidence, as usual, but they were more painterly and some had a vintage cut out feel.Finally the photograph flowers appears to have faded away with the limited exception of some occasional wear seekers.

We had much interest in medium sized and smaller florals with a vintage feel but overall they needed to be very pretty.

Patchworks were popular; squared, diagonal or scarf prints from monochromatic to fresh multi coloured. The most popular flower for me was the poppy which appeared to have sneaked into most floral bouquets or be standing boldly in the forefront. The mixing of the poppy with other flowers and the looser shapes and variegated colour and texture moved the bloom safely away from the flower of remembrance day.