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Richard Quinn X Liberty

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Known for his bold use of colour and saturated bloomed fabrics, Richard Quinn returns to work with Liberty of London for a fun and fabulous accessories line. Back in 2016 Quinn unknowingly used a print from the Liberty archive for his MA collection. He manipulated the print in an ultra modern, digital way and since then, he has used many other prints from the archive to achieve his signature look.

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Richard Quinn’s SS18 collection was showcased in Liberty of London in front of a floral backdrop. He used five of their prints to achieve the clashing printed looks he achieved and almost made them unrecognisable.

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Since the success of his SS18 show, Quinn has gone on to win the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design and has had a collection with H&M so this collaboration is another great stepping stone for the young designer from Peckham.

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Richard Quinn receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at his AW18 Ready to Wear show. Getty Images

In true Richard Quinn style, the new range of accessories for Liberty are full of giant blown up ditsies, bold primary colours and clashing pattern. The prints range across 30 different pieces and across varying products from scarves, to handbags to purses.

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We love how Quinn has updated the well loved ‘Iphis’ Liberty print, which is iconic across liberty accessories, and injected his own floral mayhem on top.

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The incredible store fronts (images above) were aimed to be ‘instaready’ for the customer. He wanted the figure to be completely covered in the print designed for the collection and the accessories to be an extension of this.

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Quinn is also known for clashing opposing prints which works so well with these vibrant, bold blooms.

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Images from Liberty.co.uk

Liberty at 140: Liberty in Fashion Exhibition

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By Alannah Messett – designandcolour@gmail.com

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“I was determined not to follow existing fashion but to create new ones” – Arthur Lasenby Liberty

Founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty 140 years ago, Liberty has been a huge contributor to the fashion landscape of Britain. Over 150 garments, textiles and objects showcase Liberty’s relationships with designers since 1875, from Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood to Kate Moss, Topshop and Nike.

The exhibition charts Liberty’s history as ‘the’ fashionable place to shop as well as its role as the source of key trends in fashion history. The timeline of Liberty takes us from the artistic dressing of the twentieth century, through to the swinging sixties and Liberty today.

Here are some of our favourite pieces from the exhibition.

Illustration by Naomi Kratz, 2014

Illustration by Naomi Kratz, 2014

A dialogue with the East

There was a big demand for exotic merchandise in the twentieth century. Liberty’s textiles and collections at this time took inspiration from the East. The kimono was one of the big sellers, providing the basis for dressing gowns and wraps.

Kimonos, c1920. ‘The kimono style continued to be popular for dressing gowns as well as evening coats well into the 1930s.’

Kimonos, c1920. ‘The kimono style continued to be popular for dressing gowns as well as evening coats well into the 1930s.’

The Fabric of Fashion

Liberty had begun to produce delicate floral prints before WW1.

‘The 1920s’ shopper tended towards prints on a dark ground; these gave way to pastel shades on a light ground, which reflected the more romantic mood of the 1930s.’

The Tana lawn and Sungleam crepe were the more popular textiles.

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The Art Nouveau Revival

Designer William Poole redrew a selection of Liberty’s original Art Nouveau patterns, and recoloured them in vivid shades. The designs were released as the ‘Lotus’ collection.

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Kaftan, 1960. Liberty fabric print ‘Constantia’

Swinging Liberty

‘Youthful style and freedom’ was part of the fashion design in the 1960s. Liberty prints were used by many designers and large manufacturers, and Liberty fabric labels were often printed alongside their own, including the Dolly Rockers collection, produced by Sambo Fashions.

Jackets, c1968, cotton. Liberty prints designed for Sambo’s Dollyrockers

Jackets, c1968, cotton. Liberty prints designed for Sambo’s Dollyrockers

Collaborations

‘Liberty’s collaborative relationships with artists, designers and stylists expanded from the 1990s as its distinctive prints and fabrics were used by established design houses and new talent alike, who were drawn to its unique blend of tradition and innovation.’

Nike SS15 - the Nike X Liberty collaboration has now produced over 10 collections.

Nike SS15 – the Nike X Liberty collaboration has now produced over 10 collections.

Kate Moss for Topshop, 2009

Kate Moss for Topshop, 2009

The exhibition is on until 28 February 2016 at the Fashion and Textiles Museum, Bermondsey Street, London. Click here for more info.

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Collaboration: Liberty London & Mamas and Papas

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designandcolour@gmail.com

designandcolour@gmail.com

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Liberty, London’s finest boutique, has collaborated with Mamas and Papas, blending Liberty’s iconic prints with the innovative designs of one of the biggest and most stylish baby brands.

Mamas and Papas started in 1981, with a focus on creating baby products that were innovative and trendy. They’re now a world-wide brand, with real parents trialing their products, so you know you’re making a good investment.

The collab has brought us three collections: travel, clothing and interior.

Travel Collection

Photo: Mamas and Papas

Photo: Mamas and Papas

Our favourite piece from the travel collection has to be the Special Edition Liberty Collaboration Urbo² Stroller, with a premium satin finish and metallic accents. The ultimate luxury in baby travel, thanks to the Liberty Caesar and Ares Feather print detail.

Clothing Collection

Photo: Mamas and Papas

Mamas & Papas Liberty Wild Flower Pink Collared T-shirt from £16 (Photo: Mamas and Papas)

Photo: Mamas and Papas

Photo: Mamas and Papas

At the moment the collection is mainly for girls, with more boys clothing coming later in the year. The adorable vintage styles of the Mamas and Papas clothing range sits perfectly with Liberty prints.

Sweet floral dresses with lace collars and tutu skirts have really captured our hearts, and the bow Navy Thorpe Bibs are a must-have!

Interior Collection

Photo: Mamas and Papas

Photo: Mamas and Papas

The interiors collection is full of beautiful pieces to complete your little one’s room. From rocking horses to moses baskets, every detail has been thought of and has that special Liberty touch.

Mamas & Papas Liberty Moses Basket £120

Mamas & Papas Liberty Moses Basket £120

Liberty are celebrating their 140th anniversary this year, and what better way to do it than with this exciting, new collaboration? In stores and online now!

Liberty also have an exhibition coming up in October at the Fashion & Textiles Museum, London, which we will also be covering. Keep an eye out!

The Alice Look

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designandcolour@gmail.com

designandcolour@gmail.com

Alannah Messett

Alannah Messett

Alannah recently visited ‘The Alice Look’ exhibition at the V&A Museum of Childhood. The exhibition provided a great insight into the world of Alice in Wonderland, especially her ever changing style. The story and film still influences many designers, brands and photo shoots.

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Liberty created a new collection of prints to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s iconic tale, inspired by the gardens in the story:

“For the Alice’s Adventures in Liberty Print story a selection of accomplished collaborators were asked to create or select from the Liberty Archive a print that they believe Alice would wear in Wonderland.” This includes Kathryn Beaumont, the English actress who was the voice of Alice in the Disney feature.

‘She knelt down and looked along the passage into the loveliest garden you ever saw. How she longed to get out of that dark hall and wander about among those beds of bright flowers.’ – Lewis Carroll (from Liberty’s website).

GARDEN WONDERLAND C TANA LAWN COTTON & GARDEN WONDERLAND B TANA LAWN COTTON

GARDEN WONDERLAND C TANA LAWN COTTON & GARDEN WONDERLAND B TANA LAWN COTTON

Mrs Monroe Liberty fabric was designed by Alex Monroe, an established designer who has 25 years experience making traditional handmade jewellery from original sketches, inspired by nature and British eccentricity. With a long-term interest and love of Liberty fabrics Alex jumped at the opportunity to work with Liberty and create a unique ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed print.

‘ ”O Tiger – Lily!” said Alice, addressing herself to one that was waving gracefully about in the wind, ”I wish you could talk!”

  ‘‘We can talk,” said the Tiger Lily: ”when there’s anybody worth talking to.” ‘ – Lewis Carroll

MRS MONROE C TANA LAWN COTTON & MRS MONROE B TANA LAWN COTTON

MRS MONROE C TANA LAWN COTTON & MRS MONROE B TANA LAWN COTTON

Vans and Liberty

The iconic skate brand collaborated with Liberty for a whimsical Alice inspired print. The slip-on is a fantastical floral print, whereas the authentic trainer has illustrations of the Mad Hatter, cards and more. The fabric is called ‘Gallymoggers Reynard’, 2015, and is based on an upholstery design by Charles Voysey from the 1920s.

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Liberty & Mrs Moore Fine Bone China

Liberty also stock Mrs Moore’s Vintage Store China, with illustrations from the tale. All of their designs are silk screen printed onto the china and decorated by hand, all proudly made in Britain.

Check out more of their products on Liberty’s website or on Mrs Moore’s Vintage Store

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The Japanese have also been heavily influenced by the fantasy world of Alice in Wonderland.

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The Alice Look is on at the Victoria & Albert Childhood Museum until the 1st of November 2015.