Hobbled

I’ve had the idea for a piece called the above for some time. It’s a great idea to let things stew a bit before rushing in because they morph into something else and that can be a good thing.

This piece that I’ve just started has changed from the original thoughts surrounding the #MeToo movement into something a bit wider.

Above is the coat designed by Paul Poiret (1876-1944) who had enormous influence on fashion in the early 20th century, and is remembered for freeing women from corsets and modernising the Victorian silhouette. So, the coat I’m making is his Cocoon Coat - one piece front and back for the body and a long neckband with a hobble skirt, hence the name "Hobbled".

I’ve been printing the base fabric onto cotton, and will prepare it now for dyeing. I’m trying for peacock colours in blues and greens with bright orange “extras” that I haven’t quite decided on yet. I’ll be remaking the hands and spikes too.

Thanks for reading, stay tuned if you’d like to know more.