Fashion as Storytelling Through Illustration!

Where Illustration Becomes Something You Can Wear.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to create illustrated fashion. As a child, I made my own clothes, and clothes for my dolls, so this collection feels like a full-circle moment. Creating an illustrated clothing line that brings together self-expression, storytelling, and everyday wear really makes my heart sing.

From the very beginning of my career as an illustrator, I’ve imagined my drawings living on clothing, moving through the world, becoming part of someone’s daily life. For a long time though the timing never felt right. There were too many barriers: limited options, compromises on quality and garments that didn’t reflect what I would wear or feel comfortable in.

My Dachshund Varsity Jacket - inspired by my very own little sausage!

I knew that if I was going to create illustrated fashion, it had to be done properly and that is why I hit so many bumps in the road along the way!

After all the trial and errors, and more than a few failed attempts, I finally found suppliers who deliver on quality, fabric, construction, and finish. Just as importantly, I sourced garments with shapes and fits that feel modern, considered, and wearable. Only then did it feel possible to move forward, knowing my illustrations wouldn’t be diluted by poor quality clothing or awkward fits.

Every piece in this illustrated clothing line has been created with wearability at its core. The illustrations are placed and positioned with care and given space to breathe within each garment. I must give credit to my mum, sister and best friends for telling me truthfully what worked and what didn’t! I needed those honest voices in my life … especially because I passionately want to get it right!

My illustrated fashion is designed to live comfortably in a real wardrobe, not clothing that feels precious or untouchable. After all, we only wear a small percentage of our clothing…comfort is essential when we make the decision what to wear every morning. I have a real bugbear for itchy, scratchy fabrics, so choosing soft, cosy materials that still feel stylish is non-negotiable for me!

Fashion as Storytelling Through Wearable Illustration.

The illustration as a painting - drawn in 2017. Now lives on the Snow Washed Hoodie in my store.

My background in narrative, fashion, and lifestyle illustration shaped every decision in this collection. An illustrated “story” needed to be preserved when worn so it is still “readable” without elements disappearing under a hood or when fabric moves or folds. I wanted the designs to be eye-catching on the body and work as well as they do on paper!  

As someone who loves delicate tattoos, I’m very aware that thoughtful placement can elevate the art and make a strong statement and the opposite can be true too, so I needed to avoid this, on both clothing and tattoos at all costs. Thinking about it the latter would be more of a disaster… it is forever after all!! Eek! I won’t continue down this escalating thought process.

Moving on….

Style over Trends!

Storytelling is at the heart of good fashion, we look to this in mood, colour, atmosphere and character and how we choose to express ourselves.

I often return to Iris Apfel’s advice: "Fashion you can buy, but style you possess". My mantra is wear what feels like you, not someone else’s idea of what is in style/fashion/en- trend, whatever the term is. I have always wanted to feel comfortable in my skin but also expressive in my style.

Art-Led Clothing Made for Real Life.

This illustrated fashion collection is designed for real life, studio days, city walks, school runs, evenings out, and all the moments in between.

Seeing these illustrated, designed garments worn layered, creased, styled, and truly lived in, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the process. llustration has always been about connection for me creating images that feel familiar, emotionally resonant, and grounded in everyday life.

As always, thank you for reading….I hope you found my motivation to bring this to fruition interesting. And to those who already have bought from my new brand, thank you so, so much!

PS. You maybe wondering why I have pink hair in some of the photos, and no, I haven't had a radical hair-dye change, it is my wig! 'She' comes out every so often, when I am need of a change!