The Marriage of Fashion and Interiors

The worlds of Fashion and Interior design have always been bed-fellows as both industries are hugely influenced by each other. Having had the good fortune to have been involved in both industries in a professional capacity, it is evident within my designs just how much I'm inspired by the world of
Fashion and Art. When designers create a new collection, most of their inspiration comes from observing human nature and their environment. 

The general public dictates the way designers look at things. For example, it is now fashionable for friends, couples, ladies and families to have tea in fine hotels, chic cafes or simply at home.  Designers have caught onto this movement and this is reflected in the lady-like 1950’s inspired collections and accessories. They now know that the public is ready for something new.

Interior designers take a similar approach to their fashion counterparts and this is where the two worlds collide.

In terms of fabric and colour-ways, fashion designers dictate the colour palettes for the forthcoming seasons. These colours and patterns are imprinted into the general public's psyche by means of ad campaigns in glossy magazines.

Grace Kelly / Christian Dior 1950's inspired runway dress for 2011 campaign / The Berkeley hotel high tea

Key trends for 2013

The key colour for the season is green in all shades from military all the way to aqua tones. Brass and rose gold are gradually replacing stainless steel and polished nickel, wood with hints of silver or gold adding some glamour to organic materials. Art is now a necessity as opposed to an afterthought these days.

Cotton velvet in tight weaves is leading the way in the fabric department. Busy patterns and colours with loads of textures are on-point at the moment in the interiors and fashion world.

I predict that embellishments such as the clever and controlled use of beading, embroidery, piping and hints of brocade will be prominent in the coming months.

Simplistic and streamlined Asian influenced design is slowly being replaced by the European aesthetic, which involves an emphasis on detailing in furniture and objects. The Asian influence can now be seen mostly in the flow of furniture and arrangements where symmetry is often utilised.

In the hospitality world, the past year has seen a gradual increase in bars, restaurants and clubs with Prohibition era themes. The current global economic climate plays a huge part in this, as during times of hardship, the general public tends to want to go back to the basics and avoid vulgarity and ostentatiousness at all costs.  These Prohibition era venues have a more welcoming vibe than the previous “bling” venues of the past.

Embellishment prominent in fashion 2012 campaigns by D&G, Prada and Miu Miu.

Green / Lanvin / Miu Miu 2012 Runway collection

My basic design philosophy is that “The structure of a space should dictate your design approach and not the other way around”.  It is important to remember that none of my above mentioned design tips would ever work if the space and structure hasn’t been carefully thought about.

Rose gold / brass accented furniture pieces (Bauble table by Amy Somerville, Magnolia sideboard by Ginger and Jagger, Miss Helen room divider by Amy Somerville)

 Art wood

Xanadu Rose gold watch