THIS DESIGNER'S GLOVES AND EMBROIDERY ARE CHANGING THE GAME
There’s something about being in the presence of glistening sequins, feathers and hand embroidered silks - and I mean, all made by hand. The way they create a fantasy and remind you of the glamorous 1920’s. It’s like the entire reason they were put on earth was to make us feel like we’ve been transported out of our everyday reality. Walking into Lisa Redman’s Aterlier in Notting Hill gave me this feeling.
I arrive to Lisa’s atelier one muggy and hot afternoon this summer, to first-hand get a glimpse of her designs in the flesh. As I enter her space, Lisa greets me enthusiastically with a huge smile and walks me over to two big rolling racks full of pastels - pink, purple, greens and cream. Lisa has been doing one-of-a-kind, bespoke pieces for the last 10 years. And there’s no doubt that the clothing speaks for itself. I’m instantly a fan, and pick up a pair of her gloves - which she happens to sell at Fortnum and Mason. “ We make everything in house,” she says “just next door. The fabrics I also design, and those are made in England, even the Cashmere is from Scotland.”
Lisa has a remarkable client base that she makes one-off pieces for, as well as mother of the bride gowns and brides themselves are also regulars at requesting hand embroidered gowns, made specifically for them. “ One of my clients has this coat in 12 different colours ” she says, as she points to a cream cashmere coat with a elegant silhouette reminiscent of the 1950’s. “ I just do what I want. I try not to be to fashiony - my clients like classic wearable pieces that are a bit glam ” she answers, when asked if she looks up to any specific designers for inspiration.
Coming from a textile background, Lisa truly has a passion for fabrics.“ That’s my thing, embroidery ” she grins. “It must be because of my love for fabrics and textiles.” Lisa also draws a lot of her inspiration for her fabric design from Japanese art and textiles, that she then embroiders or has made into decadent silks.
What else did I learn? She’s got a trunk show coming up at Fenwicks in November and her gloves were so popular at Fortnum’s that they sold out last season. So if you fell in love with the last Valentino Astrology collection and adore this season’s long embroidered Alexander McQueen couture - need I say more? I think I’ve said enough!
http://www.lisaredman.co.uk