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Top 25 Art Blog - Creative Tourist

Fashion

An interview with Victoria Foster of The Aviary

Victoria Foster and Ben Fletcher began The Aviary as a way to make the most of their hoarde of vintage goods, creating gorgeous upcycled jewellery and charms with an illustrative twist.

Written by Amelia Gregory

the aviary Darling Jane Detachable Peter Pan Collar
Victoria wears the Darling Jane Detachable Peter Pan Collar.

The Aviary is the brainchild of two fine art graduates, Victoria Foster and Ben Fletcher. In late 2009 the project began life as a way of upcycling the ever-growing array of clutter that surrounded these inveterate magpies, by re-appropriating curios as jewellery, charms and stationary. The couple have a commitment to living mindfully in all they do: read on to discover more about their inspiring outlook on life, where to hang out in Kent, and how their latest illustration collaboration came about.

the aviary Autumn Breeze vintage pendant
Autumn Breeze vintage pendant.

the aviary kentread more

Recent Articles

An interview with textile designer Emma J Shipley

Emma J Shipley is a rising star in the world of textile design, earning recognition with an extraordinary collection of scarves featuring her pencil drawings of nature's finest creations.

Written by Miranda Williams

Emma J Shipley S/S 2012 by Natalia Stuyk
It was Liberty of London’s Best of British open day, and I can remember quite clearly the moment that Emma Shipley pulled a …

Elizabeth Lau: New S/S 2012 Season Preview Interview

Elizabeth Lau introduces her new S/S 2012 collection, inspired by Olive Oyl, the 1960s, nautical details... and modelled by Annie Monroe.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Elizabeth Lau by Madi.
The delightful Elizabeth Lau has quickly built up a strong reputation as a quirky and playful designer to watch. In this interview I discover how she started …

Simeon Farrar by Madi

Simeon Farrar, The Great British Summertime: New S/S 2012 Season Preview Interview

London-based Designer and Artist Simeon Farrar talks about his journey from Art to Fashion and back again, his current S/S 2012 collection ‘The Great British Summertime’ and what we can look forward to from the label next season.

Written by Alia Gargum

Simeon Farrar S/S 2012 by Madi Illustrates
What began as an ‘art experiment’ by London-based Simeon Farrar has now turned into a successful fashion label; winning not only international acclaim but …

David Longshaw, Father Said: New S/S 2012 Season Preview Interview

Designer David Longshaw talks us through the narratives and themes of his latest collection, plus an insight into running your own label!

Written by Amelia Gregory

David Longshaw S/S 2012 by Abi Hall.
We’ve been following David Longshaw’s career since we spotted him at Fashion Scout back in 2010. His work continues to evolve in intriguing directions, …

An interview with illustrator Antonia Parker, as featured in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration

ACOFI illustrator Antonia Parker creates wonderfully colourful and unique fashion illustrations, portraits and vignettes. She got involved with many eclectic projects in 2011: and here's a fabulous overview.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Amisha Ghadiali at the ACOFI launch.
Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration featured illustrator Antonia Parker talks us through her year… be inspired!
You’ve said that the launch party for ACOFI early last …

Bethan Juliff, Knitwear Designer Extraordinaire: New S/S 2012 Season Preview Interview

Discover the intricate knitwear designs of Bethan Juliff, Fashion Fringe finalist and creator of sculptural wonders.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Bethan Juliff Knitwear by Sarah Ryan.
Bethan Juliff’s creative knitwear secured her a place in the finals of the prestigious Fashion Fringe competition, and she is now taking part in the …

An interview with illustrator Lesley Barnes, as featured in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration

Illustrator Lesley Barnes has contributed to Amelia's Magazine since 2009 and is featured in both my books, for which she designed the front cover type. She was super busy in 2011, with projects for Channel 4, Wrap Magazine, Soma Gallery, Penguin Classics and the V&A to name but a few.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Lesley Barnes first got involved with Amelia’s Magazine when she answered the Shelter open brief back in early 2009. Since then she has appeared in both my books, and has …

Introducing Pocket Full O’Posies, the new S/S 2012 collection by Kelly Love

The new S/S 2012 collection from Australian designer Kelly Love is romantically retro and beautifully desirable.

Written by Amelia Gregory

We first encountered the new collection by Kelly Love at the Fashion Capital Profile event in November last year, where the beautiful floral print sandwashed silk lounge wear designed by …

An interview with illustrator Emma Block, as featured in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration

The beautiful collages of Emma Block have been wowing Amelia's Magazine readers since 2010, and since appearing in ACOFI she has embarked on numerous other exciting projects. Read on...

Written by Amelia Gregory

Carlotta Gherzi A/W 2011 by Emma Block.
I’ve been working with Emma Block since 2010, when her beautiful work first started to appear in Amelia’s Magazine. Since graduating this summer she’s …

An interview with Anna Felton of Monkstone Knitwear, created with wool from sheep who live on Trevayne Farm in Wales

Abi Renshaw talks to Anna Felton of Monkstone Knitwear, purveyors of the finest designer hand knits, created with love on a sustainable farm in Wales. It doesn't get much better than this...

Written by Abi Renshaw

Monkstone Knitwear Stripe Sweater by Stephanie Brown (FAIIINT).
With the mild Autumn being over, the weatherman now talks of snow. Panic! Wondering what wardrobe essentials can help fight the impending chill? …

John Moore by Janneke De Jong

Lesley Craze Gallery: Christmas Late Night Opening 2011

Nestled on the edge of Clerkenwell Green, the Lesley Craze gallery is a must-go destination for jewellery lovers. I went along on their late night opening to see what new work they had on show.

Written by Miranda Williams

John Moore anodised aluminium earrings by Janneke De Jong
It’s the evening of Thursday 8th December, a rainy night, and I’m peering through the windows of the Lesley Craze gallery with …

An interview with illustrator Faye West, as featured in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration

Faye West is a wonderful fashion illustrator who has been contributing to Amelia's Magazine for several years. Since she was featured in ACOFI lots of exciting things have happened, and 2012 looks set to be an even better year for this talented gal.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Commission which came about from Amelia’s Magazine feature, by Faye West.
Faye West’s whimsical watercolours first came to my attention nearly four years ago when she had just graduated from university. …

An interview with illustrator Gareth A Hopkins, as featured in Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration

Gareth A Hopkins is a name that regular Amelia's Magazine readers will recognise as a long term contributing illustrator. He also appears in Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration and has been busy with all sorts of interesting projects in 2011, including The Intercorstal, Chelmsford Arts Trail and London Fashion Week.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Shinsuke Mitsuoka by Gareth A Hopkins.
Gareth A Hopkins is surely one of the most committed and original contributors to Amelia’s Magazine, producing many illustrations of consistently good quality over the …

Review: An evening class at the London Jewellery School

An evening at the London Jewellery School re-introduced me to the charms of making your own jewellery. With a range of diverse classes, this central London school has something to suit everyone.

Written by Amelia Gregory

All photography by Amelia Gregory.
A couple of weeks ago I went along to the London Jewellery School for a night of cupcakes and cocktail rings, otherwise known as a lesson …

An interview with Stratis Kastrisianakis, co-founder of Nakedbutsafe magazine

Principal Colour have just introduced me to one of their newest clients: a very exciting art, fashion and photography magazine, straight out of Greece. Meet Stratis Kastrisianakis and Manos Samartzis, creators with principles. We like.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Nakedbutsafe magazine is a beautiful new arts, fashion and photography magazine with a conscience, produced in Greece, printed in the UK at Principal Colour, and available worldwide. Co-founder Stratis Kastrisianakis …

Boxpark Pop Up Retail Mall opens in Shoreditch in time for Christmas

Boxpark opens today with a promised appearance from Dizzee Rascal. Visit the top floor for gifts from niche retail units run by Amnesty and Art Against Knives, and food from independent retailers such as Hop Namo, Chop'd and Foxcroft and Ginger.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Boxpark in Shoreditch, All photography by Amelia Gregory.
Now, I would be the first to admit that I’ve had my doubts over the new Boxpark Pop Up shopping mall that opens …

Introducing the Closet Swap community from Channel 4: Don’t Shop – Swap!

An exciting new initiative promotes the idea of swapping clothes between friends rather than buying new. Supported by Tatty Devine and Ada Zanditon. Read on...

Written by Amelia Gregory

Closet Swap by Pia Bramley.
Introducing Closet Swap, a new online fashion community site from Channel 4 Education. As part of a wider debate about sustainable and ethical fashion, Closet Swap …

Janneke De Jong Thumbnail

London Design Week 2011: The Best of the Independent Jewellery Fairs

During September and October 2011, London was the playground to a host of wonderful jewellery fairs and exhibitions in conjunction with London Design Week. I spent a few leisurely days checking them out.

Written by Miranda Williams

Sian Bostwick Forget Me Not Necklace by Tilly Wright
The first of my visits was to Gabriel’s Wharf on the South Bank. Nestled amongst a handful of gift shops and cafes …

Brooke Roberts: New S/S 2012 Season Interview

We catch up with knitwear designer extraordinaire Brooke Roberts, who first caught our eye back in 2009. Her S/S 2012 collection was launched with a spectacular dance presentation at The Hospital Club.

Written by Amelia Gregory

Brooke Roberts by Cathryn Nicholson.
We first spoke with fashion knitwear designer Brooke Roberts back in 2009. Here she talks about the inspirations behind her new S/S 2012 collection, which was …

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