Beyond its official duties in the military, the beret is a (near) cliche symbol of Parisian style and the stereotyped headwear of the intellectual, the beatnik and the bohemian. A unisex accessory, it's still so fashionable today. So stylish. So insouciant. This elegant topper is classically made of wool, especially felted wool. And just as the beret can be worn to the side or front, and with the band turned in or out, colour and design vary. Plain and simple. Multi-coloured and decorative. The beret is a great hat! During INSPIRED, Rosie Doyle will be hosting a felted beret workshop (and another to make a felted notebook cover). Dates and prices still to be confirmed, so pop back soon or join our newsletter. |
An important element of INSPIRED will be felt fashion. Three designers - Rosie Doyle, Lubi Lykan and Heather Potten - will be making a range of garments and wearable accessories especially for the September exhibition. We know that felting is one of the oldest ways of making textiles. It's an organic and artisan process. Today, these things are highly valued and there is a renaissance of felt in couture. Fashioning Felt, an international exhibition in New York in 2009, showed the versatility, creativity and importance of felt to contemporary fashion and many designers continue to commission custom felt to adorn their couture pieces. For the wearer, invariably female, there's the opportunity to express individuality through a unique style, colour combination or pattern. There are wonderful makers of felted fashion around the world, and Heather Potten has gathered photos and links to illustrate the range and exciting fashion possibilities offered by felt on Pinterest. We will add to this gallery with our own photographs of felt fashion. Meantime, for the designer, maker and photographer credit, please go to Feltmaking on Pinterest.
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