Yesterday, I was at the V&A with my fellow machine knitters, looking at the iron works for some inspiration for a new up coming project. This must be one of the few times I’ve gone there not to look at fashion or textiles directly, but I can totally see why the iron works were suggested, gates with intricate lattices looked just like knitted lace.

Anyway after photos and sketches done, followed by obligatory tea and scones in the amazing cafe, I stayed in the shop a little longer after the others left, inspired by beautifully designed accessories and spotting a couple of floral wood blocks for printing (I will buy these another time). Finally I went to leave, calling it a day, which was full of inspiration, shapes, pattern and design, when I was handed a free ticket to a fashion show/performance that was just about to begin....

Sat near the back, I still had a great spot to capture the models as they appeared out on the catwalk. “Models at Work” was a performance piece by Paris based museum director, curator and performer Olivier Saillard, featuring five famous french models: Axelle Doue, Claudia Huidobro, Anne Rohart, Violeta sanchez and Amalia Vairelli. The performance was in five parts and rather than showing off clothing, it was more about the models gestures and the idea of dressing and design and the elements involved in clothing shown on the catwalk: Black sheaths, An exercise in style around the white tunic. Catwalk without clothes. Modelled in calico. Shadow garments.
It was really exciting to be sat in the Raphael Gallery along side some very fashion looking people, journalist and dear I say, hipsters. I love this sort of thing and I want to be more a part of it!