Ali Nixon
- - December 02, 2020
Designed in Ireland. Inspired by Nature.
This world moves fast. But, you can choose to stop. In Ireland, we embrace slowness, subtlety and the senses; we listen, feel and touch the land around us. Take the muted simplicity, order and honesty of the Murmur design collection. And create your own quiet harmony.
Inspired by the beautiful Irish landscape, Murmur AW20 is a soft feminine collection, composed of subtle pattern and colours considered to unite with the natural world around us. Crafted from natural organic textures with subtle embroidery detailing. The soft patterns and soothing colour hues create an ambience that is both calm and inviting.
Creating the beautiful, comes from exploring and discovering. The creative team behind Murmur embarked on an inspiration trip along Strangford lough on the eastern side of Northern Ireland. Collecting, collating, painting and curating, exploring the wild rocky headlands and sheltered beaches, to the traditional stone build dwellings, mixed woodlands, wildlife and wildflowers. The journey along the rugged coastline guiding discovery and inspiration.
LINEN
Colour influenced by the flax and marram grasses found along the rugged rocky headlands
HEATHER
Colour inspired by the abundance of soft heather found throughout the meandering walkways
CLOUD GREY
Colour captured from the cloudy Irish skies over the peninsula
LOUGH GREEN
Colour inspiration captured from the calm open waters of Strangford LoughA subtle floral bud pattern complimented by the soft colouration of gentle lough green. The Edie design captured inspiration from the calm open waters of Strangford Lough and the surrounding wildflower meadows. Delicate and calming this nature inspired collection is made with conscious. Created from 200tc organic cotton, naturally grown and sustainably sourced, for an environmentally friendly bedding collection that’s peaceful and inviting.
Small floral bud pattern (main) small arrow pattern (reverse), 200TC Organic Cotton Percale
- - March 23, 2020
In these uncertain times with such a daily bombardment of media coverage it’s so easy to let our minds wander into negative unrest.
To help keep a healthy mind during these unprecedented times we have brought together some tips to maintain self care as we endeavor to move through the next period of our lives with restriction on so many social activities. Let’s stay connected, stay well and together we can weather the storm.
10 Minute Daily Mindfulness
- Breath in, Breath out. Feel the flow of your breath and relax
- Empty the mind - take a few moments to be still
- As soon as your mind wanders, bring it back to concentrating on your breathing
- Practice non-judgmental listening
- Get outdoors and walk around in nature
- Forgive yourself for every negative thought
- Be grateful, say thank you to nature, people and things
- Go easy on yourself
Daily Routine
Get up at the same time every day
Maintaining your body’s sleep cycle and waking up at the same time everyday helps you sleep better at night. Fight the urge to hit snooze to keep balance and avoid daytime sleepiness.
Pay attention to what you eat & drink
Paying attention to the fuel you feed your body especially in the morning sets you up for the day. Choosing the healthy option makes you feel less sluggish, boosting productivity.
Healthy dose of natural daylight
In moderation, sunlight is perfect for boosting the body’s Vitamin D supply and releasing serotonin in the brain the happy chemical which elevates our mood and makes us feel happier.
Stay active within your daily routine
Exercising regularly increases blood flow and releases endorphins making you feel better with boosted energy.
Limit daytime naps
There is nothing worse than a post nap groggy feeling. If you need to nap, limit sleeping to no more than 20 to 30 minutes and don’t sleep after 3pm. Later naps may affect your ability to sleep easy at night.
Manage stress
Regardless of your daily stresses, make sure you do small things that lift your mood every day. Creating an - - March 12, 2020
Enlivened design, fresh for S/S 20 the new Helena Springfield Copenhagen collection taps into the beauty of Scandinavian design to present a collection influenced by graphic pattern and soft colour harmonies, all nature inspired. This new Copenhagen collective brings together fresh liveable designs perfect for modern day living.
LIV (LEFT)
‘Liv’ meaning ‘Life’ in Swedish is a sweet spirited stylised leaf pattern, on a crisp white base. The all-over leaf pattern repeats in pops of blush pink, chartreuse and grey, the subtle reverse of a small scale circular geometric design adds understated harmony to the overall collection.
ARKEN (RIGHT)
Suitably named after the Arken Museum of Modern Art near Copenhagen this modern design displays a large abstract mid-century pattern in blush pink and contemporary grey tones. The understated reverse with a dashed line pattern adds intricacy.
CHAMBRAY BLUSH
A soft textured woven chambray design, in delicate blush pink is enhanced with textured clipped jacquard detailing, staying true to scandi design this is woven in clean horizontal lines across the bedding with a soft plain dye reverse.
KLINT (LEFT)
Named after ‘Mons Klint’, the scenic cliffs near Copenhagen, this large check design is both bold and iconic. A beautiful blend of coral, grey, turquoise, purple and charcoal tones marry together on this masculine feel check.
TIVOLI(RIGHT)
Inspired by the floral displays and historical charm of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, this striking mid-scale floral and leaf design sings in beautiful, bright coral. The sweet floral design continues onto the reverse pattern altered with a soft grey colouring. Complimenting curtains and fleece robe are also available.
CHAMBRAY BLUE
A soft textured woven chambray design, in soft blue is enhanced with textured clipped jacquard detailing, staying true to scandi design this is woven in clean horizontal lines across the bedding with a soft plain dye
- - March 12, 2020
For the SS20 Bedeck of Belfast photography we embarked on a four-day shoot at Ormiston House, Belfast. A period property built in 1867, in a Scottish-Baronial style with crow-stepped gables, a bartizan turret and gargoyles.
Full of charm and history, Ormiston was built for James Combe (a Scots born iron founder and linen manufacturer of Combe Barbour) with the property later bought by shipbuilder Sir Edward Harland (Harland & Wolfe) and soon after acquired by his business partner William Pirrie the chairman and architect at Harland & Wolfe, who oversaw the build of the Titanic. He also served as Lord Mayor of Belfast between 1896 and 1898. Harland & Wolff later came into sole ownership of the property, selling it in 1928 to Campbell College, who maintained ownership of it until the mid-1970s.
A turret feature looking outward to the shipyard on Belfast’s lough, was originally used by Harland & Pirrie to keep watch on incoming ships. The feature is still in use, giving panoramic views over Belfast.
Today, following a four-year renovation project by its new owners, Ormiston has been restored to its former glory. A characterful property, brimming with historical detail, yet brought up to date with a modern aesthetic. Ormiston provided the perfect backdrop and historical touches for shooting our new Bedeck of Belfast SS20 collection.
The new SS20 collection sees us embark on a journey of exploration. A ‘New Bohemian’ concept embodying the new Bedeck of Belfast collection bringing pattern and design together in a multi-cultural fusion. A considered mix of scale and pattern, with unique finishes and detailing present a collection rich in cultural references and textile traditions from around the globe. Layering, integral to the brief, relaxed semi plains add tactility and softness, and help elaborate the new bohemian ambiance mixed in with the main design prints.
This natural coming together of textures, patterns and accessories creates a relaxing, versatile atmosphere perfect - - March 11, 2020
Chloe Ballard, a graduate designer currently on our design placement programme, embarked on a trip to Xiamen, China in November 2019 to compete in the world final of the International Design Competition held by the Society of Dyers and Colourists.
After winning the Irish heat, judged in part by Julie Hall, Chloe travelled to the Xiamen Academy of Art and Design representing Ireland and taking part in a four-day seminar and international conference on ‘Colouring the Future’ along with cultural and industry visits.
The final was judged by an international panel of fashion and textile creatives who awarded Chloe second place. All works were based on a ‘Colour and Nature’ theme. Congratulations to Chloe for doing so well on such a global stage.
- - December 09, 2019
Pantone's colour of the year for 2020 has been revealed. Classic blue is a deep blue shade, a colour that highlights dependability, trustworthiness and credibility which matches the sky at dusk, a gentle thought provoking tone that resonates with us all. This is a dependable blue hue we can rely on, making perfect sense to feature such a classic blue shade in our recent collections with more beautiful blues coming up for the year
Shop Blue Bedding
- - May 20, 2019
With an abundance of research material season on season, the V&A’s archive is always a plentiful source of inspiration. The possibilities are infinite. The Autumn / Winter 2018 Collection saw our lead designer draw upon two key themes – Classic Floral’s & Arts & Crafts.
We take a look at the archive pieces that inspired our latest collaboration with the world renowned museum.
Classic Florals
CHINESE BLUEBIRD FLEURI
The V&A archive is home to a spectrum of floral designs, from romantic chintz patterns used in home furnishings to hand-painted wallpapers from the Georgian era. For A/W 2018, the Chinese Bluebird design drew inspiration from an early 20th century wallpaper pattern in the chinoiserie style.
Featuring an abundance of exotic birds and lush blossom trails, this style has always been at the height of interior fashion and gives a sense of tranquillity to any room. Developed in two colourways; aqua and multi with matching curtains and accessories working together to bring a presence of history into your interior.FLEURI
The V&A archive is home to a spectrum of floral designs, from romantic chintz patterns used in home furnishings to hand-painted wallpapers from the Georgian era. For A/W 2018, the Chinese Bluebird design drew inspiration from an early 20th century wallpaper pattern in the chinoiserie style.
Featuring an abundance of exotic birds and lush blossom trails, this style has always been at the height of interior fashion and gives a sense of tranquillity to any room. Developed in two colourways; aqua and multi with matching curtains and accessories working together to bring a presence of history into your interior.
Fleuri is based on a watercolour design for a printed textile by Arthur Wilcock, a 19th century British designer who worked for leading manufacturers of fabrics and wallpapers such as Liberty of London. Featuring a naturalistic floral pattern on a soft grey ground, this subtle design is suitably light yet refreshing with - - May 20, 2019
Arts & Crafts
The Arts & Crafts Movement was started by founding fathers William Morris & John Ruskin, advocating the revival of traditional handicrafts and placing value on how things were made. It was with this flourishing change towards the craft movement, that many other artists found their voice.
Our collaboration for A/W 18, seen us delve into the works of Lindsay Phillip Butterfield & Joseph Percy Bilbe to extract some beautiful pieces for adaptation.
ALYSSUM
An elegant print of stylised flowers, inspired by textile designer Lindsay Phillip Butterfield (1869-1948) is a juxtaposition of floral’s meeting sinuous, elongated lines reflecting the influence of Art Nouveau.
Coloured in a palette of turquoise blue & green tones- a statement design with presence and grandeur.CAMPION
This dramatic piece again by Lindsay Phillip Butterfield, has a distinct nostalgic charm. Typical of an Art’s & Crafts design with naively drawn floral motifs reminiscent of those found in a natural history manual is made even more charming by the intricate butterfly print on the reverse. Team with the matching curtains for full arts & crafts quintessence.TWILIGHT GARDEN
Ahead of its time in the early 1920’s, this stylish floral design was created by textile designer Joseph Percy Bilbie. A trendsetting design of its time, noting the beginning of a shift towards more abstract floral’s which came into prominence in the latter half of the 20th century.
A presentation of roses and bluebells coordinated with a simple stripe reverse.