In July, I celebrated a big birthday! Instead of having a party, I decided to do a big photoshoot. Fortunately I had been offered the absolutely amazing Castle Menzies to use for such an occasion, and I jumped at the chance. 
We set off early on a Sunday morning, driving north into the stunning Perthshire countryside until we reached Aberfeldy. Castle Menzies is located near there, specifically in Weem.
The weather was absolutely beautiful, The Castle stands alone in a big open landscape and is quite an impressive sight on approach. Some of the team had beat me to it, so it was nice to arrive to see them already there.
I had invited several photographers along, and I was trying my hand at photography myself, as I bought myself a camera for my birthday.
Here's a picture of the whole team.
There were 13 models too, and 3 backstage helpers, so all together quite a big team. Everyone works together at these collective events and we had a brilliant time. Castle Menzies gave us an exceptional welcome, even though we kind of took the place over, nothing was too much trouble for those lovely people. Scott, the manager, even gave us free tea and coffee and water which was very welcome.
The Castle is a fascinating maze of rooms, built, as these places often are, over several centuries, with an eclectic architectural and fascinating historical perspective. So many of my favourite features....a medieval kitchen with a huge fireplace, a massive drawing room, victorian parlours, bedrooms with ghosts.....It's a must see place and is open to the public. Check their website for more information.
Soon we were action stations and everything fell into place. I had imagined the day so obsessively and it went exactly to plan, we all had a fantastic time.
Of course, the day went too quick and too soon it was time to pack up and say goodbye to our new favourite place. We must have been well behaved because they have invited us back ! Im pretty sure we will make a return visit at some point, as we loved it so much.
Most of the pictures I took myself are catalogue, and you can see some of them on my collection page. Here are some more from the day with their photographers and models named.
sustainable fashion exhibition By Psychomoda designer made clothing
A few months ago I was delighted to be asked by the amazing Kobe Fashion Museum in Japan to take part in an exhibition they were putting together about the history of tartan , and its modern use.
My work was to feature as one of only 6 current fashion designers selected , as an example of how we wear and use the fabric now.
I was greatly honoured to be asked to take part.
Here is a picture of the amazing Kobe Museum , which looks like the star ship enterprise ( Another bonus as I am a bit of a Trekky )
I was asked to create 2 unique outfits , and given free reign of the colours and details. I was also asked to write a short piece for the catalogue , which would describe my work , my personal journey in fashion and how my work now fits in with the use of tartan.
Here is the page of the catalogue which features my work
As you can see, its in Japanese ! so here is the translation
Psychomoda , which means ' Crazy fashion ' is located in the heart of Edinburghs historic old town, an area , steeped in Scottish history and Culture.
On the premises I designs and create couture garments for women of all ages, with a distinct British and Scottish influence. As well as a ready to wear selection.
Tartan , and other traditional fabrics feature prominently . The designs however are a break with tradition.
Fabrics , colours and patterns are combined in an striking way to create an adventurous and bold look. New , old , recycled and modern fabrics are thrown together in a bright display of colour , pattern and texture.
The traditional use of Tartan in Scotland is that each family , or Clan as they are known, has their own pattern , and should wear only that design. However, more frequently now , people chose which one they prefer, breaking with that system . Also , now tartans are designed and created for other groups. Sports teams for instance , or geographical
areas.
It is available in a massive variety of patterns and colours and lends itself to experimentation in cutting and folding, creating striking effects and combinations, juxtaposed with other fabrics.
My use of tartan in this way originates in the punk youth culture era during which I grew up . This culture instigated a creative revolution in The UK, as young people questioned the often unfair traditional class system and its constricting expectations.
As with all youth cultures , a favoured way of dressing emerged , and tartan featured heavily within that framework.
Breaking with tradition and its sometimes restrictive values is an important feature of my work. By mixing tartans with each other , Chopped up and pared down it becomes re invented through new connections. Cultures combine . and discourse is created .
Fashion , is an expression of culture , and a statement about ones own position within it. My own culture is varied and expressive, and I design to empower the wearer and hope to inspire boldness and confidence.
For these two outfits , I have specifically chosen new and modern tartan fabrics. They are both named after Islands , geographical areas , and not specific to Clan names. As such , they are not associated with the historical dogma of Clan identity or ownership.
The pink is called 'Discover Islay ' , it is woven in only 1 mill situated on the Isle of Islay , and was designed to display the beautiful colours of the landscape of the island.. I have coupled this with a modern pink Harris Tweed, woven on the Isle of Harris exclusively , and green velvet.
The second outfit is ' Isle of Skye ' Also designed to show the colours of the flora of that island. This has been woven on mainland Scotland at a mill in the highlands , and I have also used green tweed and purple velvet to accent those beautiful colours.
For the future , I foresee myself continuing down my exploratory fashion route, providing unexpected clothing for adventurous people. It is a great honour to be included in this exhibition and that my work is considered culturally relevant. Thank you for reading.
Here is a snapshot of the garments that I took instore before posting them off, as you can see I have embellished them with hand worked beading in a thistle and heather design to work with the origins of the fabric.
I am very excited that the exhibition is touring Japan , making a least 3 more stops over a 2 year period.
If you are over there , pop in and have a look !
Here are the garments as they will appear in the exhibit
Burdz December 08 2014, 3 Comments
I hope you have been enjoying all the beautiful pictures from the bird shoot, or 'Burdz' as we, who were involved have termed it .
An amazing team to work with,
Model: Elaine Ford . Designer: Alison Harm @ Psychomoda , Hair: Louise Quinn . Make up: Susie Bloice , Location: Balgeddie House Hotel with Stuart Milne Falconry Photo: Howard Ashton-Jones @PSBPhoto.
When I was invited to join a small but highly skilled team for the shoot with the birds I was delighted. I've seen some other work with birds of prey before , and thought It could be something my dresses would suit.
When we woke up that morning, it was chucking it down, we really couldn't have chosen a worse day to shoot outside, but I was really excited and nothing was going to spoil the fun.I love a good photo shoot day, and this one was no exception. The Hotel is absolutely gorgeous, and made us very welcome, above is a picture from the gardens, looking back to the bay window where we took the indoor shots., Below is a picture of Lynn,in the ante-room of the grand ballroom of the hotel, which was kindly allowed to us, as a prep area.
One of the models, Elaine, gave me a lift , and Howard, the photographer had arranged the whole thing, so all I had to do was turn up, with the clothes. when we got there, everyone else was already there, and Susie (make up ) and Louise (hair) were half way through Lynn's look. I was amazed, as always at the process, and this time the theme was creative, so everyone was letting their imaginations loose. There were hairpieces and blushers all over the place.
A very welcome addition to the days proceedings was Susies' beautiful baby, Ella, who was really as good as gold all day, and what a little poppet she is too, So I had a little chat with her while her mum got on with the business.
Hair and make up applied, and fittings done ( nothing to change ) we went out into the lounge of the beautiful hotel. Howard and I had selected a location ,( which was the window,) and we messed about with furniture and curtains until we got what we wanted, which turned out to be no furniture or curtains!
below pictures, messing about with the lights.
The birds of prey were brought in one by one as required. The first was a lovely little kestrel, who have to wear their hoods indoors so as not to get startled. She looked so pretty in it. I was very impressed with Stuart the bird man, he really knew his stuff, and we learned a lot about their routines, feeding and work they do.
He had an amazing rapport with the birds, which were all in beautiful condition.I would recommend him to anyone.for an educational event or party. the birds are immaculate and obviously very bonded with him.
When it came to the outside shots, the weather and light were horrendous so we were very limited with time, but, like troupers, the girls got stuck in. No princess behaviour there, I can tell you !
To gasps of awe and wonder, out came the big birds, an Eagle Owl which looked straight out of Hogwarts , and an American Hawk with amazing rust coloured plumage . They were released to fly freely and they soared above our heads, I was completely smitten. I didn't know how he was going to re call them, but a simple whistle and a bit of food, and back they came. The smaller garden birds fled, and the crows and magpies started all sorts of defensive behaviour . It was very interesting to see the reaction of the other wildlife to them.
Th fabulous shot with the Hawk landing on Lynn's arm was obviously a little difficult to capture, but with Howard's amazing timing, and Lynn's steadfast pose , in the face off an enormous bird landing on her arm were commendable, especially considering the rain chucking down.
Elaine was also fabulous in managing to remain so composed with the gigantic owl sitting majestically on her glove.
After the shoot ended, and we all packed away and goodbyes said, I was very happy with the way it went. My only regret is that my pearl bracelet snapped while i was standing on the patio watching the shoot, and pearls went pinging off in every direction. So, if you are visiting the hotel, keep your eyes open, you might be lucky enough to find them ;-)