The collection

A pic I love taken before the show by Rachel Stewart.

More from the catwalk and exhibits

Another model looked stunning in an ensemble put together by Ismat Jaffer and Ruweyda Dool. Izzy made the striking waistcoat and Ruweyda made the jazzy tie. Also in the picture is a wallpaper exhibit by Juliet Sitaram, beautiful bird images that I'd be more than happy to have in my home! A display of large tiles by Kate Lovell also caught my eye, they looked really fresh and elegant with their layered images with selective detail, these oriental style tiles would look great inside and out. A couple more unusual exhibits included a boldly decorated car bonnet by Cassie Pittaway and some ornate designs on guitars by Amie Petrou.

Pink and yellow

The end of year exhibition has now been taken down. Just wanted to pick out a couple of outfits and some beautiful exhibits. If somone had described Rukia Begum's outfit to me I might have raised an eyebrow, luminous pink and yellow together with shimmery lettering?? However, as you can see it works really well and is not only eye catching but very stylish!

Baroque Baroque at the V&A

Quel dilema this Friday. Already juggling events and then more tantalising offers. While Cockpits Arts are offering free fizz and beautiful wares in Deptford there is also another fun sounding event on at the V&A. Baroque Baroque Friday 19 June Sackler Centre and throughout the V&A 18.00-21.30 Taken from the website: 'Explore the exuberance, decadence and theatricality of the Baroque style in an evening of burlesque, performance and spectacle. The Irrepressibles premiere their re-interpretation of Baroque fantasy and sound, the Human Music Box, with thanks to Latitude Festival . See cabaret artist Chris Green of Duckie perform, join a celebrity-led tour of Baroque 1620-1800 and watch students from Wimbledon College of Art* model extravagant creations of Baroque costumes. Enjoy Baroque music, learn Baroque dances and create a light and sound piece inspired by Baroque style.' *Having studied at Wimbledon College of Art I can guarantee that the costume creations will be well beyond expectations! The evening is free with some of the events laid on requiring tickets but these are available on the night - check the website for further details.

Catwalk

The show was very well attended despite the tube strike going ahead and some models not turning up! I managed to get a prime location and film my outfit of bag (with hoop), skirt (similiar print to bag) and necklace (a skipping rope design). Just when I thought it had been forgotten it came on at the end of the show! Most of the prints in the show were inspired by Aida of Brag (and various artists), well worth checking out her vibrant quirky T-shirts and jewellery. I'll be picking out a couple of outfits from the catwalk and/or exhibits to review over the next few days.

Cockpit Arts

So the catwalk and exhibitions (on until Thursday 18th June) were fab but more on that later when I hopefully have some pics. Cockpit Arts open their studios this weekend. It's free and well worth it to see what contemporary designers are up to. For students it's a good way to make initial contact for work placements too... Cockpit Arts Holborn Cockpit Yard, Northington St, London, WC1N 2NP Fri 12 June: 7.00 pm - 9.000 pm Sat 13 June - Sun 14 June: 11.00 am - 6.00 pm Cockpit Arts Deptford 18-22 Creekside, London, SE8 3DZ Fri 19 June: 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm Sat 20 June - Sun 21 June: 11.00 am - 6.00 pm Designers such as Linda Florence, Catherine Hammerton and Claire Coles are definitely worth checking out. The business team will be available too between 4.00 and 5.00pm to give advice.

Pina bag

Tomorrow this bag will be strutting its stuff on the catwalk. The end of year show for Surface Design at the London College of Communication takes place where graduates will be exhibiting their beautiful and wide ranging works. The catwalk will include streetwear T-shirts and will be accompanied by some performers. My bag was inspired by SKIPTheatre and has been designed to attach a hula hoop (this is OPTIONAL :o). It's easily detached and the bag is made out of a soft grey jersey material and covered in beautiful floral images and a sketch of Pina Baush (a German performance artist) which has been flocked in black. More of this bag design will be produced very shortly. I do have a small waiting list but do let me know if you’re interested.

Betty's Revenge

Thanks for visiting. I'm intending this blog to observe what's going on in the world of print and textiles, with reviews of designers, magazines and exhibitions, and of course draw your attention to my label too! I made a bag for my Foundation in Art and Design at Wimbledon College of Art in 2008 which proved very popular. It was themed on Billie Holiday's life and music. The bag was hand painted, screen printed and embellished and I called the label 'Kinda Blue'. Like many people I love bags and this was the first I made myself. Now studying a Foundation Degree at the London College of Communication in Surface Design I have been working with some inspiring people. A recent project involved working in a team as 'Betty's Revenge' where we created a range of clothing, accessories and jewellery for the artists of SKIPTheatre. SKIPTheatre are three Goldsmiths arts graduates who perform in clubs in Shoreditch and elsewhere plus festivals including Glastonbury. Their performances are very theatrical and interactive and have a brilliant party atmosphere. I nearly called the bag above Mabel! Ismat Jaffer came up with the name Betty's Revenge and has kindly let me keep it for my own label. I love all the traditional 50s names such as Betty, Agnes, Rita and especially love Betty as it's my nan's name (my nan was also a fashion/illustration fanatic). Betty's Revenge adds a more modern edgy twist :o). Izzy already has her own website, you can check out her brilliant designs and illustrations at www.ismatjaffer.co.uk. Ruweyda Dool was also in the team and I'll be giving you more details as soon as she has a website, she already designs beautiful dresses and very funky ties. My bags will be pictured here, I'll be making more...they're all designed, hand printed and made by me. I may well do some digital designs too. Other ranges include hand painted purses and RECYCLED fabrics plus a combination of recycled with new prints. I never throw fabrics away and have been donated several bags of beautiful prints and vintage along with quality plain textiles. I am particularly inspired by music, poetry and theatre, I love the 50s and 20s but like to mix it up a bit and add a modern twist. The designs are for casual dailywear but are a bit special too with a touch of glamour for a fun style. Betty and I will also be keeping an eye on any open studios, workshops etc going on and keep you informed.