News release: Immediate Release

Tartan Twists

This June, Concrete Wardrobe will be exhibiting the fabric jewellery and accessories by Scottish based designer maker Lesley Thornton.

Under her trading name ‘Crimson’, Thornton will be using this opportunity to showcase new work and statement pieces including brooches, neckpieces, cowls, skinny scarves and wigs, alongside her standard range of jewellery Concrete Wardrobe shoppers already love. Her prices range from £12 for a handmade key fob, to £150 for a one-off wig.

Thornton has worked as a professional kilt maker since 1998. This experience of working with tartan inspired her to experiment with the traditional fabric in new and innovative ways. For example, she has created a range of long necklaces, consisting of bundles of complex knots and fabric beads in vibrant blends of tartan - a cross between a necklace and a scarf. She says “tartan has no need to be traditional. It is a versatile fabric that lends itself to contemporary use.” Thornton usually works with the fabric cut on the bias, which transforms the appearance and proportions of the original check, and also gives great drape and elasticity to the fabric, making it possible to cover flexible surfaces, such as plastic tubing, a technique she has employed on a selection of her jewellery.

Using tartan is very important to Thornton, although she abhors the use of tartan for tartan’s sake. She aims to make items that not only enhance the tartan fabric, but are themselves enhanced by being made in tartan.

Fiona McIntosh, Co-owner of Concrete Wardrobe commented “at Concrete Wardrobe we love seeing traditional techniques employed creatively to produce contemporary and wearable pieces. Crimson has achieved this beautifully.”

Crimson jewellery and accessories will be on display at Concrete Wardrobe from 1^st to 30^th June 2011.

Concrete Wardrobe is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm. Sunday 12 - 4pm.

Concrete Wardrobe 50a Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3SA 

ENDS

PR: Katherine Emtage. Co-Owners: James Donald & Fiona McIntosh