fashion
SOUTH WALES STYLE
With December fast approaching, and those
Christmas wish lists growing, Zoe Brookes
looks at some of South Wales’ best fashion
designers and their bounty.
JODIE HOOK
Proving all that glitters isn’t just gold is talented designer
and silversmith Jodie Hook – with over 12 years experience in
handcrafting unique jewellery. Trained in London, this home
bird fled the shiny magpie nest and returned to Cardiff. Jodie
creates delicate but striking sterling shapes from Tri-Stars
and knots to inter-links and ribbon-pleats. Alongside her
collections, Jodie also designs bespoke pieces for clients and
celeb names alike, including commission pieces for major
fashion houses Julien MacDonald and Swarovski, and starlets
Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.
ROBYN COLES MILLINERY
Introducing Robyn Coles, the mad-hatter who
swapped merchandising at Browns for her own
creations. Trained as a milliner and known for eminently
British statement hats, Robyn thrives at her atelier in
Cardiff. We doff our caps to Robyn Coles Millinery;
creative geniuses handcrafting everything from bridal
bonnets, to botanic berets and felt fedoras. Robyn’s
focus for this season is simple: elegant designs with
strong architectural shapes in dark, seductive palettes.
Robyn Coles Millinery, Castle Arcade, Cardiff.
Info: 029 2022 1103 / www.robyncoles.com
Jodie Hook, Royal Arcade, Cardiff.
Info: www.jodiehook.com
TEMPEST
Bridgend-based design label Tempest has created a squall nationwide,
their collection of figure-hugging party dresses and sequin-clad red
carpet-worthy outfits have dominated small-name boutiques and online
major players. The make-up is of classic silhouettes that celebrate the
female form, with a flash of flesh in plunging and keyhole necklines and
figure-hugging designs to give even designer Herve Leger a touch of the
green-eyed monster. Expect sexy pencil dresses and flattering peplum
shapes with embellished detailing and lace finishes.
Info: 01656 661102 / www.tempest-style.com
STITCH CITY
It’s all in a name. This Cardiff-based designer
can sew some threads of wisdom when it
comes to soft furnishing, embroidered bevies
and recycled road-map stationery. Headed
by recent illustration graduate, Alex Hughes,
Stitch City offers a range of sui generis
handmade keepsakes and collectables.
Alex’s collection includes street map
cushion covers, road atlas notebooks and
one-of-a-kind fabric tote bags.
Stitch City / Alex Hughes.
Info: www.stitchcity.co.uk
VELVET DESIGN CLOTHING
Velvet Design Clothing is a newly formed independent
clothing brand based in Brecon and branded by student
Velvet Duffield. The semi-eponymous street label hosts
a whole bundle of indie style clothes and is a unisex
source of items with a unique urban edge. Their slogan
says “bring out your wild side” and the clothes tout
designs from tigers and skulls to precious stones. Give
me diamonds and rubies and fierce feline faces, you say
– not a problem, says Velvet Design Clothing.
Velvet Design Clothing / Velvet Duffield.
Info: www.velvetdesign.bigcartel.com
BUZZ 52