NEW SEASON PRINTS
THE ART OF CRAFT
Inspired by hand-worked craft, Oroton’s design team turns its attention to quilting and the art of patching things up.
BY NATASHA INCHLEY
JULY 2023
It's interesting to note that, long before handicraft became a thing again, Sophie Holt had an eye for quilt-making and needlework. The creative director, who is fuelled by colour, attributes the passion to her grandmother Dame Zara Holt: “The walls of her house were filled with paintings and artefacts, she had her own [couture boutique] and she collected so many beautiful things, everything from modern art to framed butterflies and curiosities – along with these amazing American quilts. I was constantly inspired by her taste,” Holt said.
That nod to history, the link between slow craft and family heritage is a talking point right now: it’s an idea that has stayed with Holt and one that, as Oroton moves through its 85th year, is all the more important – how to create meaningful fashion that celebrates the house’s artisan work; how to take an idea from the past and make it modern?
This season, the answer comes via a series of a beautifully realised quilt prints – here, Shirtdresses, Flower Quilt pants, silk Camp shirts and even the house’s signature Boyd bag are stamped with striking homespun motifs. The look is designed to work back with elegantly tailored blazers, shell tops and neat foundation pieces in a show of bold primary colours and clean lines that play against each other. The design team also worked in plenty of refined twists in the form of soft knits and structured handbags to anchor the look and bring everything together with a kind of workday ease.
Add to that, special textures such as lace and broderie anglaise, another reference to old-world craftmanship, and you get the picture: the collection is an ode to dressing up and taking joy in life’s small daily luxuries – it’s a celebration of the romance of art and, more importantly, individuality.
NEW SEASON PRINTS
THE ART OF CRAFT
Inspired by hand-worked craft, Oroton’s design team turns its attention to quilting and the art of patching things up.
BY NATASHA INCHLEY
JULY 2023
It's interesting to note that, long before handicraft became a thing again, Sophie Holt had an eye for quilt-making and needlework. The creative director, who is fuelled by colour, attributes the passion to her grandmother Dame Zara Holt: “The walls of her house were filled with paintings and artefacts, she had her own [couture boutique] and she collected so many beautiful things, everything from modern art to framed butterflies and curiosities – along with these amazing American quilts. I was constantly inspired by her taste,” Holt said.
That nod to history, the link between slow craft and family heritage is a talking point right now: it’s an idea that has stayed with Holt and one that, as Oroton moves through its 85th year, is all the more important – how to create meaningful fashion that celebrates the house’s artisan work; how to take an idea from the past and make it modern?
This season, the answer comes via a series of a beautifully realised quilt prints – here, Shirtdresses, Flower Quilt pants, silk Camp shirts and even the house’s signature Boyd bag are stamped with striking homespun motifs. The look is designed to work back with elegantly tailored blazers, shell tops and neat foundation pieces in a show of bold primary colours and clean lines that play against each other. The design team also worked in plenty of refined twists in the form of soft knits and structured handbags to anchor the look and bring everything together with a kind of workday ease.
Add to that, special textures such as lace and broderie anglaise, another reference to old-world craftmanship, and you get the picture: the collection is an ode to dressing up and taking joy in life’s small daily luxuries – it’s a celebration of the romance of art and, more importantly, individuality.
