Looking for a little luxury to brighten up your day? Then look no further. Our collection of embroidered home accessories by British designer Elizabeth Scarlett has us dreaming of blue skies and sunshine. Elizabeth’s collection is inspired by soft lighting, calming colour palettes & the art and interiors in the South of France where she spent her summers growing up. Made from sumptuously soft cotton or velvet, her textile heritage and background in fine art shines through in the beautifully embroidered textiles.
We caught up with Elizabeth to talk a little about what inspires her work.
Elizabeth Scarlett in her studio
We’re huge fans of your embroidery work, how did you get started?
Following a foundation year at Central St Martin’s, I dived into a business degree, before turning my hand to fashion merchandising, design and sales. With this experience under my belt, I was quick to pick up my paintbrushes and start creating what soon became the first Elizabeth Scarlett collection. After trying out lots of different techniques to translate my designs, I felt that embroidery had a painterly quality – I was mesmerised as I watched each thread bring my designs to life. Skip a few years, and I’ve been to factories all over the world, while refining my style and developing my products.
Embroidered Wash Bags
What inspires your work?
I see the world through a soft and colourful filter and I wanted to find ways to share that serenity and peacefulness. I love how nature, materials, patterns and textures can make you feel soothed, relaxed and inspired. I also love to travel and I am never without something to sketch on, I often pick my motifs up during my holiday escapes – the quiet times are the best times to see the magic!
Aside from work, what are your hobbies?
I love cooking and when I’m not working, you can find me experimenting in the kitchen. I also like to write poetry or read non-fiction. Generally, whatever I can do to keep moving either physically or mentally. When you make things for a living, I think it’s important to just keep doing, so that inspiration can find its way to you through lots of different routes.
Embroidered Wash Bags
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Kenya, and I’m heading there this year for my honeymoon. I’m completely spell bound by nature, and I can’t wait to see the starry skies, the sea bursting with colour, the beautiful animals with their intricate markings and to feel the energy of an African sunset. I think you know where the inspiration will come from for our next collection…
Finally, what is the one thing you can’t live without?
My fiancé Alex – he inspires me every day, it’s all about teamwork!
Elizabeth’s Illustrations