The Jewelled Spine Collection

In a way, one could say that the subject of my first collection chose me. It needed to emerge and almost act as the popped cork to a creative flow that has been long over due.

I am looking backwards into my childhood for the inspiration and combining the emotions and memories with printed art to bring them to life.

The collection combines opposite elements and merges them into one. It has symbolist meanings that are at times hidden and everything has a reason for being there. This collection is collaboration with an artist called Robert Burton, who is also a specialist in printing techniques. His vital part in bringing the vision of the collection alive has been to visualise my childhood into individually printed images.

The name of the collection comes from a story of a girl who has a jewelled spine. For me the spine is where strength comes from and the heart is where the soul lives. It is a strength that does not need to be shouted, as sometimes a mere whisper is more powerful than a scream. Her strength is to be herself without corruption and hurting others along the way and it is beautiful because it is pure. She is a being that is whole, calm and loving. This girl lives inside a grown up woman and she is the stability that defines her outer shell.

In a subconscious way the girl has her say through the clothes that the woman wears and the influence can be seen through these visible ways:

Lilac, cream and white, chiffon – youth, innocence and child like optimism, enthusiasm and grasping every moment of

Green, burgundy and silver, taffeta and satin – richness of life’s experience, shield against the outer world, beauty of the world.

Shapes – a combination of adult –like fitted and confident merged with child –like fun and floaty.

life.

Prints – direct symbols to childhood and images of things dear and close to heart that have brought joy and support.

Raw edges – like a child is not yet complete, no person is ever really complete, yet they can still be beautiful.

Chrystals – sparkling beauty that is the strength that shines through you.

Dresses

The Introvert Short
Revealing only a little bit at a time, each hand printed layer tells about those things most precious and important to the girl. Sparrow -freedom, keys –a way to the heart and soul, butterflies –joy and happiness, flowers –beauty of senses. Images of riding a carousel horse, excited, delighted, captivated yet alone –one of Catharina’s best memories. You can only see one layer of printed fabric at a time, but further investigating reveals more beneath the surface. Some of these images are repeated in the long versions. Prints by Rob Burton.

Liberty
About a young girl trying to find her self and peace within. Being free and finding her own wings.

Dreams are Woven
Woven in a dream. It is about how everything is interlinked and you never know how different things tie in together in the end forming one. Just as something in the past can tie in with something now.

Pandora’s Box
Like a child carries their most precious possessions with them at all time, the dress is actually a bag in which to keep these objects safe, buried deep in the pocket. Prints by Rob Burton.

Stars
Having your head above the clouds, gazing at the stars. Being an eternal dreamer. Having the optimism of a child.

Jewelled Spine
Showing the full beauty of the spine, which is the source for strength from within. An individuality of character – seldom found. An inspiration and a powerful influence on the body, mind and soul.

Inspiration
Combining the jewelled strength with the carousel horse memory, this dress is the start and the finish of the collection. Prints by Rob Burton.




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CREDITS

Print Art Work: Robert Burton
Photography and Set Design: Sylvie Dupon
Photography and Set Assistant: Daniel Bro
Post Production: Sylvie Dupon, Tiina Erameri
Models: Jasmin at Brand, Hayley and Yana at Divinity Model Management, Rachael McCaul.
Hair: Luciano Rodrigues, Eirik Thorsen, Yuhi Kim
Makeup: Carol Morley, Anne Duncan