H O L L Y F L A N A G A N
Graduated this year from Cleveland College of Art and Design, with a background in printed and embroidered textiles. Since graduating Holly has won international awards such as Textprint 09, providing her the opportunity to exhibit and sell designs at the international fashion trade show Indigo in Paris. Holly now works on a freelance basis for the brands Victorias Secrets and Hugo Boss, as well as producing one off pieces for Samantha Shaw in London and fashion designer Avshalom Gur.
Holly's personal brand is a collection of bespoke statement jewellery pieces, one off hand printed scarves and exclusive prints and embroideries. Holly can personalise commisioned pieces creating the perfect colour, fabric and style whether it is an elegant piece for your wedding, or a bold party statement.
"I believe that the highly renowned Designers Marketplace is a great platform to build contacts, buyers and expand, develop and promote my brand".
C L A I R E A B A K E R
Claire A Baker is a local textile designer and maker who works from her studio in Stockton-on-Tees. She exhibits regularly both nationally and internationally. Claire, a member of Designed and Made in Newcastle, recently showcased her most recent product at 'Design Event' at the Baltic in October; a beautiful bag made from vintage French fabrics which incorporates a plethora of accessories including jewellery pieces.
Some of Claire’s work has been selected by the World Crafts Council for the European Prize for Applied Arts and will be included in an exhibition in Mons, Belgium at the end of November 2009. Claire is currently setting up her own label, ‘Line Dry’ which is a nostalgic collection of textile accessories for fashion and the home. At the next Designers Marketplace Claire will be market testing a number of her new products and would welcome comments and opinions of her work.
"I particularly enjoy the Designers Marketplace as it is a hive of activity and an all round social experience, the atmosphere is wonderful and it is an excellent event for meeting other designers together with regular and new clients. It is a world away from the traditional craft fair and shows high quality work from the designers of our region".
R A C H A E L T A Y L O R
Originally from the Wirral, Merseyside, Rachael graduated from the University of Leeds in 2005, with a BA (Hons) in Textile & Fashion Design. Awarded 1st prize in the Janome creative competition 2006, for a layered paper skirt design, Rachael specializes in surface pattern design, developing a signature style of layering & textures. Having designed for one of the UK's leading greetings card brands for two years, Rachael has now started to focus on her own label with clients in the UK & USA. From design studios to private buyers in the art, ceramics, interior, fashion, greetings & marketing industries. Rachael has also recently had her work published in the current design book 'Patterns' by Drusilla Cole. Four pieces of her work have also been selected for the forthcoming 'Print & Pattern' book which will be out in 2010.
"Attending the Designers Marketplace provides me with direct customer feedback which is great for the development of the label. The day is always very enjoyable as you get to meet and interact with some interesting people".
